LIMERICK INTEGRATED ARTS STRATEGY

Performance at Limerick City Gallery of Art Students at the Irish World Music Centre

1 Mary Nunan and Olwen Grindley, Daghdha Dance Company Limerick Integrated Arts Strategy

St Kieran’s School in Expo 2000 Mike Finn in Borrowed Robes , Island Theatre Co

3 LIMERICK INTEGRATED ARTS STRATEGY acknowledgements

Commissioned by Limerick City Council and Limerick City Council wish to acknowledge the work of The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon. Ruairí Ó Cuiv and Annette Clancy in drafting this strategy. Published by Limerick City Council. cover © Limerick City Council, 2002 . All rights reserved. Andrew Kearney, Orb , installation at Limerick City Gallery of Art, 2001 (for movie strip details, see page 55) ISBN 0946641 455 illustrations editor Sheila Deegan, City Arts Officer Given the large number of illustrations, captioning alongside them would have proved clumsy. We have overprinted concise captions on photographs (which may Produced for Limerick City Council by not always be legible) with full captions in the List of Gandon Editions, Oysterhaven, Kinsale, Co Cork Illustrations towards the back of the book. design John O’Regan (© Gandon Editions, 2002) production Nicola Dearey Sheila Holland printing Betaprint, Dublin

GANDON EDITIONS Oysterhaven, Kinsale, Co Cork tel / fax +353 (0)21-4770830 / 4770755 e-mail [email protected] web-site www.gandon-editions.com

CITY ARTS OFFICE Limerick City Council City Hall, Merchant’s Quay, Limerick tel / fax +353 (0)61-312988 / 312985 e-mail [email protected] web-site www.limerickcity.ie

Reverse Psychology by Daghdha Dance Co The Star Child and Other Stories by Oscar Wilde

4 Contents

DETAILED CONTENTS 6

FOREWORDS 8

MISSION STATEMENT 12

1 INTRODUCTION 14

2 THE ARTS IN LIMERICK 18

3 INTEGRATED ARTS STRATEGY FOR LIMERICK 40

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 54

A DIRECTORY OF ARTS ORGANISATIONS IN LIMERICK 58

Adzido Dance Workshop, Belltable Outreach Ferenc Szücs and student, IWMC

5 Detailed Contents

Foreword 8

Mission Statement 12

1 Introduction 14

2 The Arts in Limerick 18

Features of the arts sector in Limerick 18 Arts institutions and organisations in Limerick 22 Public arts events 24 Arts infrastructure 25 Publicly accessible arts facilities in Limerick 26 Economic profile of the arts sector 29 Audiences for the arts 29 Limerick City Council’s support for the arts 30 Local public funding for the arts 31 Public art 32 Arts in the community 33 Arts and education / Arts for young people 34 Operation of the arts organisations 35

Children take part in Cuisle Poetry Festival Drumming workshop, Anáil Dé festival

6 Limerick Arts Strategy Individual artists 36 Related local initiatives 37 Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) 38

3 Integrated Arts Strategy for Limerick 40

3.1 – Mission 41 3.2 – Strategic objectives 41 3.3 – Principles 42 3.4 – Anticipated outcomes 42 3.5 – Strategic approach 43 3.6 – Strategic action areas 44 3.7 – Implementation and delivery 48 3.8 – Monitoring and evaluation 50

List of Illustrations 54

Directory of arts organisations in Limerick 58

Expo parade Pat Nolan, Pat McGrath in Loco County Lonesome

Detailed Contents 7 REPRO illus undersized (used here @ 145%)

Mike Finn in Borrowed Robes , Island Theatre Company

8 Limerick Arts Strategy Foreword

The unprecedented growth in third-level education in Limerick, the major success in our Urban Renewal and Redevelopment Pro - gramme, together with considerable progress in attracting indus - try and employment to the region, have all ensured that our ancient city (with a charter dating back to 1197) can now move forward with confidence into the new millennium. It is now time to place a greater focus on developing the potential of all aspects of our community’s talent and heritage to the fullest possible extent.

The arts have always been vibrant in Limerick, and areas of activity range from dance to drama, music to mime, painting, sculpture, photography, etc. Indeed, the architecture of Limerick – which includes a magnificent Georgian area and many ancient and renowned buildings side by side with modern developments of recent years – is in itself quite a sig - nificant art form.

The publication of the Limerick Integrated Arts Strategy is something which is eagerly awaited, and which will, I believe, ensure that the future of the arts will be copperfas - tened. The strategic action areas – six in all – will bring about an inclusive and co-ordi - nated approach in a way which would, in the past, have been virtually unattainable.

It is fair to say, however, that Limerick City Council has historically been aware and con - scious of harnessing the differing creative talents and planning strategy which would sup -

Fabrice Hybert, l’Homme de Bessines (1993) Mike Fitzpatrick, Titleless Ireland Series (1993)

Forewords 9 port the arts as fully as possible. The 1988 Cultural Agreement was an extremely well thought-out and imaginative initiative, and has served as a precursor to new strategies. That this has now advanced to the publication of this latest arts strategy mirrors a pro - gression in this area that is also reflected in so many other aspects of Limerick life.

I warmly commend all of those involved in this initiative, and I am quite certain that it will be widely supported and will prove enormously beneficial in seeking to realise the poten - tial of the undoubted wealth and depth of artistic talent in Limerick city and the surround - ing regions.

I welcome the publication of the strategy, and assure the arts community of the full sup - port of Limerick City Council in striving towards the attainment of its objectives.

CLLR DICK SADLIER Mayor of Limerick

Cerebral Palsy Centre, Mungret Andrew Kearney, Orb , at Limerick City Gallery

10 Limerick Arts Strategy Foreword

The publication of the Limerick Integrated Arts Strategy is the cul - mination of a lengthy and extensive process of review and con - sultation, the purpose of which was to develop and expand the arts in Limerick. The result provides a policy framework for build - ing on the rich and diverse artistic heritage which has existed in the city for a number of years.

Limerick City Council’s ongoing commitment to assisting the development of the arts is recognition of the important role that the arts play in the overall advancement and attrac - tiveness of the city. I look forward to working with all the partners involved in the successful implementation of the Limerick Integrated Arts Strategy, and in so doing, improving the quality of life within Limerick.

BRENDAN KEATING Limerick City Manager

PJ Curtis broadcasting on Lyric FM Victor Sloan, Belltable Arts Centre

Forewords 11 Andrew Kearney, Orb , at Limerick City Gallery of Art

12 Limerick Arts Strategy Mission Statement

} Limerick City Council will integrate planning and support for the continued advancement, participation and collaboration in the arts into its overall services provision in order to ensure that the arts and artists are nurtured within the planned development of Limerick, and that, in turn, the arts and artists are enabled to make a fundamental contribution to the life of their audiences, the people of Limerick and its surrounding region, citizens and visitors alike. ~

Áine Nic Giolla Coda at Limerick City Gallery The Weir by Conor McPherson

Mission Statement 13 REPRO illus undersized (used here @ 145%)

Umbrella Project in the St Patrick’s Day parade

14 Limerick Arts Strategy 1 – Introduction

The cultural wealth of a city is greatly enhanced by the contribution made by individual artists and the arts organisations serving its immediate region. In addition to artistic activ - ity, their presence fosters creativity in a range of endeavours and helps to widen under - standing and participation in the arts and their contribution to the life of the city. The most obvious contribution of artists is in making, performing or exhibiting their artworks locally, nationally and internationally. They also help to promote the image of a city by reaching national and international audiences. Limerick is a major economic, cultural, service and political centre, not only with - in its immediate region, but also within Ireland. The arts sector has undergone substantial change in recent years. The Integrated Arts Strategy for Limerick (set out here) for the com - ing five years, to 2006, is designed to further the twin aims of fostering the continued growth and advancement of the arts in and around Limerick, and enabling the arts, artists and audiences to contribute to the overall development of Limerick.

The arts

The arts occupy a critical space within the broader domain of the culture of a people. Extending the definition of the arts contained in the Arts Act 1951 to include additional, modern art forms, it can be stated that:

} The arts include performance, audio, visual expression and the written word. Art forms include architecture, dance, drama, film, literature, music, all the visual arts, and include

Frankie Gavin tutors students, IWMC Snow White.com pantomime

1 – Introduction 15 creative expression found in mime, film, craft, design and photography. Such expression includes innovative new technology as well as traditional techniques. ~

The arts have few fixed boundaries. Indeed, it is one of the functions of art to challenge notional boundaries.

Developments at national and international levels

A current, extensive debate is taking place that is re-examining the definition of art and the role of the Arts Council, the government and the local authorities who provide public support for both arts and cultural development.

The need for an integrated arts strategy for Limerick

As the third largest city in the country, Limerick, with its strategic mid-west location at the hub of a geographical area extending through counties Limerick, Clare, Tipperary and beyond, facilitates access to arts events for a significant population base and considerably increases potential audiences for arts events. It also attracts resident and visiting artists and production companies to make and offer work to audiences in the city and its environs. Recent changes in local government have precipitated a more integrated and par - ticipative approach to policy-making and strategic planning at local level. New structures have been implemented, in particular the Strategic Policy Committees of the local author - ities. The strategy for the arts in Limerick recognises the achievements and growth to date, the crucial role of the arts and culture in the development of the city and its surrounding region, and the fundamental impact of the arts on the life of the people of Limerick. The Arts Strategy aims to: l formalise a structure for the public support of the arts in Limerick l foster the continued advancement of the arts sector, traditional and contemporary l influence in a positive, proactive way public access to and participation and collab - oration in the arts l facilitate the contribution the arts make to the cultural life of Limerick and its people.

Principles

The essential principles informing the strategy for the arts are inclusion, aesthetic value, professional development, local ownership and strategic partnership.

16 Limerick Arts Strategy Stakeholders

The stakeholders for the Integrated Arts Strategy for Limerick comprise individual artists, professional and non-professional arts organisations, arts and cultural institutions, educa - tional institutions, Limerick City Council, Limerick City Development Board, The Arts Council, Dept of Arts, Sports and Tourism, Dept of Education and Science, Dept of the Environment, Dept of Social Welfare, Shannon Development, Limerick Chamber of Commerce, community and social organisations, and the various audiences, citizens and visitors of Limerick city and its surrounding region. The Strategy provides the framework within which the expectations of a wide range of stakeholders – artists, professional and non-professional arts organisations, arts and cultural practitioners, participants in the arts at all levels, audiences, students, edu - cational bodies, the general public, the local authorities, development agencies and gov - ernment bodies – can be addressed. It describes the routes to be pursued and the resources needed to meet those expectations.

Process

Limerick City Council established and facilitated an Arts Strategy committee to oversee the development of an Integrated Arts Strategy. The membership of the committee com - prised representatives from the arts, educational, social and business sectors, together with City Council executives, including the Arts Officer. Consultants appointed to the process undertook an audit of the arts sector in the city and environs, and generated a draft strategy in co-operation with the members of the committee. The steps taken to gen - erate the strategy included: l identification of stakeholders l audit of local arts sector l survey of individual artists l consultation with artists, arts organisations and other relevant bodies l detailed discussions with the Arts Officer for Limerick l analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats l reporting to and processing feedback from the Arts Strategy committee l consideration of external factors l generation of Draft Arts Strategy.

The Draft Arts Strategy was considered by the Strategic Policy Committee of Limerick City Council with responsibility for the arts. Following a number of refinements, the Integrated Arts Strategy was recommended to Limerick City Council and was adopted.

1 – Introduction 17 John Murphy in Borrowed Robes , Island Theatre Company

18 Limerick Arts Strategy 2 – The Arts in Limerick

Features of the arts sector in Limerick

The local arts sector in Limerick has experienced several significant developments in the recent past. These form the basics upon which the Arts Strategy can pursue continued advancement of the sector. Prominent features include: n The number and calibre of PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS – painters, printmakers, sculptors, musicians, dancers, mixed media, multi - media and performance artists – living and working in and near the city n LIT’s SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGN , the second largest such edu - cational establishment in the country, which numbers many prac - tising artists and designers among its staff and whose graduates substantially increase the amount and standard of artistic activity in Limerick n LIMERICK CITY GALLERY OF ART , one of only a small number of municipal art galleries in Ireland (founded in 1948, expanded in 1985 and again in 1999), that holds an increasingly valu - able Permanent Collection and a very high-quality programme of temporary exhibitions

Music Network’s Beyond the Carol Umbrella Project, St Patrick’s Day parade

2 – The Arts in Limerick 19 n The BELLTABLE ARTS CENTRE , which enjoys widespread public recognition, its programmes in theatre, music, dance, all the visu - al arts, film, pantomime, and its fostering of a range of emerg - ing arts organisations – Fresh Film Festival, Limerick Youth Theatre, the Umbrella Project, Real Art Project, and others n The purpose-built UNIVERSITY CONCERT HALL and the broad programme of music, opera, ballet and other performances it offers to the public throughout the region n The scale of the EXHIBITION OF VISUAL + ART ( EV +A), the pre- eminent annual Irish exhibition of contemporary art, now 25 years in continuous existence since its inception by local artists in 1977, which brings to Limerick both national and interna - tional artists and curators, and their cutting-edge contemporary artwork n The scale and profile of the professional arts organisations locat - ed at the UNIVERSITY CAMPUS – Irish Chamber Orchestra, Daghdha Dance Company, Irish World Music Centre and the Bourn Vincent Gallery – and their strength in research, education and outreach programmes n The mix of established and emerging ARTISTIC EVENTS hosted by Limerick, including EV +A, Young EV +A, Quadrant, UnFringed Festival of Theatre, UnFringed for Kids, Blas, Kate O’Brien Weekend, Sionna Festival of European Traditional Music, Cuisle Poetry Festival and Fresh Film Festival n The relocation of the HUNT MUSEUM in the refurbished and extended former Customs House, housing the extensive and rich Hunt Collection, and also hosting a programme of temporary exhibitions and lectures n The presence of LIMERICK SCHOOL OF MUSIC , which has a very large attendance for its wide range of courses, and the youth orchestras it hosts. n The location in Limerick of LYRIC FM , the national radio station for classical music

20 Limerick Arts Strategy n The relocation of the IRISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA to the University of Limerick n The depth of talent, experience, interest and engagement with innovative CONTEMPORARY ART PRACTICES and forms, dis - played in numerous exhibitions n The extent of COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT with the arts through initiatives of the Arts Office of Limerick City Council, the various educational and outreach activities of the professional arts organisations, community arts projects and groups, and indi - vidual artists with skills in community-based arts practices n The growth in the capability, both artistic and operational, of LOCAL PROFESSIONAL ARTS ORGANISATIONS such as Island Theatre Company, Real Art Project and the Umbrella Project n The well-developed tradition and presence of active groups in a range of NON-PROFESSIONAL ARTISTIC ACTIVITIES including choral music, musicals, jazz, opera, traditional music, writing, amateur drama, and others n The extent of POST-PRIMARY EDUCATIONAL PROVISION in Limerick with the University of Limerick, Mary Immaculate College of Education, Limerick Institute of Technology and its constituent School of Art & Design, Limerick City Vocational Educational Committee, Limerick Senior College, and private colleges n The continuing emergence of vibrant NEW ARTS GROUPS such as Limerick Printmakers n The formation of LIMERICK ARTS FORUM , the grouping of local professional arts organisations, with its potential to increase net - working and joint activities within the arts sector. n Limerick City Museum, renamed the Jim Kemmy Municipal Museum and relocated to its new permanent home in the newly built granary-style building in Castle Lane in 1999.

2 – The Arts in Limerick 21 Arts institutions and organisations in Limerick

Belltable Arts Centre Limerick City Gallery of Art Bourn Vincent Gallery Limerick City Library Cecilian Musical Society Limerick Jazz Society Daghdha Dance Company Limerick Museum Doswell Print Gallery Limerick Music Association EV +A – Exhibition of Visual + Art Limerick Printmakers Fresh Film Festival Limerick School of Music Fusion – Limerick Arts & Crafts Assoc Limerick Youth Theatre Gallery 75 LIT School of Art & Design Hunt Museum Lyric FM Impact Theatre Group Mary Immaculate College of Education Irish Chamber Orchestra Real Art Project Irish World Music Centre Scribblers Writers Group Island Theatre Company Stage schools Limerick Artists Studios Umbrella Project Limerick Arts Forum University Concert Hall Limerick Art Society University of Limerick Limerick City Council – Arts Office

Permanent Collection, Limerick City Gallery of Art

22 Limerick Arts Strategy Limerick has particular strengths in the range and depth of arts education institutions locat - ed in and near the city. The colleges attract artists, students and educationalists to live and work in the area, adding significantly to the vitality of the local arts sector and contributing to the local economy. The academic disciplines offered include fine art, design, humanities, com - bined media and multimedia. The educational provision in Limerick is of special interest because of the educa - tion of teachers: — primary school teachers at Mary Immaculate College of Education, which also hosts the National Curriculum Development Unit, particularly significant given the new cur - riculum incorporating art in primary schools — art and design teachers at Limerick Institute of Technology’s School of Art & Design — second-level teachers in the humanities at Mary Immaculate College of Education and the University of Limerick. In addition, a growing number of postgraduate programmes in the institutions are direct - ed at arts practice and research.

The Hunt Museum

2 – The Arts in Limerick 23 Public art events

Public arts events include: — EV +A – Exhibition of Visual + Art — Quadrant – Young Contemporaries — UnFringed Festival of Theatre — UnFringed for Kids — Kate O’Brien Weekend — Blas International Summer School of Irish Traditional Music and Dance — Limerick Choral Festival. — Sionna Festival of European Traditional Music — Cuisle Poetry Festival — Fresh Film Festival

A number of annual summer schools are based at University Concert Hall. Two new annu - al festivals – Sionna Festival of European Traditional Music and Cuisle Poetry Festival – were initiated in autumn 2001. Street theatre performances by the Umbrella Project and others are a regular fea - ture of the International Band Festival, Expo, Limerick International Food Festival, and civic events. Organisations such as Daghdha Dance Company, Real Art Project and Limerick Printmakers organise public exhibitions and performances at various times during the year.

Luc Deleu, Construction X (for 9 containers) , EV +A 1994

24 Limerick Arts Strategy Arts infrastructure

Performing arts workspaces

Facilities for the performing arts are linked with the professional arts companies rather than individual artists. The main performing arts companies, including Daghdha Dance Company, Island Theatre Company and the Irish Chamber Orchestra, have dedicated rehearsal and practice spaces. The Umbrella Project develops its street theatre perform - ances from a dedicated workspace.

Visual arts workspaces

Limerick Artists Studios have individual studios for eight artists. Limerick Printmakers and Real Art Project make work facilities, specialist equipment and exhibition space available to their members. RAP established Contact Studios in association with the Mid-Western Health Board, whereby members have access to studio spaces in St Joseph’s Hospital in return for undertaking workshops with patients.

Individual artists work from spaces at home or other rented space.

Olwen Grindley and Alan Ward in Reverse Psychology , Daghdha Dance Company

2 – The Arts in Limerick 25 Publicly accessible arts facilities in Limerick arts facility description

LIMERICK CITY GALLERY OF ART 500m 2 in eleven gallery spaces for contemporary art exhibitions, concerts and workshops. Houses a Permanent Collection of 700+ artworks and the National Collection of Contemporary Drawing.

BELLTABLE ARTS CENTRE 275-seat theatre for drama, music, dance, film, comedy and pantomime, and gallery for contemporary art exhibitions. Hosts professional touring productions and co-productions, UnFringed Festival of Theatre, UnFringed for Kids, Quadrant, Young EV +A, Fresh Film Festival and Limerick Youth Theatre productions.

UNIVERSITY CONCERT HALL 1,000-seat purpose-built concert hall staging musical, operatic and dramatic performances.

HUNT MUSEUM Permanent display of archaeological and art works. Gallery for temporary exhibitions and lectures.

LIMERICK CITY LIBRARY Public lending and reference library – books, music, newspapers, journals, local history, reference materials, and internet facilities. Hosts literacy festivals, exhibitions and artists in residence. Exhibition area.

CITY HALL Civic exhibition space used for civic functions, a variety of art and design exhibitions, and concerts.

BOURN VINCENT GALLERY Exhibition space in the Foundation Building of the University of Limerick. Various collections on public view, including the National Self-Portrait Collection and the Watercolour Society Collection.

LIMERICK PRINTMAKERS Exhibition space for a variety of contemporary

26 Limerick Arts Strategy visual art displays. Printmaking and workshop facilities are available for members and visitors.

DOSWELL PRINT GALLERY Commercial gallery, specialising in prints.

GALLERY 75 Commercial gallery for contemporary art, varied media (professional and non-professional).

PUBLIC SPACES City streets, parks and public spaces have been used for a variety of performance and exhibition events, especially band parades, street theatre, music, temporary visual art displays, and performances.

OTHER DISPLAY AND Additional facilities used for public performance PERFORMANCE SPACES include King John’s Castle; St Mary’s Cathedral; college, community, church and parish halls/auditoria; licensed premises, particularly for music and literature events.

Belltable Arts Centre

2 – The Arts in Limerick 27 Developments in progress or planned

Belltable Arts Centre A relocation to new facilities, newly built or redesigned, is being actively pursued

Limerick City Gallery of Art The addition of the South Gallery and Atrium in 1999 will be followed by improvements in visitor facilities and access for people with disabilities, addition of a café, and redesign of storage, educational, research and administration spaces

University of Limerick An ambitious Performing Arts Village at the University campus on the banks of the River Shannon is at planning stage

LIT School of Art & Design Transformation of the church on Clare St campus (formerly the Good Shepherd Convent) into an exhibition venue, to include display of student work

Limerick Institute of Technology Construction of a 350-seat theatre at the Moylish Park campus, facilitating use for dramatic and musical performances to supplement use by LIT students.

Mary Immaculate College Construction of a theatre/performing arts area and exhibition space, with special emphasis upon arts education for children as part of phased development of the college.

Daghdha Dance Company The development of a dedicated rehearsal facility and dance studio is underway.

Limerick City Gallery – elevation showing new developments

28 Limerick Arts Strategy Economic profile of the arts sector

Employment by the arts sector in Limerick is significant, with substantial employment being offered by the educational institutions.

EMPLOYMENT IN THE ARTS SECTOR IN LIMERICK arts organisation/institution no. orgs full-time part-time FÁS CE contract total

Arts facilities 7 29 71 11 1 112 Professional organisations 10 48 8 21 55 132 Non-professional org. 11 00055 Festivals 310056 Total Organisations 31 78 79 32 66 255 Educational Institutions 5 79 79 0 10 168

TOTAL 36 157 158 32 76 423

The total revenue of arts organisations and institutions in Limerick was a little under €12.5 million (approx IR£10 million) in 2000. Arts organisations account for approximately 60% of the total, while the arts education institutions account for the balance. The educational institutions rely heavily on funding from the Department of Education & Science, as is true of other areas of specialised education. The total sub - sidisation of arts organisations is under 38% of total revenue, with the Arts Council pro - viding 25% of this support.

Audiences for the arts

While different arts events and activities by their nature attract larger or smaller audiences, audience numbers in Limerick are generally healthy and on the increase. As examples, the University Concert Hall has annual audiences in the order of 64,000, with many people travelling for events from as far as Galway and Kerry. The Belltable Arts Centre attracts an annual attendance of 35,000 people, representing 60% of total capacity, which is above the national average for arts centres. Limerick City Gallery of Art has instituted procedures to more accurately estimate the origin and nature of its visitors. Although many venues and events achieve workable audiences, the arts organi - sations believe that there is room for growth.

2 – The Arts in Limerick 29 Limerick City Council’s support for the arts

Limerick City Council provides a range of arts and cultural services through the Arts Office, Limerick City Gallery of Art, the library service, the museum service, Limerick Artists’ Studios and Percent for Art projects. Limerick City Council was one of the first local authorities to joint - ly fund with the Arts Council the position of Arts Organiser in 1988. The Arts Office in Limerick City Council currently comprises one full-time Arts Officer. The range of services provided by the Arts Office in Limerick is broadly categorised into the following areas:

1 INFORMATION AND ADVICE — support and advice for people in the arts community and those interested in engaging with the arts, and the general public

2 SUPPORTING AND DEVELOPING THE ARTS INFRASTRUCTURE — recommendations on revenue funding for established arts organisations — recommendations on Arts Act grants — support for Belltable Arts Centre and University Concert Hall — Limerick Artists’ Studios — membership of the boards and management committees of a number of events, organisations and institutions

3 SUPPORT FOR THE INDIVIDUAL ARTIST — award of funds from available resource for residencies, travel bursaries and spe - cific originated arts interventions

4 ARTS PROGRAMMING — annual events such as the Kate O’Brien Weekend, EV +A, Cuisle, Sionna

5 ART FORM DEVELOPMENT — support for Island Theatre Company, EV +A, the Umbrella Project — support for festivals

6 ARTS FOR SPECIFIC GROUPINGS — including art in communities

7 ARTS AND EDUCATION — including Artist-in-Residence schemes in schools

Limerick City Council also provides financial support for a number of independent cultur - al organisations and activities, including the Belltable Arts Centre, the Hunt Museum, University Concert Hall, Island Theatre Company, EV +A, the Umbrella Project street the - atre group and Limerick Youth Theatre. Limerick City Council directly supports individual

30 Limerick Arts Strategy artists through the Artist-in-Residence, Artist-in-Schools and the Percent for Arts schemes, through the allocation of bursaries and awards, and through the provision of facilities at Limerick Artists’ Studios.

Local public funding for the arts

Funding for the arts in Limerick is channelled through two funds – the annual allocation under the Arts Act and the annual arts budget ( €328,862 in 1999). Revenue funding from the Arts Council is included in this figure. Over 85% of annual funding goes towards established, building-based arts organ - isations. Limerick City Gallery of Art, a municipal institution, is funded entirely by Limerick City Council, with additional financial support from the Arts Council for its artistic pro - gramme. Local arts organisations that are not primarily building-based, such as EV +A, Island Theatre Company and the Umbrella Project, also receive support. A small propor - tion of the annual budget (approximately €35,000) is available for projects that are ini - tiated by the Arts Officer. Limerick City Council owns the building occupied by Limerick Artists’ Studios and carried out the refurbishment with the assistance of a capital grant from the Arts Council. Rental income from individual artists for studio facilities covers the cost of maintenance and improvement of the facilities.

Limerick City Gallery – site plan showing new developments

2 – The Arts in Limerick 31 Public art

In recent times public art has been mainly funded through the Percent for Art scheme, oper - ated in the case of the local authorities through the Department of the Environment. The scheme enables funding the artistic enhancement of public capital expenditure projects such as roads, bridges and housing by commissioning artists to create associated art - works for such projects. There has been a strong movement to broaden the scope of the scheme, devel - oping from the perception of public art as permanent visual work to an understanding that temporary artworks, including all forms of artistic expression and not those limited to the visual arts, can achieve the goal of artistic enhancement of the urban environment. The Percent for Art scheme has been utilised principally by the Architects Department within Limerick City Council, mainly in relation to housing developments. The City Engineers Department is in the process of utilising the scheme to complement the main drainage project and the N7 road development works.

Royden Rabinowitch, The Disposition of David Murray , EV +A 1994

32 Limerick Arts Strategy Arts in the community

Many sectors of the community do not have opportunities or a tradition of engaging with the arts. The primary factors influencing access to the arts directly relate to a lack of under - standing of the arts in society as a whole. Economic and social disadvantage impact upon access and participation. However, the lack of contact with the arts is not confined to economic factors alone. The cultivation of an interest in the arts is dependent on fami - ly, community and cultural beliefs and education, alongside opportunities to engage directly in arts activities. The Arts Office has initiated and supported a number of Artist-in-the-Community and Artist-in-Residence schemes. These have brought the arts into specific community con - texts, including The Wounded King (sculpture), Eye of the Beholder (film) and Looking to the Future (CD). There are also a number of organisations and individuals in Limerick that have undertaken projects that focus on specific communities, such as Daghdha Dance Company and Island Theatre Company. Limerick has the benefit of a number of dedi - cated and skilled artists across the range of art forms with specific interest in community arts practice. Other initiatives exist specifically to work with people from disadvantaged areas. The Umbrella Project street theatre group is the largest community arts project in the city. Real Art Project has established links with St Joseph’s Hospital, whereby its member artists have access to studio spaces in the hospital in return for undertaking workshops with patients. The Irish World Music Centre has recently established a Masters degree course

Real Art Project outreach programme

2 – The Arts in Limerick 33 in community music with the aim of training musicians and facilitators in all aspects of working with communities, and researching and contributing to best practice in the field. Limerick Youth Service and the PAUL Partnership are among the community development agencies in Limerick that have included the arts in their programmes to stimulate local city communities. The Mid-Western Health Board has commissioned an arts strategy for the Regional Hospital in Limerick to direct the integration of the arts within its overall opera - tion for the benefit of the hospital community of staff, patients and visitors.

Arts and education / Arts for young people

The new curriculum for primary education has placed a new emphasis on the importance of contemporary arts in the context of education at this level. The City Arts Office has played a major role in approaching schools and in facilitating art activities of a high artis - tic standard. Limerick Youth Theatre, Young EV +A, Fresh Film Festival, UnFringed for Kids and the School of Music’s Youth Orchestras are among the organised activities that directly engage with young people. The Belltable Arts Centre, the Hunt Museum and EV +A have specific programmes for young people. Limerick City Gallery of Art, the Irish Chamber Orchestra, Daghdha Dance Company and Island Theatre Company have significantly expanded their education and outreach programmes. The Umbrella Project attracts and

Limerick City Library summer art workshops

34 Limerick Arts Strategy trains many young people for its street performances. Young EV +A provides an experimental workshop situation, placing students in direct contact with living contemporary artists in order to enliven their experience of art and how they learn about it, separate from the classroom experience. Many of the par - ticipants proceed to art college from second-level schools as a direct result of this experi - ence.

Operation of the arts organisations

Several organisations are established on a reasonably secure and sustainable basis, in particular those that have obtained multi-annual funding from the Arts Council. These organisations have the capacity to advance both their programming and their audience. However, there are a number of arts organisations operating close to the margins in terms of their resources. This limits include availability of staff, financial status and physical facil - ities. Many arts organisations work in isolation, and lack the resources and experience to collaborate effectively. This situation is not unique to Limerick and is mirrored through - out the arts sector at a national level. The potential for the recently formed Limerick Arts Forum, with the appropriate support in place, to actively foster increased networking and collaboration between the arts organisations in Limerick is therefore very encouraging. In addition links have recently been created between individual organisations that have led to a more dynamic arts collaboration. Some arts organisations in Limerick have developed relationships with businesses. These are largely based on traditional sponsorship models with finance being offered in return for brand recognition. There appears to be a growth in communications between the arts and business communities, which is a positive development with regard to future support for the arts. The professional arts organisations have also significantly strength - ened their boards of directors/management committees in recent times, inviting business and other representatives to join, widening the pool of knowledge, skills and expertise available to them.

2 – The Arts in Limerick 35 Individual artists

Individual artists have played an important part in the development of the arts in Limerick. Limerick School of Art & Design, EV +A, Island Theatre Company, Daghdha Dance Company, Real Art Project, the Umbrella Project, Quadrant, Limerick Printmakers, Limerick Youth Theatre and the Fresh Film Festival are among the organisations whose foundation can be directly linked to the energy of creative and interpretative artists based in Limerick. Several have arisen through the facilitation and support of the Belltable Arts Centre. Artists, both creative and interpretative (in all art forms), who considered their pri - mary career to be that of professional artist, were interviewed to elicit the principal issues that impact upon their careers. The summary findings include: l There is a reasonable level of opportunity for those interviewed to have work exhib - ited or performed in Limerick and nationally. l The need for better performance facilities was highlighted by those artists involved in the performing arts. The Belltable Arts Centre’s theatre space is perceived as being too limited in terms of leading-edge facilities. The need for at least two complemen - tary spaces that could cater for a variety of art forms, including drama, dance and music, was emphasised, as was the desire to have a smaller and experimental per - formance space. l While many visual artists have studio spaces, several artists felt that the scarcity of stu - dio space at reasonable rental levels is a constraint on the number of artists working in the city. Artists working in the performing arts, particularly, require better practice and rehearsal facilities. l There is a good amount of art-related work in Limerick upon which many artists depend for their livelihood. The School of Art & Design within LIT, the Belltable Arts Centre, Young EV +A, the Umbrella Project, and Artists-in-the-Community projects, as well as FÁS-funded schemes, are some of the sources of part-time work that is suited to the requirements of individual artists. l Artists and many individuals working in the arts are at the lower end of income lev - els. Inflating property prices and the scarcity of affordable rental accommodation is affecting the ability of artists to settle and remain in Limerick city and its environs.

36 Limerick Arts Strategy Related local initiatives

The Limerick City Development Board has prepared the City Development Strategy for the years up to 2010. The cultural policy components of that strategy will be directly linked to, among other cultural areas, public support for the arts in Limerick. Limerick is also gradually developing as a strategic location for tourism. Shannon Development is focusing on the development of Limerick city as a place rich in culture in a strategy to attract visitors to spend time in the city. The strength of the architecture, her - itage and contemporary arts in Limerick offers considerable potential, with efforts under way to establish partnerships to enable this potential to be realised. EV +A has played a role in establishing the presence of international contemporary art practice within art and alternative spaces in Limerick.

Thomas Hirschhorn, Artist’s Scarves , EV +A 1996

2 – The Arts in Limerick 37 Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT)

Strengths

1 The high calibre of professional work practices (contemporary cutting-edge)

2 The number of professional arts organisations and their level and record of artistic and operational expertise

3 The presence of several major arts education institutions

4 The spread of facilities in the city and environs for the performance/exhibition of all art forms, and reasonable rehearsal facilities

5 The commitment to the arts in many schools, and the range of arts activities for young people

6 The pool of local artists with expertise in community practice; the outreach and edu - cation initiatives of the arts organisations; and specific training in the area of com - munity arts practice

7 Significant turnover and employment numbers in the arts sector

8 Availability of working opportunities for professional artists

9 Availability of major art-historical resource centres (Limerick City Gallery of Art, Hunt Museum)

Weaknesses

1 Lack of an advanced arts centre with state-of-the-art facilities for the contemporary arts

2 Arts Service in Limerick City Council is not fully integrated within the authority’s over - all service provision

3 Arts Service in Limerick City Council is under-resourced to engender fully integrated development of the sector

4 Low level of formalised networking between the arts organisations

5 Economic contribution and potential of the arts is not widely perceived or valued

6 Absence of a coherent strategy for audience development in certain areas of the sector

7 Lack of openness to contemporary practices in some non-professional arts groups

8 Limited number of visitors/tourists that readily engage directly with the arts in Limerick

38 Limerick Arts Strategy 9 Low level of arts funding

Opportunities

1 Potential for the influence of artists and designers on the urban planning and design process

2 Potential to contact and encourage audiences through collective actions

3 Potential to attract more artists, both indigenous and international

4 Improvement of arts activities in certain communities

5 Potential to exploit the Percent for Art scheme for increased opportunities for artists, and greater consistency

6 Interest on the part of business and arts sectors in greater co-operation

7 Potential to capitalise upon the presence of significant numbers of arts graduates in Limerick

8 Potential for arts organisations to collaborate and share resources

Threats

1 Failure to develop advanced facilities for contemporary arts practice and development

2 Failure to build public regard for the arts, with a consequent failure to increase audi - ences

3 Lack of co-ordinated programming or promotional efforts by the sector, resulting in a fragmented image and inefficient usage of resources

4 Lack of clarity in the sector of the distinctions between audience development, mar - keting and publicity

5 Loss of attractiveness for artists to live and work in the city and environs due to eco - nomic factors.

Limerick Printmakers exhibition Cllr Dick Sadlier launching the Sionna festival

2 – The Arts in Limerick 39 EV +A 2000 at Limerick City Gallery of Art

40 Limerick Arts Strategy 3 – An Integrated Arts Strategy for Limerick

3.1 – Mission

Limerick City Council will integrate planning and support for the continued advancement, participation and collaboration in the arts into its overall services provision in order to ensure that the arts are nurtured within the planned development of Limerick, and that, in turn, the arts and artists are enabled to make a fundamental contribution to the life of their audiences, the people of Limerick and its surrounding region, citizens and visitors alike.

3.2 – Strategic objectives l formalise planning, coordination and delivery of public support for the arts, and inte - grate these functions in the overall provision of public services l stimulate a greater level of public access to, and participation and collaboration in the arts l increase the level of artistic activity in Limerick across the community divides l facilitate the continued advancement of both the capability and capacity of the arts sector in Limerick l facilitate improved communications and interaction both within the local arts sector

Drumming workshop, Anáil Dé festival Our Town, Island Theatre Company

3 – An Integrated Arts Strategy for Limerick 41 itself, and among the arts sector, other segments of the community, and arts practi - tioners from elsewhere l facilitate the contribution of the arts to the development of Limerick and to the quality of life enjoyed by the people living in and visiting Limerick.

3.3 – Principles

The Arts Service of Limerick City Council will be guided by a set of principles in the deliv - ery of its provision of support for the arts. These principles will help to (a) maintain the commitment to the overall goals; (b) prioritise actions when resources are unbalanced or inadequate to meet immediate needs; (c) enable the targeting of specific groups, activi - ties or events as and when necessary to achieve the desired development of the sector. The principles adopted are:

1 Inclusion – emphasise support for actions and initiatives that enhance access to and participation in all artistic activities throughout the community, and ensure public accessibility of the service

2 Professional development – emphasise activities and events that enhance the pro - fessional development of artists, arts practitioners and arts organisations

3 Aesthetic value – all initiatives and projects to be supported are required to demon - strate both a steadfast commitment to artistic activities and aspire to the highest stan - dards of contemporary arts practice

4 Local ownership – ensure that all supported work, activities, events and exhibitions deliver local benefits to the arts sector

5 Strategic partnership – collaborate with and support individuals, groups and organ - isations in order to achieve common goals.

3.4 – Anticipated outcomes l enhanced public awareness of and appreciation and engagement in the arts l increased participation and access to arts activities l increased audiences for the arts in the region

42 Limerick Arts Strategy l more audience development initiatives l greater capacity and capability of the professional arts sector l advancement of the non-professional arts sector l improved physical infrastructure and facilities for the arts l greater public presence of the arts l increased resources devoted to the arts sector l more networking and collaboration within the arts sector l foster cross-fertilisation of ideas to enhance creativity on all levels l increased level of research activity focused on the arts sector l increased interaction between the arts and other segments of the community l encouragement of business support for the arts

3.5 – Strategic approach

To address the identified needs of and opportunities for the arts in Limerick, the Arts Service of Limerick City Council is best placed to act as the essential catalyst for arts activ - ity in Limerick, stimulating communications and interaction, engaging in partnerships, encouraging particular events and activities, mediating arts activities for specific groups, supporting initiatives led by artists and arts organisations, and facilitating artists and oth - ers with energy, drive and commitment to ‘make things happen’. The Arts Service is the instrument through which public support for the arts – as distinct from other forms of direct support – can be channelled for the greatest public benefit.

Seminar at Limerick City Gallery of Art Real Art Project billboard

3 – An Integrated Arts Strategy for Limerick 43 3.6 – Strategic action areas

1 Public planning and support for the arts

2 The Creative City

3 Public access and participation

4 The individual artist

5 Infrastructure and facilities for the arts

6 Collaboration and partnership

PUBLIC PLANNING AND SUPPORT FOR THE ARTS — Limerick City Council will develop its Arts Service as an integral function of its total services pro - 1vision. Í Indicative actions

1 The Arts Service will be formally located within the management and organisation structure of Limerick City Council as an area of functional responsibility. The position of the Arts Organiser will be redesignated as that of Arts Officer.

2 The Arts Service will be adequately resourced to implement the Arts Strategy in the next five years.

3 Appropriate ongoing communication mechanisms and structures will be put in place to ensure that there is cross-collaboration between the Arts Service and other service areas, and that the skills, expertise and knowledge within the Arts Service is made available to other departments and functions.

4 The Arts Service will structurally become part of the process of formulation and delivery of cultural policy for Limerick through interaction with Limerick City Development Board.

5 The Arts Service will provide the formal pivot of contact for maintaining an ongoing dialogue with the Arts Council, the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism, and other relevant national and European bodies and agencies.

6 The Arts Service will remain abreast of trends, developments and practices in the arts and in public support for the arts at national and international levels.

7 The Arts Service will keep in constant communication with the local arts sector – both existing and emerging entities – to determine the needs and developments within the sector at all times.

44 Limerick Arts Strategy 8 The Arts Service will explore areas of co-operation in relation to joint arts initiatives with the corresponding services in Limerick County Council, Clare County Council and Tipperary North Riding County Council that have the potential to generate ben - eficial outcomes for the arts in the region.

9 The Arts Service will seek to put in place the means of fostering research, including encouraging research and growth of the arts sector, to underpin monitoring, evalua - tion and future planning of the arts sector.

10 The Arts Service will work to build upon the links between the arts and other sectors of the community – education, business, social partners – with which the City Council has extensive partnership and collaborative arrangements.

THE CREATIVE CITY — The potential contribution of the arts to urban planning, design and services delivery will be maximised in order to develop the pres - 2ence of arts in the urban environment. Í Indicative actions

1 Limerick City Council’s plans and projects for the enhancement of the urban environ - ment will draw upon the contribution of artists and arts practitioners

2 The Arts Service, properly resourced, will manage all Percent for Art scheme projects on behalf of the City Council, commissioning artists and administering the associat - ed funding, in support of the relevant departments within the City Council in order to maximise opportunities for artists and to ensure consistency in artistic standards.

3 Artists and relevant experts will be included in the planning stages of all major archi - tectural or urban design projects.

4 Public signage for arts and cultural venues will be developed and located extensive - ly throughout the city, to enhance the public awareness of the arts.

PUBLIC ACCESS AND PARTICIPATION — Limerick City Council will facilitate and promote access to and participation in the arts from all sections of the 3community. Í Indicative actions

1 The Artist-in-the-Community and Artist-in-Residence schemes will continue to be exten - sively used to place artists in contact with audiences in specific communities.

3 – An Integrated Arts Strategy for Limerick 45 2 The Artist-in-Schools scheme will be used to engage with primary and secondary level students.

3 Bursaries and awards will be used to support artists who are willing and able to work with communities in order to stimulate the creativity expressed in those communities.

4 The Arts Service will work with the arts organisations and institutions, especially with - in collective actions, in support of audience development activities (also noted below under ‘Collaboration and Partnership’).

5 Targeted support for arts initiatives such as Fresh Film Festival, Young EV +A and Limerick Youth Theatre that specifically engage young people with arts activity will continue to be a priority.

6 The Arts Service will provide support for the development of strategies and plans to provide access to and participation in the arts for new communities, such as the hos - pital community of the Mid-Western Regional Hospital.

7 Age and opportunity initiatives and projects that incorporate artistic activities will be supported.

8 The Arts Service will continue to support the development of new arts and cultural fes - tivals and events, and arts and cultural components in other festivals and events, for community audiences.

THE INDIVIDUAL ARTIST — Facilitate the professional development of individ - ual artists, provide local opportunities for artists, and foster a positive envi - 4ronment for artists. Í Indicative actions

1 Physical facilities such as Limerick Artists’ Studios will operate to accommodate the needs of individual artists, based on models of good practice established elsewhere (e.g. Firestation Studios, Dublin).

2 The Percent for Art scheme will be used to commission artists to create artworks in public spaces.

3 Opportunities for the professional advancement of artists will be supported.

4 Individual artists will continue to receive support through bursaries to support exhibi - tion, display and performance of their work.

5 The Artist-in-Residence, Artist-in-Schools and Artist-in-the-Community schemes will con - tinue to be used to provide opportunities for individual artists.

46 Limerick Arts Strategy 6 The Arts Service will examine, with other relevant services and partners, the factors impacting upon the attractiveness and accessibility of Limerick city as a rewarding place for artists to live and work.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES FOR THE ARTS — Extend and enhance the 5infrastructure for the arts to benefit audience access and participation. Í Indicative actions

1 The Arts Service will actively support the design and installation of state-of-the-art facil - ities for contemporary arts practice and delivery in the city, whether in a new-build or refurbished arts facility.

2 Phase 2 of Limerick City Gallery of Art will be implemented as part of the LCGA development plan.

3 Potential collaboration with other providers will be investigated for the provision of additional facilities for the creation and delivery of artwork in all media.

4 Advice and recommendations will be offered regarding the development of arts and cultural facilities by educational institutions and other bodies.

5 The Arts Service will strive to provide administration and meeting spaces for artists and arts organisations, support networking, interdisciplinary collaboration and the sharing of resources.

COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIP — Facilitate networking of artists, arts organisations and related bodies in the arts sector, and between the arts, cul - 6tural, social and business communities. Í Indicative actions

1 Networking and collaborative initiatives of local arts organisations such as the Limerick Arts Forum will be directly supported by the Arts Service.

2 The Arts Service will support collective promotional efforts made on behalf of the arts sector.

3 The Arts Service will actively provide support for joint audience development initiatives.

4 The Arts Service will initiate and maintain communication mechanisms among the arts sector and other sectors of the community.

3 – An Integrated Arts Strategy for Limerick 47 3.7 – Implementation and delivery

THE ARTS SERVICE

The renaming of the Arts Office as the Arts Service represents the new status of arts pro - vision. It changes the emphasis from organising the arts to providing a public service com - prising the facilitation and support for the long-term development of the arts sector as a whole. At its heart is the concept of a service that understands and works to meet the needs of artists, participants in arts activities, audiences, and the general public. The Arts Service is therefore a proactive developmental endeavour. The Arts Service will be placed on a similar reporting and management structure to other departments within the City Council, and will be adequately resourced in terms of meeting existing commitments and taking on a broader developmental brief.

RESOURCES

The staffing requirements for the Arts Service comprise: l an Arts Officer charged with the development and deliver of an overall arts and cul - tural policy l two Assistant Arts Officers who are charged with the day-to-day delivery of the service l an executive for the project management of the Percent for Art commissions and similar projects l clerical support.

POLICY-MAKING

The management of Limerick City Council and the Strategic Policy Committee of Limerick City Council will provide the principal policy inputs to the provision of support for the arts. The Cultural Sub-committee of Limerick City Development Board will also have an input as it formulates and implements the wider cultural policies for Limerick city.

PARTNERSHIPS

Through the Arts Service, Limerick City Council will actively engage with other primary

48 Limerick Arts Strategy 3 – An Integrated Arts Strategy for Limerick 49 stakeholders nationally and regionally with the aim of resourcing and developing the local arts sector. These stakeholders will include: — the local arts sector — Educational institutions — Limerick City Development Board — Shannon Development — Limerick County Council — Mid-Western Health Board — Limerick City Community Forum — Libraries — Limerick County Development Board — Limerick City VEC — The Arts Council — Limerick Chamber of Commerce — Dept of Arts, Sport and Tourism — other arts organisations — Dept of the Environment

INTEGRATION OF THE ARTS SERVICE

The internal structures and operating committees of Limerick City Council will be modified to accommodate the Arts Service in order to mainstream the arts service provision. The Arts Service will influence policies on planning, housing, and other areas, and will in turn be influenced by those functions. All initiatives funded or resourced by Limerick City Council across all departments/service areas must foster cultural inclusion.

PROJECT SELECTION

Projects will be selected by the Arts Service in accordance with the principles and strate - gic objectives of the arts strategy. Temporary panels of artists and advisers will be con - vened by the Arts Service where advisable and necessary to assist in the selection of projects for funding and development.

3.8 – Monitoring and evaluation

The Arts Officer will be responsible for continuously monitoring the implementation of the Arts Strategy. The Arts Officer will work with the management and other executives of Limerick City Council to fulfil this responsibility. Evaluation will form a central part of the work of the Arts Service. Specific budg - ets will be allocated to ensure a continuity of learning from one initiative to another. Limerick City Council will also encourage individuals and organisations in receipt of sup - port to undertake formal evaluation of their activities. This strategic plan for the arts will

50 Limerick Arts Strategy be evaluated via both internal and external mechanisms. It should be subjected to annu - al reviews in order to judge the following: l its continuing relevance to the needs of the arts sector in Limerick l its integration status within the operations of Limerick City Council l its assumptions with respect to the environment within which it operates l the appropriateness of its principles and policies l the effectiveness of its targets and indicators, ends and means.

The particular characteristics of creative engagement must be protected in any evaluative framework. The Arts Officer is responsible for ensuring that this occurs, and that the aes - thetic of the work supported is recognised and properly valued. In order to ensure a meaningful outcome from such reviews, the following inputs should be available: l the (changing) needs of the arts sector in Limerick – a repeat of the SWOT analysis should be conducted annually. l awareness of changes and trends in the arts and cultural environments, especially with regard to public support for the arts, both nationally and internationally. l knowledge of the plans and activities of Limerick City Council, Limerick County Council, Limerick City Development Board, Limerick County Development Board, The Arts Council, Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism, other local authorities, other government departments, artists’ associations, arts centres and other bodies. l an objective statement of progress towards each of the strategic objectives.

The Arts Strategy committee should conduct the reviews if necessary with external input, and make its findings and recommendations available to the Strategic Policy Committee of Limerick City Council.

Ferenc Szücs, Irish World Music Centre Jean Luc Moulène, Still Life, Potatoes , EV +A 1996

3 – An Integrated Arts Strategy for Limerick 51 TARGETS AND INDICATORS l number of professional artists l number of professional arts organisations, changes within previous twelve months l number of non-professional arts organisations, changes within previous twelve months l employment numbers and revenue figures – professional arts organisations l arts infrastructure: total capacity, changes within previous twelve months, planned developments for succeeding twelve months l nature and type of spending on public awareness and appreciation l number of schools engaged with, number of pupils, number of artists, nature of engagement l number of community art projects, number of people, number of artists, nature of engagement l number of Percent for Art scheme projects undertaken, number and origin of artists engaged, number and origin of artists commissioned, spending l number, duration, and scale of exhibitions l mailing list: number, accuracy and categorisation of entries l number of press notices, press releases and press reviews, range and variety of pub - lications/media outlets l number of publications – reports, catalogues, pamphlets, etc – (a) produced and (b) supported each year l number, origin and nature of requests for information l number, origin and nature of requests for support l number of press releases, press interviews, press mentions l number of Arts Service information leaflets distributed l number of signs, banners, posters, etc, for arts and cultural venues in city and region - al locations l number of partnerships and collaborative ventures.

52 Limerick Arts Strategy Michael Timpson, Leaving Cheyenne , Limerick City Gallery of Art

3 – An Integrated Arts Strategy for Limerick 53 Paolo Caneveri’s The Line performance, EV +A 2002

54 Limerick Arts Strategy List of Illustrations

front cover 2 Dancers Mary Nunan and Olwen Grindley in Two by Two by Five (conceived and directed Andrew Kearney, Orb , installation as part of his solo by Yoshiko Chuma), Daghdha Dance exhibition, With Intent, at Limerick City Gallery of Company Art, 2001 (photo: Andrew Kearney)

3 Pupils from St Kieran’s Boys School taking part gatefold cover movie strip (left to right) in Expo 2000 Students at the Irish World Music Centre’s MA in Mike Finn in Island Theatre Company’s pro - Irish Traditional Music, University of Limerick duction of Borrowed Robes by John Barrett Pat Nolan and Pat McGrath in Black Box Theatre (photo: Arthur Gough) Company’s production of Loco County Lonesome by Pat McCabe at the Belltable Arts Centre, April 4 Dancers Olwen Grindley and Alan Ward in 2001 (photo: Bryan Meade) Daghdha Dance Company’s Reverse Psychology (conceived and directed by Luc Deleu, Construction X (for 9 containers) , Arthur’s Yoshiko Chuma), International Dance Festival, Quay, EV +A 1994 May 2002 (photo: Robert Flynt) Poster for The Weir by Conor McPherson, co-pro - The Star Child and Other Stories by Oscar duced by Mirage Productions and the Belltable Arts Wilde (adapted for the stage by Mary Centre Elizabeth Burke-Kennedy and directed by Paolo Caneveri’s The Line performance, EV +A 2002 Bairbre Ní Chaoimh), Storytellers Theatre (photo: Studioworks, Limerick) Company at the Belltable Arts Centre, 2001

1 Michael Timpson, Leaving Cheyenne , per - 5 Adzido Dance Workshop public session, formance/installation at Limerick City Gallery including the Umbrella Project and Rehab of Art, 2000-01 (photo: Charles Mayer) Care, part of the Belltable Outreach pro - gramme Students at the Irish World Music Centre’s MA in Irish Traditional Music, University of Ferenc Szücs, Director of the MA in Classical Limerick, May 2001 String Performance, with cello student at the

Limerick City Library summer art workshops

List of Illustrations 55 Irish World Music Centre, University of by Mirage Productions and the Belltable Arts Limerick Centre

6 Children taking part in print workshops as part 14 The Umbrella Project taking part in the St of Cuisle Poetry Festival, 2001 Patrick’s Day parade, 1998

Drumming workshop at Anáil Dé Festival of 15 Fiddler Frankie Gavin tutors MA students at the World Sacred Music, Irish World Music Irish World Music Centre, University of Centre, December 2001 Limerick, 2001

7 Expo parade Snow White.com pantomime, co-produced by the Belltable Arts Centre and Centre Stage Pat Nolan and Pat McGrath in Black Box School, 2001 Theatre Company’s production of Loco County Lonesome by Pat McCabe at the Belltable Arts 18 John Murphy in Island Theatre Company’s pro - Centre, April 2001 (photo: Bryan Meade) duction of Borrowed Robes by John Barrett (photo: Arthur Gough) 8 Mike Finn in Island Theatre Company’s pro - duction of Borrowed Robes by John Barrett 19 Kathleen Tynan, Paul McNamara, Collette (photo: Arthur Gough) McGahon and Dearbhla Collins in Music Network’s Beyond the Carol at 2 Pery Square 9 Fabrice Hybert, l’Homme de Bessines (1993, fibreglass, motor and water, 120 x 120 cm), The Umbrella Project taking part in the St installation at People’s Park, Pery Square, as Patrick’s Day parade, 1998 part of Invited EV +A 1996 22 Part of the Permanent Collection at Limerick Mike Fitzpatrick, Titleless Ireland Series City Gallery of Art (1993, copper, 210 x 150 cm), City Hall, as part of Invited EV +A 1994 23 The Hunt Museum, Rutland Street

10 Artist Barry Jacqus at the Cerebral Palsy 24 Luc Deleu, Construction X (for 9 containers) , Centre in Mungret, part of the Belltable (1994, containers, 610 x 610 x 180 cm), Outreach Programme installation at Arthur’s Quay as part of Invited Andrew Kearney, Orb , installation as part of EV +A 1994 his solo exhibition, With Intent, at Limerick City Gallery of Art, 2001 (photo: Andrew Kearney) 25 Dancers Olwen Grindley and Alan Ward in Reverse Psychology (conceived and directed 11 PJ Curtis broadcating on Lyric FM from by Yoshiko Chuma), Daghdha Dance Limerick City Library, celebrating 75 years of Company for the International Dance Festival, RTÉ radio May 2002 (photo: Robert Flynt)

12 Victor Sloan exhibits at the Belltable Arts 26 Belltable Arts Centre, 69 O’Connell Street Centre, January 2002 (photo: Arthur Gough)

Andrew Kearney, Orb , installation at Limerick 28 Limerick City Gallery of Art – elevation show - City Gallery of Art, 2001 (photo: Andrew ing Phase 1 (right) and Phase 2 (left) of new Kearney) developments designed by John A O’Reilly Architect 13 Áine Nic Giolla Coda, Oval – Blue Room (2001, perspex, enamel and steel), Limerick 31 Limerick City Gallery of Art – site plan show - City Gallery of Art (photo: Eamon O’Mahony) ing new developments The Weir by Conor McPherson, co-produced 32 Royden Rabinowitch, The Disposition of David

56 Limerick Arts Strategy Murray (1994, waxed steel), installation at Jean Luc Moulène, Still Life, Potatoes (1996, photo - King John’s Castle, Invited EV +A 1994 graph, plastic and tarpaulin, 350 x 600 cm), installation at King John’s Castle as part of 33 Real Art Project outreach programme Invited EV +A 1996

34 Limerick City Library summer art workshops 53 Michael Timpson, Leaving Cheyenne , per - with Limerick Printmakers formance/installation at Limerick City Gallery of Art, 2000/2001 (photo: Charles Mayer) 37 Thomas Hirschhorn, Artist’s Scarves (1996, scarves, tinfoil and plastic), installation in 54 Paolo Caneveri’s The Line performance, EV +A Slattery’s pub as part of Invited EV +A 1996 2002 (photo: Studioworks) (photo: Studioworks) 55 Limerick City Library summer art workshops 39 Exhibition opening at Limerick Printmakers, with Limerick Printmakers Robert Street Belltable Arts Centre, 69 O’Connell Street The Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Dick Sadlier, (photo: Arthur Gough) launching the Sionna Festival of European Traditional Music, 2001 57 Iftikhar & Elizabeth Dadi, Clash of Civilizations, Bridge Street, EV +A 2002 (photo: Studioworks) 40 Installation photograph of EV +A 2000 – Children react to Áine Phillips’ Immaculate Friends + Neighbours at Limerick City Gallery Make-Over, EV +A 2002 (photo: Studioworks) of Art (photo: Studioworks)

58 Jade Travers and Richard O’Brien in Reverse 41 Drumming workshop at Anáil Dé Festival of Psychology (conceived and directed by World Sacred Music, Irish World Music Yoshiko Chuma), Daghdha Dance Company Centre, December 2001 (photo: Alan Roche) Island Theatre Company’s production of Our Town by Thornton Wilder (photo: Arthur Gough) 59 Evelyn Cosgrave, Padraig Hastings and Dave Griffin in The Weir by Conor McPherson, co- 43 Annemarie Ryan, Pat Dowling, Eddie Friel and produced by Mirage Productions and the Sheila Deegan at ‘The Role of Culture and the Belltable Arts Centre (photo: Arthur Gough) Arts in a City’s Branding Strategy’, a seminar Fiddler Martin Hayes tutoring at Blas 2000 , at Limerick City Gallery of Art Irish World Music Centre, University of A Real Art Project billboard Limerick

51 Ferenc Szücs, Director of the MA in Classical String Performance at the Irish World Music Photographic credits given where supplied; our Centre, University of Limerick apologies to uncredited photographers.

Iftikhar & Elizabeth Dadi, Clash of Civilizations Children react to Áine Phillips, EV +A 2002

List of Illustrations 57 Jade Travers and Richard O’Brien in Reverse Psychology , Daghdha Dance Company

58 Limerick Arts Strategy A directory of arts organisations in Limerick

ATTIC ARTISTS 48 O’Dwyers Villas, Thomondgate, Limerick contact Bob Ryan / tel 061-453106

BELLTABLE ARTS CENTRE 69 O’Connell Street, Limerick contact Liz Culloty, Director tel 061-319866 / fax 418552 / e-mail [email protected]

BINNEAS Sunnyside Cottage, Ballygeale, Patrickswell, Co Limerick contact Muriel Collins / tel 061-302477

BOHERBUOY 19 Well Park, Garryowen, Limerick BRASS AND REED BAND contact Kathleen Phelan / tel 061-410230

BOURN VINCENT GALLERY University of Limerick, Limerick contact Mary C Sheehan, Visual Arts Administrator tel 061-213052 / fax 330316 e-mail [email protected]

CBS PIPE BAND 53 Norwood Park, Limerick contact Barry Carey / tel 061-410546

CECILIAN MUSICAL SOCIETY Sacred Heart Crescent, Limerick contact Paul Donnellan / tel 061-315868

CENTRE STAGE Saas Fee, Ballyduane, Mungret, Limerick contact Richie Ryan / tel 061-302220

The Weir , Mirage Productions Martin Hayes at Blas 2000

A directory of arts organisations in Limerick 59 CITY MUSEUM Castle Lane, King’s Island, Limerick contact Larry Walsh tel 061-417826 / e-mail [email protected]

COLLEGE PLAYERS 17 Willowgrove, Old Cratloe Road, Limerick contact Margaret McBride / tel 061-454133

CONRADH NA GAEILGE 18 Sraid Thomáis, Luimneach / tel 061-417895

CORPUS CHRISTI c/o Unit 7, Knockalisheen Road, Moyross, Limerick PIPES AND DRUMS contact Fr Terry Loughran / tel 061-451344

CUISLE POETRY FESTIVAL c/o Belltable Arts Centre, 69 O’Connell Street, Limerick contact Liz Culloty tel 061-211253 / e-mail [email protected]

DAGHDHA DANCE COMPANY Dromroe Village, University of Limerick, Limerick contact Monica Spencer tel 061-202804 / fax 202943 / e-mail [email protected]

DOSWELL PRINT GALLERY Nicholas Street, King’s Island, Limerick contact Chris Doswell tel 061-318292 / e-mail [email protected]

EV +A – E xhibition of Visual + Art c/o Belltable, 69 O’Connell Street, Limerick contact Paul M O’Reilly tel 061-316291 / fax 314938 e-mail [email protected] c/o Limerick City Gallery of Art, Pery Square, Limerick contact Mike Fitzpatrick, Director/Curator tel 061-310633 / fax 310228 / e-mail [email protected]

FÉILE LUIMNÍ 1 New Street, Limerick contact Phyllis O’Ceallaigh / tel 061-229636

FRESH FILM FESTIVAL c/o Belltable Arts Centre, 69 O’Connell Street, Limerick contact Jane Foley tel 061-319555 / fax 319555 e-mail [email protected]

FUSION Limerick Art and Craft Association Unit 13 Enterprise Support Centre, Kilmallock Road, Limerick contact Dr Evan Petty tel 061-314511 / fax 319032 / e-mail [email protected]

GABRIELI ENSEMBLE 1 St Francis Place, Limerick contact Albert Llussa i Torra

60 Limerick Arts Strategy GALLERY 75 75 O’Connell Street, Limerick contact Sarah Marshall / tel 061-315650

GEORGIAN HOUSE & GARDEN 2 Pery Square, Tontine Buildings, Limerick contact Dorothy Meaney / tel 061-314130 / fax 310130 e-mail [email protected]

GRANARY PLAYERS 22 Emmet Place, Joseph Street, Limerick contact Margaret Haugh

HUNT MUSEUM Old Custom House, Rutland Street, Limerick contact Peter McNamara tel 061-312833 / fax 312834 e-mail [email protected]

IMPACT THEATRE COMPANY Parnell Street, Limerick contact Patrick Burke / tel 061-316399 e-mail [email protected]

INTERNATIONAL Shannon Development, The Granary, Michael Street, Limerick BAND FESTIVAL contact Caroline Nolan tel 061-410777 / fax 315634 / e [email protected]

IRISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Foundation Building, University of Limerick, Limerick contact John Kelly, CEO / Imelda Dervin tel 061-202620 / fax 202617 / e-mail [email protected]

IRISH PATCHWORK SOCIETY Walnut House, Browne’s Quay, Limerick (Mid-West Banch ) contact Valerie Shortt / tel 061-326120

IRISH WORLD MUSIC CENTRE Foundation Building, University of Limerick, Limerick contact Ellen Byrne tel 061-202917 / fax 202589 / e-mail [email protected]

ISLAND THEATRE COMPANY Church Street, King’s Island, Limerick contact Alice Kennelly, General Manager tel 061-410433 / fax 400997 / e-mail [email protected]

KATE O’BRIEN WEEKEND c/o 18 Nicholas Street, King’s Island, Limerick contact Cait Ní Cheallicain tel 061-346450 / web-site www.kobweekend.ie

KING JOHN’S CASTLE Nicholas Street, Limerick contact Patsy Reale / tel 061-361511 / fax 361020

LA COSA NOSTRA Cottage No.5, Curraheen, Knocklong, Co Limerick THEATRE COMPANY contact Tom O’Sullivan / tel 062-53461

A directory of arts organisations in Limerick 61 LIMERICK AFRICAN MUTUALITY The Priory, St Augustine’s, O’Connell Street, Limerick contact Jean Claude Kasongo tel 061-317564 / fax 406489 e-mail [email protected]

LIMERICK ART SOCIETY 29 High Meadows, Gouldavoher, Limerick contact Denise Coppola / tel 061-302371

LIMERICK ARTISTS’ STUDIOS James Street, off Gerald Griffin Street, Limerick contact Gavin Hogg / tel 061-314163

LIMERICK CAMERA CLUB 16 Seven Oaks, Kilmallock Road, Limerick contact Piarais Ryan, Chairman

LIMERICK CHORAL UNION St Cecilia’s, 42 Greenfields, Rosbrien, Limerick contact Tim Madden / tel 061-302216

LIMERICK CITY BRASS 8 Janemount Park, Corbally, Limerick AND REED YOUTH BAND contact Sammy Benson / tel 061-346986

LIMERICK CITY GALLERY OF ART Carnegie Building, Pery Square, Limerick contact Mike Fitzpatrick, Director/Curator tel 061-310633 / fax 310228 / e-mail [email protected]

LIMERICK CITY LIBRARY The Granary, Michael Street, Limerick contact Dolores Doyle, City Librarian tel 061-314668 / fax 411506 / e-mail [email protected]

LIMERICK CO-ORDINATION 50 O’Connell Street, Limerick OFFICE contact Andrew Mawhinney tel 061-400225 / fax 311867 / e-mail [email protected]

LIMERICK JAZZ SOCIETY 15 Kilbane, Castletroy, Limerick contact Tony Rodgers, Secretary / tel 061-338313

LIMERICK MUSICAL SOCIETY Lisand, Ballycarney, Patrickswell, Co Limerick contact Deirdre Bromell / tel 061-353036

LIMERICK MUSIC 48 Ulverton Road, Dalkey, Co Dublin ASSOCIATION contact John A Ruddock / tel 01-2804676 / fax 2302265

LIMERICK PANTO SOCIETY 5 Meadowbrook, Corbally, Limerick contact Tony Cusack / tel 061-340498

LIMERICK PRINTMAKERS 4 Robert Street, Limerick contact Melissa O’Brien / Kari Fry tel 061-311806 / e-mail [email protected]

62 Limerick Arts Strategy LIMERICK SCHOOL OF ACTING Terra Cottage, Mungret, Limerick contact Paul Mercier / tel 061-304441

LIMERICK SCHOOL Clare Street Campus, Dublin Road, Limerick OF ART & DESIGN contact Richard Ruth, Head of School tel 061-208208/ fax 208209 / e-mail [email protected]

LIMERICK SCHOOL OF BALLET The Crescent, Limerick contact Alice Marshall / tel 061-341537

LIMERICK SCRIBBLERS c/o Royal George Hotel, O’Connell Street, Limerick contact Jack Hogan tel 061-229491 / e-mail [email protected]

LIMERICK YOUTH SERVICE Lower Glentworth Street, Limerick contact Maurice Walsh tel 061-412444 / fax 412795 e-mail [email protected]

LIMERICK YOUTH THEATRE c/o Belltable Arts Centre, 69 O’Connell Street, Limerick contact Bridget Wallace tel 061-311100 / fax 418552 / e-mail [email protected]

LYRIC FM Cornmarket Square, Limerick contact Séamus Crimmins tel 061-207300 / fax 207390 / e-mail [email protected]

McCORMACK SINGERS 18 Merval Drive, Clareview, Limerick contact Phonsie O’Connor / tel 061-453530

MUNICIPAL SCHOOL Mulgrave Street, Limerick OF MUSIC contact David O’Connell tel 061-417348 / fax 417011

PLANXTY O’ROURKE Leaca Bán, 7 Highfield, Ennis Road, Limerick contact Orfhlaith Ní Bhriain tel 061-452778 / fax 327151

QUARRY PLAYERS 15 Elm Drive, Caherdavin Lawn, Limerick contact Barbara Clinton / tel 061-415799

REAL ART PROJECT c/o Limerick Artists’ Studios, James Street, off Gerald Griffin St, Limerick contact Seán Lynch / tel 061-311633

SOUTHSIDE MARCHING BAND Sweetbriar, Rathuard, Ballysheedy, Limerick contact Miriam Dawson / tel 061-417521

A directory of arts organisations in Limerick 63 SPOTLIGHT STAGE SCHOOL O’Connell Street, Limerick contact Judy O’Connor / tel 061-414597

ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL Bridge Street, Limerick contact Noreen Ellerker / tel 061-416238

ST MARY’S Mary Street, Limerick FIFE AND DRUM BAND contact Colum McGrath

ST MARY’S c/o 5 Verdant Crescent, King’s Island, Limerick LOCAL ARTS GROUP contact Mary O’Malley tel 061-411076 / fax 411508 e-mail [email protected]

THOMOND 22 Ashbrook Crescent, Ennis Road, Limerick ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY contact James Tarpey / tel 061-328518

TORCH PLAYERS Bun Fána, Gurteen Gardens, Ballinacurra, Limerick contact Maurice O’Sullivan / tel 061-227726

UMBRELLA PROJECT Unit 2 Childer’s Road Enterprise Centre, Limerick contact The Administrator tel 061-317720 / e-mail [email protected]

UNIVERSITY CONCERT HALL University of Limerick, Limerick contact Michael Murphy tel 061-333549 / fax 331585 / e-mail [email protected]

UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK 25 Ashbrook, Ennis Road, Limerick ORCHESTRA contact Deirdre Hanley / tel 061-455390

WIRED F M Mary Immaculate College, South Circular Road, Limerick contact Nessa McGann tel 061-315773 / fax 315776 / e-mail [email protected]

64 Limerick Arts Strategy