Decade of Centenaries 2012-2023 2021 Programme Contents
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
Decade of Centenaries 2012-2023 2021 Programme Contents Foreword from the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media 3 Context from the Chair of the Expert Advisory Group (EAG) on Centenary Commemorations 4 Decade of Centenaries Programme 2021 5 Objectives of the Programme 6 Themes under the Programme 7 Strands of the Programme 8 STATE CEREMONIAL STRAND 9 HISTORICAL STRAND 10 COMMUNITY STRAND 27 CREATIVE IMAGINATION STRAND 38 Key contacts and resources 45 click here on each image in the Programme for caption/credit information’ | Page 2 Foreword I am very pleased to present The State’s role is to set a measured, inclusive and The commemorative programme for 2021 the Decade of Centenaries sensitive tone; to faithfully present our history, is supported with a budget of €5 million – a Programme for 2021. even when the historical record is distressing. significant increase of €3 million on last year’s We must also reflect on the great tragedy of all of funding allocation. those who died or whose lives were transformed We have, as all readers will be acutely The programme acknowledges both the because of the events that took place during those aware, now entered the most challenging military aspects as well as the constitutional years. and sensitive period of commemoration, parliamentary traditions and the democratic which includes the Struggle for Historical accuracy, academic integrity, and processes underpinning all traditions on this Independence, Partition, the Foundation archival discovery are key tenets of the island. It explores the social, cultural, and of the State and the Civil War. My commemorative programme, which follows closely economic changes that were taking place during responsibility, as Minister for Tourism, the centenary timeline of the events that occurred this period. It highlights the contribution of Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, in this period. women during this time and their experiences. is to ensure that this complex period The programme will be a living document, Our revolutionary past poses challenging in our history is remembered with an updated as plans continue to evolve and new questions. The Government’s approach, in appropriate, meaningful, proportionate partnerships and projects are confirmed. considering how best to mark the sensitive and sensitive programme, which recognises forthcoming anniversaries in an appropriate, The history of this period belongs to all of us the legitimacy of all traditions, and values measured and respectful way, has at all times and I would like to sincerely thank everyone mutual respect and historical authenticity. been informed and guided by the Expert Advisory who has contributed to the programme – our The guidance of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations, under the local authorities, local community groups and Group on Centenary Commemorations excellent stewardship of Dr Maurice Manning and commemorative committees, National Cultural is clear - the focus of the State should Dr Martin Mansergh. I would like to express my Institutions, institutions of learning, custodians remain on commemoration, remembrance appreciation to the Group for this very important of records, artists and creative communities, and reconciliation. It is important to work. I am reconvening the All-Party Consultation media and broadcasting organisations, among acknowledge that this does not mean that Group on Commemorations and I look forward to others. The commitment, enthusiasm, and we ignore differences or divisions. The engaging with the Group on the Programme. ambition of our partners has created engaging journey towards self-determination and and imaginative activities to encourage as many There are many ways of learning about our past nationhood was a complex and difficult one, people as possible to explore our shared history, and this programme seeks to make our history interspersed with acts of unprecedented in all of its complexity, in a respectful and accessible, engaging and relevant for everyone. violence and tragedy. supportive environment. In this programme you will find a rich diversity of initiatives to remember and commemorate Catherine Martin, TD the significant events that occurred in 1921 and important broader themes. Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media | Page 3 Context from the Chair of the Expert Advisory Group (EAG) on Centenary Commemorations When the then Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, ‘... not by trying for an enforced common interest Our local authorities have been Terrible atrocities took place during established the Expert Advisory Group on or universal participation, but by encouraging magnificent partners in this regard these years, which must be considered Centenary Commemorations in 2012, he multiple and plural commemorations, which – driving and supporting respectful very carefully, grounded in the evidence gave us two over-riding instructions. remember the past while ensuring, as far as and meaningful community-led of factual, authentic archival sources. possible, that the commemoration does not re- commemorations, with sensitivity to the Commemoration does not signify The first was to safeguard the integrity ignite old tensions’... local context. celebration and inclusivity does not imply of the entire commemorative process approval of the events that took place. - ensuring that the Decade belonged It is fair to say, I think, that the past eight years As a people, we were rightly proud of to the people and that there would of commemoration have been both rewarding how we commemorated the events of We all have a responsibility to continue be no manipulation for political or and enjoyable. There is, as yet, no sense of 1916 - with style, generosity, pride and our exploration of our past with other purposes - whether it came from commemoration fatigue, notwithstanding kindness. We became a people at ease sensitivity, curiosity and empathy; Government or other vested interests. the challenges presented by the evolving with our own history – moving beyond our embracing all of its nuances and COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the own particular perspective to view events complexities in an inclusive and respectful The second was to lay down guiding Decade, there has been strong buy-in from all objectively. manner. These are fragile times, where principles and values to ensure that the stakeholders across the political, community, extreme language and posturing can historical events to be remembered were Most importantly of all, we appreciated education and enterprise sectors and in cause so much hurt, bitterness and harm, authentic, and that the commemorative the space and respect given to voices the global Irish community. The opening undoing the generous, collaborative spirit programme was respectful, sensitive, who perhaps could not speak freely of archives and the busy burrowing of of the past few years. It will be a shame citizen-focused and proportionate. before, who now had the freedom to historians - professional and amateur - is - and shameful - if the spirit of openness commemorate their own traditions as In going about our work, we were very giving new insights, new knowledge and a and tolerance which has made all of this part of the various strands that make our conscious that on this island we have new appreciation of the complexities of this possible is fractured and damaged. We all common history. a common history but not a common period. have a responsibility to ensure that this is memory of these shaping events. It is my fervent hope that this genuinely not allowed to happen. We have also seen unprecedented public inclusive spirit, with the principles We were very clear, in all of our engagement and pride in the exploration In all that we do, we must continue to and values that have shaped the statements, that commemorations should of history, particularly local and family strive for respectful, measured, non- commemorative process up to now, will not ignore differences and divisions. The history. We have seen the extraordinary partisan remembrance, which promotes continue to prevail, especially as we goal of inclusiveness, we said, is best capacity of local communities to mobilise and peace and reconciliation across the island continue to face into remembrance of the achieved; achieve successful outcomes when the right of Ireland. Struggle for Independence, Partition, the structures and supports are put in place to Foundation of the State and the Civil War. combine our individual efforts, expertise and creativity. Dr Maurice Manning Chair of the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations | Page 4 Impact of the Decade of Centenaries COVID-19 national Programme 2021 emergency The on-going COVID-19 national emergency has significantly impacted In 2021, the State will commemorate a number of significant centenaries, culminating in the upon the usual Decade of Centenaries signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty on 6th December, leading into the Civil War period. programme delivery mechanisms with the cancellation or postponement of public commemorative events and associated This is likely to be the most challenging period 2021 is the beginning of a final three-year outreach activities. This was particularly of the Decade of Centenaries Programme programme of the Decade of Centenaries. It challenging in 2020 with significant plans to date. The Government’s approach to this is envisaged that this will allow a more holistic This is likely to be for Cork City and County Programmes