“...NEW SHAPES NEW BEGINNINGS” Eileen Casey

OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL ARTS PLAN 1 PLEAN EALAÍONA CHONTAE UÍBH FHAILÍ 2007–2011 PAGE Left: Shannonbridge Midsummer Music Festival 2006. Photography Philip Casey.

Exiting in a bubble of air she saw how the sky exploded into fireworks and she saw shapes, NEW SHAPES NEW BEGINNINGS. She saw red clouds red smoke coming from red cradles of shells, a tide of red rising.

Extract from The Mermaid Eileen Casey 2007 EILEEN CASEY IS A POET, WRITER AND JOURNALIST FROM OFFALY. 2 PAGE 2

Cover: Lough Boora Sculpture in the Parklands, Winter Morning. Photography Kevin O’Dwyer. Inside Cover: The Scriptorium Project, Book, Jorn Ronnau, Aras an Chontae, 2006. Photography Andy Mason. Opposite: Sorcha O’Raghallaigh, Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival, 2006. Photography Carolina Gustavsson. CONTENTS SECTION 1 Introduction ...... 4 Profile & Context ...... 6 The Purpose of the Arts Plan ...... 7 Our Intentions ...... 8 Our Guiding Values ...... 9 Monitoring & Evaluation ...... 9 Who is this Plan for? ...... 10 The Arts Service in Offaly County Council ...... 11 How this Plan will be Resourced ...... 12 In Partnership with the Arts Council ...... 12 SECTION 2 2.1 CAPACITY &AUDIENCE BUILDING ...... 14 2.1.1 Supporting the Individual Artist ...... 14 2.1.1.1 Support to Artists Scheme ...... 15 2.1.1.2 Bursaries ...... 15 2.1.1.3 Training/Mentoring ...... 15 2.1.1.4 Showcase ...... 15

2.1.2 Arts Activity ...... 17 2.1.2.1 Festivals & Events ...... 17 2.1.2.2 Arts in Education ...... 18 2.1.2.3 Community Amateur & Voluntary Arts ...... 21

2.1.3 Arts in Health ...... 22 2.1.3.1 Anam Beo ...... 23 2.1.3.2 Musicians in Residence ...... 23

2.2 TOWARDS A CULTRAL INFRASTRUCTURE ...... 24 2.2.1 New Developments ...... 25 2.2.1.1 An Arts Space in Tullamore ...... 25 2.2.1.2 A Civic Space in Edenderry ...... 25

2.2.2 Existing Developments ...... 26 2.2.2.1 Birr Theatre & Arts Centre ...... 26 2.2.2.2 Belmont Mills ...... 27 2.2.2.3 Lough Boora Sculpture in the Parklands ...... 28 2.2.2.4 Small Spaces ...... 29

2.3 MAKING THE ARTS VISIBLE ...... 30 3 2.3.1 Public Art ...... 30 PAGE PAGE 2.3.2 Developing Art Forms ...... 32 2.3.2.1 Drama ...... 32 2.3.2.2 Visual Art ...... 34 2.3.2.3 Literature ...... 35 2.3.2.4 Music ...... 36 2.3.2.5 Dance ...... 37 2.3.2.6 Film ...... 38 2.3.3 A Regional Outlook ...... 39

APPENDIX ...... 40 Above: Cathaoirleach Gerard Killally, Cllr. County Manager Pat Gallagher, Opposite: ‘Clop’ installation by Caelan Bristow & & Arts Week Birr Vintage Nick Ward, Festival, 2006. Photography Carolina Gustavsson. County Manager 1 April 2007 Cathaoirleach Cllr. Gerard Killally Gerard Cllr. Pat Gallagher INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION and staffOn behalf of the members of Offaly County Council we are delighted to introduce this arts2007 to 2011. plan for the county for the years provision for the arts to grow and develop has continued Offaly Council’s County Plan and County context of both the Councils Corporate in recent years in the Plan. One of the primary Strategic objectives in both of Development Board’s of a comprehensive artsthese plans is the preparation plan that would take stock date and to strategically plan for future artsof the developments to provision. There is no doubt that the Arts Service provides a positive way for the Council to impact of the artscreatively engage with the community and the in the wider context of the county is widely recognised. of the economic social and cultural development Through the support of this plan, Offaly for the implementation County Council wish to promote We citizens of Offaly. aspires to improve the quality of life of the value of the artsan appreciation and understanding of the in the community and to be inclusive in providing opportunities to access and participate in the arts. warmly welcome this publication and assure the people of Offaly of the full We support of Offaly Council in striving towards the attainment of its actions County and objectives. SECTION SECTION

SECTION 1 2PAGE 4 PAGE 5 SECTION 1 Lough Boora Sculpture in the Parklands. Photography Tom Egan.

PROFILE & CONTEXT Offaly is one of four “Midland” counties and a county in transition. The northeastern part of the county is tracts of bogland dominate the county, the of the arts. This is the most significant first situated within the commuter belt of Dublin population is largely centred around towns. step towards the democratisation of the

SECTION with the southern and western parts Offaly is linked regionally with Laois, arts nationally. In this plan Offaly County bordering the Slieve Bloom Mountains Westmeath and Longford, with many Council sets out how it will respond to this and the Shannon River. The towns of organisations working on a regional level increased mandate through its own policies 1 Edenderry, with its rapidly increasing in recognition of their unique location: the and actions and through its strategic PAGE population and Birr in the southern part of HSE, Midland Regional Authority, VEC relationship with local and national bodies

6 the county are largely isolated from each Midland Arts Education Office and such as: the Arts Council, the Department other. Tullamore the county town is a busy Midlands 103. of Arts, Sports and Tourism, The Department commercial centre; it forms an integral As a result of the Arts Act 2003 local of Environment, Heritage and Local part of the NSS Linked Gateway Initiative government has for the first time been Government, The National Roads Authority with the other Midland towns of Athlone given a legal mandate to plan for the arts. (Per Cent for Art schemes), The Health and Mullingar. The population of Offaly is Whilst funding of the arts remains a Services Executive, the VEC, the County circa 70,000 and growing with the last reserved rather than a statutory function, the Development Board, the County Enterprise census showing an increase in population 2003 Act recognises the unique leadership Board, Community Forum and Area of 10.5% in 4 years. Because expansive role of local authorities in the development Development Management Groups. THE PURPOSE OF THE ARTS PLAN “Offaly County Council aims to provide leadership in quality, inclusive and innovative experiences of the arts for all and to demonstrate through best practice and partnership the benefits of increased access to and involvement in the arts for all our citizens.”

““arts” means any creative or interpretative expression “That all people in Offaly will enjoy equal opportunity and a (whether traditional or contemporary) in whatever form, and good quality of life that they will look forward to the future includes in particular, visual arts, theatre, literature, with confidence while cherishing the past.” music, dance, opera, film, circus and architecture, and A strategy for Economic, Social and Cultural Development 2002–2012 includes any medium when used for those purposes.” Offaly County Development Board Arts Act 2003 “To improve the quality of life for people in Offaly.” “To facilitate the creativity, imagination, talent and traditions Offaly Local Authorities Mission Statement 2005–2009 of all people in Offaly, and the modes through which they “Offaly Local Authorities aim to be recognised for the care are expressed.” and the respect given to each and every user of our services by every member of our organisation.” Corporate Plan 2005–2009 THE PURPOSE OF THIS PLAN IS: To provide a structure for the Arts Office in Offaly County Council to deliver its service within the overall framework and policies of the local authority To articulate Offaly County Council’s priorities for the arts for 2007–2011. 1 SECTION 7 PAGE PAGE

Reading Fire Writing Flame by Eileen Casey, Áras An Chontae, 2007. Photography Andy Mason. OUR INTENTION

To encourage, promote and be a catalyst for the growth of the arts in the county.

To foster and encourage increased access to and participation in the arts by all sectors of the community.

To encourage the development of audiences for and awareness and appreciation of the arts.

To utilise confirmed funding for the arts through the government per cent for arts scheme and create an imaginative, innovative and co-ordinated public art programme.

To recognise the importance of the artist in the community and to make Offaly an imaginative and supportive environment for artists.

To further develop the skills and capacity of the local arts sector and to support increased professional standards.

To consolidate existing partnerships and SECTION develop new ones in the provision of arts activity in the county. Above: A Painting by Nancy Walsh, Birr Community Nursing Unit. Photography Andy Mason. 1

PAGE To build on the existing infrastructure for Opposite: Offaly Youth Dance Company. the arts. Photography Andy Mason. 8 OUR GUIDING VALUES MONITORING & EVALUATION Quality We aim to encourage and promote standards of excellence in artistic endeavour through our support for existing and new arts initiatives and through the provision Accountability and transparency are essential elements of local of a varied and inclusive programme for the arts throughout the authority service provision. The Arts Office will carry out the objectives and actions in this plan over a five-year period. This will

county. 1 be implemented through annual service plans and we will monitor and evaluate each programme element on an ongoing basis. Inclusion We aim to afford the widest possible access to and inclusion in all artistic endeavours within the county SECTION to all members of the community. Annual service indicators will be the measure of 9

the Arts Plan’s success as well as a complete PAGE Capacity We aim to build the capacity of artists, arts organisations and community groups to lead high quality arts and independent evaluation of this plan in initiatives. We see this as a strategic investment leading to preparation for the next. active citizenship, social profit and community development. This plan is inclusive of all people of all cultures and social standing in Offaly, from pre-school to our most senior of citizens.

Musician in Residence, Noel O’Farrell in Birr Community Nursing Unit, 2007. Photography Andy Mason.

WHO IS THIS PLAN FOR?

OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL on a voluntary level. Their contribution to quality and accessibility of the arts in their So that Offaly County Council can the growth of the arts in the county is lives at whatever level interests them. authoritatively and persuasively present fundamental and we recognise, support Young People its vision for the arts to its local and and encourage their endeavours in ways Children have the most fertile of imaginations that will help sustain existing initiatives and national readers and can demonstrate and have no fear of expressing themselves. promote new ones. how it will behave most effectively in its Too often this is not promoted and encouraged enough into older childhood own operations and in developing and Community, Amateur & Voluntary Groups and teens and young people’s interest in consolidating relationships with key There are 181 groups registered with the being creative peters out. This is evident in local and national organisations. Community Forum in the county, most of the low take up in Offaly of creative career which run projects and events to foster THIS WILL IMPACT ON: choices in third level education. This plan community growth and the spirit of Professional Artists aims to encourage and validate creative volunteerism. Participation in the arts is being Professional or semi-professional artists: interest and self-expression in our youth. increasingly used in aspects of this work. those whose careers are entirely in the arts Senior Citizens and those who also augment their income The General Public as an Audience Senior citizens represent a growing

SECTION with another activity related to the arts, (e.g. & a Participator proportion of our population and while many tutors). These are cornerstones of a Many people who may claim to have no may be experiencing the arts for the first creative and vibrant community. Without interest in the arts are in fact already time (as a result of programmes supported by 1 artists in our community to provide

PAGE participating in artistic activity. They may Offaly County Council Arts Office), many stimulation and inspiration, the quality of be avid readers, cinema buffs, festival others have already demonstrated creative

10 our lives would be greatly diminished. goers, music fans or performers or parents skills which can be passed on to new Arts Organisations, Managers of children participating in workshops. generations. By providing opportunities & Project Initiators This plan is also for them. They are the for them we can create new ways for These sectors are the most active in audience, the appreciators and the older people to develop personally and developing the arts in Co. Offaly mostly participants and the plan will affect the contribute to the community. THE ARTS SERVICE IN OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL

Offaly County Council recognises the importance of the arts in developing vibrant and creative communities. It believes the best way to achieve this is to empower, support and resource individuals, groups and organisations to achieve their best potential, so that their continued achievements are sustainable into the future.

The Arts Service in Offaly County Council was established in The Arts Office is staffed by one full time Arts Officer and one full 1996. A two-year arts plan was developed in 1997. That plan, time Clerical Officer and is part of the Housing, Social and while it was available to the public on request was not Cultural Directorate. It has an integral role in the Housing, Social published. In the intervening years, the Arts Service has and Cultural Strategic Policy Committee whose function is to experienced some inconsistency due to a high turnover of develop strategic policies to reflect the growing commitments of personnel and consequent gaps in the service. the County Council. However a number of professional and amateur arts initiatives Offaly County Council recognises the need to maximise limited have continued to develop in a vulnerable local arts climate. resources to ensure sustainable developmental arts provision for There is a high level of energy and innovation in arts activity in the county. It will ensure that the focus of the service is to plan the county and much of this work has not yet been made visible strategically for developmental actions while at the same time or fully tapped into by the local authority. Artists, arts stimulating arts activity, based on the goals and intentions set organisations and arts groups have not yet had access to a out earlier. consistent local resource and have a lot to gain from more consistent interventions and partnerships.

In Offaly the role of the arts service has been defined as follows:

A developmental and advisory role to promote the growth Promoting the development of an infrastructure across the of the arts in the county. county of places and spaces where people can have

access to and participate in the arts. 1 Formulating local policy and plans and integrating national policy into best practice principles for the Developing ways to provide accessible information on the

development of the arts on a local level. arts in the county. SECTION

Supporting and providing funding opportunities for Consolidating existing partnerships and developing new 11

individual artists and groups, (professional amateur and ones for the provision of a strategic arts programme in the PAGE voluntary) of all disciplines. county. HOW THIS PLAN WILL BE RESOURCED

Offaly County Development Board Strategy 2002–2012 OBJECTIVE: That the role of the arts office be resourced and expanded to meet identified needs ACTION: Recognise the role of the arts office as being more developmental in intent and strategic in its operation and identify resources and implement programmes/actions that reflect such.

Over the period of this plan and into the future and in tandem with the growth of the arts both locally and nationally Offaly County Council will support and strengthen the Arts Office in order to effectively deliver a quality service.

OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL AIMS TO DEVELOP THE CAPACITY OF THE ARTS OFFICE BY Exploring and agreeing new approaches to staffing both internally and in partnership with the Arts Council. Creating and seeking additional financial resources to meet demands and needs.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ARTS COUNCIL

“The Arts Council has a responsibility to take an overview of the context of the County Arts Plan. The Arts Office makes an the needs of the arts, to identify changes needed and annual application to the Arts Council for funding for planned champion these robustly, rigorously and in partnership with programmes. Funding is then granted in line with common

SECTION the arts community.” (Arts Council, Partnership for the Arts 2006–10) strategic objectives. The Arts Council is a national organisation linked to central The Arts Council also provides separate grants to individual

1 government and is the main policy maker and funder of the arts artists and arts organisations through its own funding schemes. PAGE nationally. It carries out research and publishes information on The Arts Council is committed to working towards developing its best practise methods and provides advice and information to relationship and partnership with Offaly County Council. 12 arts organisations. Offaly County Council Arts Office aims to work with the Arts The role of the Arts Council in Offaly is one of partnership with Council to extend and enhance people’s experience of the arts in Offaly County Council. It provides programme funding through the county and to support the provision of an effective arts the County Arts Office in line with annual service plans and in infrastructure. SECTION 2

THERE IS ONE KEY OVER ARCHING THEME: To work with others in the creation of DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC AIM 2.1 STRATEGIC AIM 2.2 STRATEGIC AIM 2.3 AREAS Capacity & Towards a Cultural Making the Arts Audience Building Infrastructure Visible an imaginative,

2.1.1. Supporting the Individual Artist vibrant and

2.1.2 Arts Activity sustainable arts

2.1.3 Arts in Health environment 2.2.1 New Developments in Offaly 2.2.2 Existing Developments

2.3.1 Public Art

2.3.2 Developing Art Forms 2 2.3.3 A Regional Outlook Millennium Puppet Festival, Birr, 2000. SECTION HOW TO READ THIS SECTION 13 Section 1 has dealt with the context, purpose, role and intentions of this arts plan, Section 2 will lay out a strategy for delivering on the arts in the coming years as follows. PAGE

THERE ARE THREE UNDERPINNING STRATEGIC AIMS THERE ARE EIGHT AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT 2.1 Capacity and Audience Building 1. Supporting the Individual Artist 5. Existing developments 2.2 Towards a Cultural Infrastructure 2. Arts Activity 6. Public Art 2.3 Making the Arts Visible 3. Arts in Health 7. Developing Art Forms 4. New developments 8. A Regional Outlook CAPACITY & AUDIENCE BUILDING CAPACITY 2.1

PAGE 2.1.1 SUPPORTING THE INDIVIDUAL ARTIST

14 Artists living and working in the county are the cornerstones to creating and developing a vibrant arts environment. Offaly County Council recognises the value of supporting, encouraging and promoting the endeavours of individual artists, both in the pursuit of their careers and in their integration into the overall fabric of the county’s artistic wealth. It aims to achieve this with the following opportunities. 2.1.1.1 Support to Artists Scheme A funding opportunity for professional artists of all disciplines living in the county to assist them in exhibition, publication, recording or any project or endeavour proposed that will assist their professional development in their chosen art form. The number of awards will depend on resources available from year to year. The scheme will operate on a proposal basis once a year and an independent panel nominated by Offaly County Council will assess all applications.

2.1.1.2 Bursaries Opportunities for professional artists based in the county to take up studio residencies in centres of national significance such as The Tyrone Guthrie Centre in Annaghmakerrig (one bursary per year) and Belmont Mills Studios in Offaly (see 2.4). These residencies offer a place and space for artists to fully concentrate on their practice for a period of time and can often expose artists to further opportunities for professional development.

2.1.1.3 Training/Mentoring A mentoring scheme for visual artists took place in 2006, and involved one to one dialogue

sessions with a mentor with considerable professional experience in the visual arts. Further to this the AUDIENCE BUILDING Arts Service will look at other appropriate and sustainable ways to develop training and mentoring

to meet the needs that artists of all disciplines in the community have identified. These will focus on ACITY & Photography Andy Mason. professional development and participatory practice. CAP 2.1 SECTION

2.1.1.4 Showcase 15

The Atrium at Áras an Chontae offers a contemporary space suitable for the exhibition of work PAGE

appropriate to the design and scale of the space. Opportunities will be given3 to artists to stage solo exhibitions and to participate in group shows in line with the adopted exhibition policy for the space PAGE PAGE and with the resources available. Opportunities will arise through the Support to Artists scheme on an application basis. The Arts Office will also use the space to showcase projects and exemplary practice in the arts, selected in line with its overall objectives. CAPACITY & AUDIENCE BUILDING CAPACITY 2.1 PAGE 16

Millennium Puppet Festival, Birr, 2000. 2.1.2 ARTS ACTIVITY

2.1.2.1 Festivals & Events Festivals and other arts events provide an opportunity for audiences to have access to and participate in the arts in informal and innovative ways. Offaly County Council acknowledges the immense voluntary commitment to developing these events and the importance of encouraging and protecting these endeavours. In addition it recognises the importance of these events to the local economy and to artists practising in the county.

The following festivals receive support from the Arts Office: Shinrone Poetry Awards Bealtaine Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival Phoenix Festival Slieve Bloom Storytelling Festival Tullamore International Summer Organ Series

Shannonbridge Midsummer Music Festival AUDIENCE BUILDING Offaly Fleadh Cheoil

Over the course of the plan the arts office will, & CAPACITY 2.1 Further assist these events to develop quality arts programming and build audiences for the arts by providing funding (on a proposal basis), advice SECTION and information. 17 Advise in the quality of presentation and promotion of the events both

locally and nationally. PAGE Encourage the establishment of new arts events and festivals around the county and provide advice and support to the voluntary effort in the host communities. 2.1.2 ARTS ACTIVITY 2.1.2.2 Arts in Education

The arts in an education context provide an important portal to a greater understanding of the value and diversity of the arts and to instilling confidence in participating and perhaps following a career in the arts. Offaly County Council recognises the value of promoting an increase in and a greater quality of activity in this area. In this way, it provides opportunities for professional artists interested in passing on their skills and knowledge and to share those skills with local communities.

Artists in Schools A professional artist undertaking a short residency in a school can help both students and staff expand their knowledge of and skills in the arts within the context of a defined project. It is important in this scheme that the artist is not seen as an art teacher but as someone who brings their particular skills and concepts to a new audience – the staff and students of the school.

To promote the arts in this context Offaly County Council The Arts Office will provide support and funding to The will develop ways in which artists can engage with Primary Floating Theatre Project which will engage with schools Schools. In a pilot scheme in 2006, 4 artists in the county along the Grand Canal and Shannon waterways in the each devised and carried out a project in a primary school county. The Floating Theatre is an independent organisation local to them, in consultation with the host schools. Over operating from a converted canal barge. Each project lasts the course of this plan the Arts Office will evaluate the pilot one week and provides an opportunity for young people scheme with reference to other local authority schemes and to work together as a team with drama, music and visual CAPACITY & AUDIENCE BUILDING CAPACITY consider co-funding and monitoring up to six projects per arts to create a production which is performed to their annum as an opportunity for primary schools and artists local community. in the county. The Arts Office from time to time will consider cofunding 2.1 projects initiated by primary or secondary schools that PAGE The Arts Office will also develop links with organisations are delivered by professional artists and demonstrate

18 such as Poetry Ireland which has an existing national exceptional artistic practice and in particular offer insights education programme, in order to co-fund school visits into career possibilities in the arts. These projects must fall by professional writers. outside the regular arts and crafts activity of the school yet within the Department of Education curriculum. Above: Children giving a performance on The Floating Theatre, Banagher, 2006. Below: The converted canal barge used for The Floating Theatre. AUDIENCE BUILDING CAPACITY & CAPACITY 2.1 SECTION 19 PAGE PAGE Further Education The County Development Board in its strategy document, “Bringing the future into focus” points to the fact that “fewer people in Offaly are choosing to continue their education than in most other counties.” The arts office recognises this low take up of further education in the county and the importance of encouraging the promotion of third level education in all areas of the arts.

Offaly VEC and other local development agencies offer further education opportunities for adults and many of these are in the areas of the arts. The Arts Office will seek ways to work with these agencies to establish a common county policy in the arts.

A COUNTY DEVELOPMENT BOARD PRIORITY FOR 2006–08 STRATEGY: Co-ordinate the delivery of public CAPACITY & AUDIENCE BUILDING CAPACITY and local development services at local level KEY ACTIVITY: Develop policies to reflect coherent and strategic development of Arts, 2.1 Culture & Heritage in Offaly PAGE 20

This page: Artist in Schools pilot project, Convent of Mercy, Birr. Photography Jackie Lynch. Opposite page: Storytelling at Clara Library with Mary Arrigan. Photography Joe O’Sullivan. Voluntary Arts 2.1.2.3 2.1.2 arts. The Arts Office willworkwiththesegroupsto Office TheArts arts. These activitiesareoftenafirstpointofcontactformany peoplewiththe activity. insustainingcommunityandvoluntary experience” approachwhichisimportant development throughworkshopsandevents.Manyofthese projectsoffera“shared asatool forencouragingaco-operativespiritandpersonal groups usethearts activities.Manycommunity inawiderangeofarts to providingaccessandparticipation within acommunitysettingiscrucialingroundupapproach The developmentofthearts Establish a database of quality tutors in the county in all artistic disciplines. Establish adatabaseofquality tutorsinthecountyallartistic ActGrantsScheme. Provide assistancewithfunding throughtheArts ARTS ACTIVITY Community Amateur&

PAGE 21 SECTION 2.1 CAPACITY & AUDIENCE BUILDING 2.1.3 ARTS IN HEALTH

“Amidst all the attention given to the sciences as to how they can lead to the cure of all diseases and daily problems of mankind, I believe that the biggest breakthrough will be the realization that the arts will be recognized as the whole reason why we ever try and live longer or live more prosperously. The arts are the science of enjoying life."

Muriel Cooper, Professor of Media, Arts and Sciences at the Media Laboratory of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

It is widely recognised that the practice of the arts within health care settings can contribute greatly to the quality of life of the people involved.

Offaly County Council has already facilitated and established programmes within this context using best practice methods and partnerships to sustain the longevity of the project.

CAPACITY & AUDIENCE BUILDING CAPACITY The purpose of this programme for Offaly County Council is to set a standard in quality arts experiences in health care settings in the county, to provide professional artists with a quality sustainable 2.1 participatory arts practice and to be inclusive in PAGE making the arts accessible to all. 22

This page: Nancy Walsh, Birr Community Nursing Unit. Photography Jackie Lynch. Opposite page: Musicians in Residence, Noel O’Farrell and Suzanne Ledwith in Birr Community Nursing Unit, 2007. Photography Andy Mason. 2.1.3.1 Anam Beo

Under the guidance of an experienced mentor four artists complete the HSE came on board as a partner to continue were placed in health care settings around the county to to fund the artists in this setting for the duration of 2006. practise a participant led approach to making art. The In addition a seminar was held in Birr Theatre and Arts mentoring took place over a period of six months with the Centre in April 06, with input from state organisations on mentor visiting each artist in their setting and a series of the national perspective to discuss the extent, depth and networking meetings taking place between the mentor quality of the practice of arts in health in the county. This and the artists. served to validate the programme while also providing The Irish Wheelchair Association, Birr Community Nursing increased public awareness of the work being done. Unit, Riada House and Ofalia House each has a Over the course of this plan the Arts Office will: professional visual artist who works for a number of hours a week with residents and users to help each participant Firmly establish Anam Beo in partnership with the find their own unique creative voice. Evaluations have HSE to ensure its continuation into the future. established that this programme, now titled Anam Beo Establish ways in which more artists of varying (lively spirit), can have a huge impact on individual disciplines can be guided to participate in this project. responses and personal confidence. Evaluate the programme on an ongoing basis and The use of quality materials and a high standard of develop new aspects as required. presentation of artwork is an important aspect of this Establish partnerships with national organisations programme in order to highlight the excellence of the like IMMA (the Irish Museum of Modern Art) Music work created and the value of the programme for the Network etc. to further enhance the experience of the participants, staff and support families. participants and to link in with national programmes. The first exhibition of work made by the participants in this Professionally mount an annual exhibition of work programme, entitled Lifescapes was held in Áras an Chontae by participants and investigate other avenues of in May 2006. Before the six-month programme was promotion, documentation and dissemination. AUDIENCE BUILDING

2.1.3.2 Musicians in Residence & CAPACITY 2.1 Midland Partnership for Arts in Health, a regional partnership group between Offaly, Laois, Westmeath and Longford County Councils, the HSE Midland Region, Music SECTION

Network and the Arts Council was established in 2006. 23

Its current aims are to bring quality music experience to the PAGE residents and users of all the elderly care units in the Midlands. Through the mechanism of a residency, professional musicians will deliver a live music programme and encourage participation and creativity in music. This programme which has already been piloted and evaluated will be in place for 06 and 07 and over the course of this plan it will receive on-going monitoring by all partners. Reading Fire, Writing Flame by Eileen Casey, Áras an Chontae, 2007. Photography Andy Mason.

Infrastructure refers to places and spaces across the county where artists and audiences can have access to and participate in the arts

TOWARDS A CULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE A CULTURAL TOWARDS and covers venues, galleries and studios. These spaces provide a focal point for the arts and a platform from 2.2

PAGE which audiences can have access to a diverse range of 24 quality national, international and local arts experiences. 2.2.1 NEW DEVELOPMENTS “The lessons of new town developments in recent decades have reinforced the need to pay due attention to recreational and community facilities, including arts/cultural provision when engaged in urban development that will fundamentally transform a town.” Developing the arts in Offaly/part three: The Arts Report"

2.2.1.1 An Arts Space in Tullamore Tullamore is the county town of Offaly with an urban population clear expression of the commitment to make high quality arts of 10,907 and a hinterland population of 23,280. The rural experiences accessible to the citizens of Offaly.” population around Tullamore has risen dramatically in the past In the course of this development Offaly County Council will four years by 118% and is likely to increase further over the continue to support the growth of Birr Theatre and Arts Centre coming years as the town continues to expand as part of the and protect it from being adversely affected by any new arts National Development Plan Linked Gateway Initiative. space in the county. The growth of any community creates consequential infrastructural Offaly County Council is committed to developing an Arts Centre development needs. Catering for the diverse cultural development in Tullamore and over the course of this plan the Arts Office will of the town is essential to ensure that a sense of community act in an advisory capacity with all stakeholders: continues to thrive. To reach an agreed commitment and shared vision. The adopted report “Developing the Arts in Offaly” outlines a key TURAL INFRASTRUCTURE recommendation that: “A dedicated arts building in the county To identify resources, capital and ongoing revenue costs. town needs to be designed and operated in a fashion that is a To identify spatial needs and facilities required. TOWARDS A CUL TOWARDS

2.2.1.2 A Civic Space in Edenderry 2.2 Edenderry, much like Tullamore is a town in transition Over the course of this plan the Arts Office will: experiencing substantial growth in population in recent years. SECTION Advise on how the arts can be facilitated and integrated Edenderry’s location on the Northeast corner of Offaly, only 38 25 into any new civic facility in Edenderry. miles from Dublin firmly establishes it within the capital’s PAGE PAGE commuter belt. Its civic infrastructure is currently underdeveloped Support and promote community and youth arts activity and and there is an urgent need for co-ordinated and strategic encourage and support the growth of new arts groups and intervention to address this situation while the town is undergoing organisations which would benefit from the development of a surge in growth. a civic facility. 2.2.2 EXISTING DEVELOPMENTS

The following are three professional arts organisations in the county already working 2.2.2.1 in partnership with Offaly County Council. Birr Theatre & Arts Centre They have considerable expertise in direction, management and project delivery. It is the Built originally as a theatre in 1888, Oxmantown Hall remained an intention of the Arts Office to develop their active venue until the 1950’s. It was then used for a number of other capacity to achieve increased independence and purposes and fell into disrepair until the 1990’s when Birr Stage Guild set about reclaiming it as a theatre. The community and Offaly also build sustainable funding relationships with County Council bought the building in partnership with a number of other bodies. private patrons in 1996 and it reopened its doors fully restored and refurbished in 1999. Due to the considerable costs involved in procuring and refurbishing the building to a high standard, Offaly County Council recognises that the theatre is operating with a substantial debt which is continuously being reduced by voluntary community action. It is the intention of Offaly County Council that this debt be cleared through development levies over the course of this plan. Today Birr Theatre and Arts Centre is run as a company limited by guarantee with a Board of Directors which consists of councillors, community representatives and members of Birr Stage Guild. It has one full time venue manager and three part time administration and technical support staff. Salaried staff are currently paid under Pobal (formerly the Social Economy Programme). Front of house is operated on a voluntary basis.

TOWARDS A CULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE A CULTURAL TOWARDS Over the course of this plan the arts office will act in a consultative way to increase the capacity of the venue to: Achieve independent and increased revenue support from Offaly County Council, the Arts Council and other bodies as 2.2

PAGE appropriate. Secure the salaries of staff under a sustainable 26 programme/funding scheme Develop the professional arts programming and capacity use of the venue to a high standard. Develop the theatre further as a resource for outreach and community arts projects. Birr Theatre & Arts Centre. Develop audiences on a local, regional and national level. 2.2.2.2 both localandvisiting arenowutilisingthefacility. already beendeveloped toahighstandard and manyartists A numberofstudiosandavariety oflivingaccommodationhas CountyCouncil. hasbeenrecognisedbyOffaly in Offaly potential forthisdevelopmentto haveahugeimpactonthearts 1998. With35,000squarefeet ofspaceona3-acresitethe spaces,boughttheseoldbuildings in gallery/performance and studios,apartments restoring themtoaccommodateartists’ Mills. Tom DolanandSandyLloyd,whohaveslowlybeen Westvillage intheNorth Flour ofthecountyareoldPerry Situated alongthebanksofRiverBrosnainanattractive Belmont Mill Artists Studios Belmont MillArtists Over the course of this plan the Arts Office willadviseon: Office Over thecourseofthisplanArts CountyCouncil. CouncilandOffaly oftheArts support both locallyandnationallywiththe been establishedforartists To developandpromotethisspaceanumberofbursarieshave for further development. for further Identifying potential capitalfundingopportunities Making linkstonationalcultural institutions. artists The promotionofthefacilitytointernational other localauthorities with bursariesinpartnership The developmentoffurther The buildingofsustainablefunding relationships Photography Tom Dolan. Studios. Belmont MillArtists

PAGE 27 SECTION 2.2 TOWARDS A CULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE 2.2.2 EXISTING DEVELOPMENTS 2.2.2.3 Lough Boora Sculpture in the Parklands

Sculpture in the Parklands, set in the cutaway bog of Lough Boora began as an international sculpture symposium in 2002. Seven Irish and international sculptors were commissioned to create works of art that responded to the rich natural and industrial legacy of the peatlands during a three-week residency. The works created over this time form the nucleus of the project and since then artists have been commissioned each year to respond with visual and conceptual interpretations of the geography, landscape and industrial heritage of the area.

The vision of Sculpture in the Parklands is to continue to invite artists to create significant site-specific works of art whilst living in the community as artists in residence. In addition to permanent sculpture and time-based work, the project has a commitment to commission video artists, composers, choreographers and performance artists to interpret and document this unique landscape, folklore and industrial history. Sculpture in the Parklands has worked in partnership with Bórd na Móna, Lough Boora Parklands Group, Offaly County Council and the Arts Council in the development of this unique sculpture park. The project received the prestigious Business 2 Arts Award in 2003. Over the course of this plan we aim to work with the project in

TOWARDS A CULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE A CULTURAL TOWARDS line with its own development plan 2005-08 and with future plans and initiatives and to increase its capacity to: Develop sustainable funding relationships and source and provide funding for the residencies. 2.2 PAGE Explore the use of the per cent for art scheme as a means

28 of creating a gateway piece to the park. Develop a sustainable education and workshop programme for use by schools, the community and visitors. Promote the Parklands as a key national and international art destination for significant land art. 2.2.2.4 Small Spaces

Crothú Birr Tin Jug Studio Birr Bramber Studio Shinrone Glasshammer Studios Rhode Burns Cottage Gallery Edenderry

These spaces are privately owned working spaces and studios, which from time to time are open to the public for workshops, talks and exhibitions. Studios like these offer informal opportunities for the public to have access to and participate in the arts and are important local resources in developing an awareness and appreciation of the work of the artist in the community. The Arts Act Grant Scheme will provide an opportunity to support and promote the endeavours of these arts spaces as they continue to develop and demonstrate a high quality of artistic practice to their communities.

We will also consider the benefit and viability of promoting the use of some empty and unused buildings or rooms within as temporary arts spaces in conjunction with local artists’ networks or co-ops. TURAL INFRASTRUCTURE TOWARDS A CUL TOWARDS 2.2 SECTION 29 PAGE PAGE

A tree in a sculpture, Naomi Seiki, Sculpture in the Parklands, 2002. Photography James Fraher. Sculpture by Eileen McDonagh, Market Square, Tullamore. Photography Andy Mason.

2.3.1 PUBLIC ART

The per cent for art scheme is a government initiative established the total capital costs allocated for the creation of a work of art. in 1978 and provides opportunities for artists of all disciplines to The scope of the scheme allows for the commissioning of unique create work to exist in the public realm. Every public capital project, artworks in all artistic disciplines. The Department of the Environment

MAKING THE ARTS VISIBLE MAKING THE ARTS such as housing developments, roads, water and sewage schemes, has developed national guidelines for the use of this scheme and as well as hospitals, schools and libraries has a percentage of these will be used to develop schemes in Offaly.

2.3 “Placing art identifies public arts space at community and parish levels, where it reflects and transforms PAGE the best imaginings of local people and artists in ways and places that simply couldn’t have been

30 imagined before.” Medb Ruane, Foreword, Public Art Strategy, Group Report. making thecollectionvisibleto public. subsequently bybeingconsistent initsapplicationandcreative by adoptingapolicyonhow toexpandthecollectionand the collectionovercourseofthisplan.Thiswillbedoneinitially bothlocallyandnationallybyexpanding thearts and tosupport developthisintothefuture Itisintendedtofurther national artists. worksbybothcountyand developed asmallcollectionofart CountyCouncilhas Over thelastnumberofyearsOffaly Collection Public Art CountyCouncilwilltakethefollowingsteps: Offaly commissions. temporary will beconsidered,forqualitycontemporary, and permanent Town forms Councils.Inthedevelopment oftheschemeallarts of thisplanandintothefuturetogetherwithTullamore andBirr by thisschemeandaimstomaximiseitspotentialoverthecourse resourceoffered CountyCouncilrecognisestheimportant Offaly facilities toutilisethescheme. ofnewschoolsandhealth onthepart but thereiseagerness worksexistsinthepublicrealmaroundcounty handful ofart worksandtheuseof art hasalownationalprofileinthecommissioningofpublic Offaly of HealthandChildren. ofEducationand ScienceandDepartment as theDepartment capacity toanyotherpubliccommissionsinthecountysuch in linewithnationalguidelines.We willactinanoutreach schemesandensuretheyareruntoahighstandard cent forart We oftheEnvironment willdirectlyadministerDepartment the scheme. reflect acommitmenttoandrecognitionofthediversities We thatwill willdeveloppoliciesandcommissionartwork develop thescheme. We tofurther willpursuetheappointmentofspecialiststaff per cent for art per centforart scheme. Onlya per eo:TheClaraTriangle, Ronnau. Ronnau,2006.PhotographyJorn Jorn Below: scheme,Clara. RonnauforCluainFiapercentart Drawing byJorn

PAGE 31 SECTION 2.3 MAKING THE ARTS VISIBLE 2.3.2 DEVELOPING ART FORMS 2.3.2.1 Drama Offaly has a strong amateur theatre movement and Birr Theatre and Arts Centre facilitates groups to use its professional facilities. Birr is currently the only venue in the county available for touring theatre. It does not however form a major part of the theatre’s programme, partly due to low audience interest and the high cost of providing guarantees to visiting companies and the lack of touring companies. Recent efforts have been made to introduce professional productions to audiences in Tullamore, but the lack of a suitable facility means that this can be difficult to organise. Few productions can operate in the limited facilities available.

Drama Groups & Musical Societies Offaly Drama Project There is a wealth of established thriving drama groups and The Offaly Drama project is currently run on a biennial basis by musical societies in Offaly with a combined membership of over Birr Players and is based in Birr Theatre and Arts Centre. The project 450. Amateur drama activity attracts considerable audiences is open to all members of drama groups in the region and provides with many groups able to sell out consecutive nights of master classes from experts in their fields in all aspects of theatre in performance indicating a huge grass roots interest in the working towards a final production. The cast is selected from all dramatic arts both on a participant and on an audience level. groups and the master classes are open to all members of the cast and crew. Nationally known theatre professionals such as However, in recent years the long established Tullamore Amateur Lynne Parker, Garry Hynes, Patrick Mason, Chrissie Poulter, Dramatic Society has experienced a decline in membership and Monica Frawley and Mark Gallione have to date delivered the motivation which is felt to be mainly due to a lack of facilities for master classes. performance and rehearsal in the county town. It is worth noting that there is downward trend nationally in voluntary recreational Over the course of this plan the Arts Office will work with the theatre activity due to other lifestyle demands and the rising costs Offaly Drama Project to: of productions. Networking and the sharing of resources among Assist in securing further funding and funding partners for the groups have proved fruitful in some parts of the county and this project to ensure that professional fees are paid and that the could be encouraged more. The Arts Office over the course of project remains sustainable. this plan will: Help achieve national recognition for the project and

MAKING THE ARTS VISIBLE MAKING THE ARTS Establish whether the existing Drama Awards scheme is the resulting productions, for example by assisting the touring of best use of resources, or whether the creation of a networked the productions to other venues and festivals. event (e.g. a biennial one-act festival as part of the Offaly Drama Project) would be more effective as a way of 2.3 encouraging growth in the sector. PAGE Encourage Birr Theatre and Arts Centre to further develop an 32 audience for professional touring productions. Opposite: Opera Theatre Company’s production of Hansel & Gretel, Seek advice and support from the National Association of Birr Theatre, February 2007. Photography Patrick Redmond. Youth Drama in working towards developing a culture of Tullamore Amateur Dramatic Society, The Factory Girls 2006. youth theatre. Photography Ger Rogers. PAGE 33 SECTION 2.3 MAKING THE ARTS VISIBLE 2.3.2 DEVELOPING ART FORMS 2.3.2.2 Visual Arts Over the past number of years there has been a substantial rise in the number of professional visual artists moving into the county. With the development of Lough Boora Sculpture in the Parklands and Belmont Mill Studios there has also been an influx of visiting professional artists. The 2002 audit noted that finding suitable spaces to work in was a major priority for artists. This has changed somewhat in recent years with many artists creating adequate studio spaces at their homes. The current needs in relation to visual arts, (painting, sculpture, print, video etc) relate more to a lack of suitable contemporary spaces in which to exhibit in the county, limited access to facilities and a desire for artists to find ways to network. Áras an Chontae provides a contemporary yet challenging space suitable for exhibition. Offaly County Council has developed a policy for the use of this space and is committed to programming high quality exhibitions in line with resources available. (See also item 2.1.1.4.) However this does not change the fact that there is no professional gallery operating in the county. Birr Theatre and Arts Centre is primarily a performance venue, but it is currently exploring installations as a more appropriate use of the space for visual art, as its historical design does not meet the needs of most exhibiting artists.

MAKING THE ARTS VISIBLE MAKING THE ARTS Over the course of this plan the Arts Office will: Encourage existing festivals to programme high quality arts exhibitions.

2.3 Work with visual artists to create a culture of “open PAGE studio” occasions as a way of increasing networking opportunities and raising the public profile of professional 34 visual artists. Develop a professionally curated open submission exhibition to be held in Tullamore on an annual or biennial basis.

Encourage and support the importance of artist-led This page: Where there was grain, Caroline Conway, Woodcut print 2006 networking and a co-operative approach to information Opposite page: Waxing Lyrical by Eileen Casey. and resource sharing. Photography Andy Mason. 2.3.2.3 Literature Literary arts activity is currently based around active writers groups, one of which, the Offaly Writers Group has been active for 15 Caption for the photograph years and seen the work of many of its members published. Other literary activity exists in the context of festivals such as the Shinrone to go in here VISIBLE MAKING THE ARTS Poetry Awards and the Slieve Bloom Storytelling Festival and on a more periodic basis on the programmes of other festivals. There is also a major interest among young people and adults in creative writing, which has become evident in enquires to the Arts Office. 2.3

It is acknowledged that there is a need to raise standards of literary Publish an anthology of work by writers of all ages and SECTION appreciation and participation in the county. Over the course of this genres in the county. 35 plan the Arts Office will work with the local literary sector and Encourage the invitation of high profile writers into the with national agencies such as Poetry Ireland and the Irish county for events and occasions so as to create a greater PAGE Writers Centre to: public focus on literature. Develop a number of master classes in line with needs Foster the development of youth literature through young identified by members of writers groups in the county. writers groups and the provision of bursaries. Develop a Writers Awards Scheme to encourage excellence in creative writing. 2.3.2 DEVELOPING ART FORMS 2.3.2.4 Music

Music development in the county has to date been generated by Other needs identified for music development are to build a solid excellent independent and voluntary initiatives in the county which foundation for music to grow, and to make visible the wealth of the arts office already supports. musical talent that exists in the county. Venues for listening to live Tullamore Gramophone Society music are limited but the existing Birr Theatre and Arts Centre and Banagher Academy of Music various churches around the county offer the best platforms. Tullamore International Summer Organ Series The Arts Office will continue to work with the music sector to: Eden Chorale Establish new music initiatives which will enhance the Tullamore School of Rock and Pop experience, participation and appreciation of various genres of Tullamore Gospel Choir music (e.g. a countywide Music in Churches event.) Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Facilitate a greater networking of musicians and music In addition there are many professional musicians of all genres living resources (e.g. by supporting a dedicated website). in the county and many private music tutors working independently. Promote further high profile performances including master It is acknowledged that private music tuition is often expensive to classes and lectures that will enhance professional sustain for both the tutor and the student. Offaly County Council development and creative practice. recognises this is a weakness in music development and it will work Investigate the notable decline in town bands and potential with its regional partners to support the growth and accessibility of opportunities and resources needed to rebuild the culture in music education through the development of the regional Midland consultation with local musicians and other interested promoters. Youth Orchestra and the Midland Chamber Orchestra. (See 2.3.3)

Kinder Music The Kinder Music project (also dealt with later in section 2.3.3 as a regional project) is a music education project for pre school children and their parents. It is organised with existing parent and toddler groups through the County Childcare Committees and receives support funding from the VEC, the Local Authority and the Arts Council. The Arts Office with its partners will continue to promote the sustainability and growth of this project as a strategic phase in the development of music education regionally. MAKING THE ARTS VISIBLE MAKING THE ARTS 2.3 PAGE 36 2.3.2.5 Dance

Dance has many genres, from contemporary to ballet and traditional to hip-hop. Many private dance tutors in Offaly provide a valuable educational resource for most of these forms of dance. For the purposes of developing dance as an art form in the county, this plan will focus on contemporary dance as the most expressive, participant led and experimental form of dance. Contemporary dance is at its strongest in the south of the county where there is a long history of contemporary youth dance projects in Birr. The Dancer in Residence scheme 2005/2006 created a new momentum for the Offaly Youth Dance Company based in Birr Theatre and Arts Centre. This initiative also served to focus the theatre on its strengths as a primarily performance orientated venue. Over the course of this plan the Arts Office will ensure that: Professional dance artists are at the forefront in dance development objectives, in strengthening the current Offaly Youth Dance Company and in finding new ways to expand the company’s experience. Opportunities are developed to expand

contemporary dance participation in the centre VISIBLE MAKING THE ARTS

and north of the county. 2.3 Develop collaborative relationships and partnerships with established professional dance SECTION companies and with resource organisations that

may be willing to support selected education 37 initiatives and other services for dance in Offaly. PAGE

Opposite page: (top) Brendan Keely & Tullamore Gospel Choir. (bottom) Traditional Music at Ely House. Photography Joe O’Sullivan This page: Offaly Youth Dance Company. Photography Andy Mason. Above: ‘Pure Mule’ image courtesy of Accomplice Television Opposite page: (background) Photography Andy Mason. (top left) Midland Youth Orchestra

2.3.2 DEVELOPING ART FORMS

MAKING THE ARTS VISIBLE MAKING THE ARTS 2.3.2.6 Film

Over the past number of years Offaly has been used successfully In recognition of this resource Offaly County Council have put

2.3 and repeatedly as a location for film and drama production such forward a motion to develop film making by pursuing the PAGE as Pure Mule, Becoming Jane and Hide and Seek. In addition establishment of a film commission. Over the course of this plan

38 there are a number of professional filmmakers, screenwriters, this initiative will be developed in consultation with film professionals directors and producers as well as some emerging filmmakers from the county and with relevant national organisations in order who live in and originate from Offaly. to develop a commission that will nurture the art of film making in the county. approach to music making and appreciation. Partners include, approach tomusicmakingandappreciation.Partners led into thesesettingstoconductaprogrammeinparticipation in elderlyhealthcaresettingswhichbringsprofessionalmusicians HSE MUSICIANINRESIDENCESCHEME County Councils,theVECandChildcareCommittees. Council,Offaly, includetheArts Partners Westmeath andLongford skills andencouragesparentstomaintaintheirchild’s musicinterests. pre-school childrenandtheirparents,whichteachesbasicmusic KINDERMUSIC underpinning thevalueofthisinter-countyregionalcollaboration. onalloftheseinitiatives andpartners Councilsupports phase. TheArts A numberofinitiativesarealreadyinplaceoratadevelopmental this partnership. projectsandprogrammeswhichwilldeliveron strategic partner Identity andwilloverthecourseofthisplanrolloutanumber vision ofdevelopingandstrengtheningaMidlandCultural inthefourCountyCouncilsarecommittedto Offices The Arts beyond countyborders. Midlands103FMetc.,allofwhichoperate Education Office, Regional Authority, HSEMidlandRegion,VECArts existence ofagenciesliketheNDPGatewayInitiative,Midland strengthenedbythe development oftheMidlandregionisfurther The alreadyintrinsicallylinkedbothsociallyandeconomically. are anaturalneatconfigurationandidentity four smallcountiesform neighbours Laois,Westmeath andLongford.Geographicallythese hascloselinkswithits As asmallcountyintheMidlands,Offaly 2.3.3 A REGIONALOUTLOOK A participative musiceducationprogrammefor A participative A musicprogramme of eachlocalauthority. programmes inlinewiththesharedvisionsandstrategicobjectives continue toexploreanddeveloptheseprojectsothernew Over thecourseofthisplan,inter-countycollaborationwill professional musictutorsintheMidlands. thenucleusofanincreasednumber Orchestra willalsoform Hunt. ItishopedthattheestablishmentofaMidlandChamber have alreadybeenestablishedundertheguidinghandofVincent ORCHESTRA MIDLAND YOUTHORCHESTRA&CHAMBER Council. and theArts include Offaly, Laois,Westmeath andLongfordCounty Councils 3 timesayear. Thefirstissue waspublishedinJuly06.Partners projects, programmesandeventsisinitiallybeingpublished intheMidlands,whichtakesananalyticallookat about thearts MIDLAND ARTS &CULTURE MAGAZINE Council, HSEandMusicNetwork. Offaly, Laois,Westmeath andLongfordCountyCouncils, theArts The tentativebeginningsofaMidlandYouth Orchestra (See item1.3.2) A freepublication

PAGE 39 SECTION 2.3 MAKING THE ARTS VISIBLE APPENDIX The process of preparing Acknowledgements the Arts Plan Offaly County Council wishes to acknowledge all those who contributed to and participated in the development of the Arts Plan. In particular we would like to thank the November 2005 following arts community in Offaly who responded to and gave generously of their time, Research of the report Developing the Arts in experience and expertise to the development of the plan. Offaly 2002 and other local authority Arts Plans

January 2006 Attracta Brady, Peter Brady, Philip Brady, Fiona Breen, Joe Breen, Sharon Brennan, Appointment of consultants Susan Coughlan and Michael Bulfin, Séamus Corcoran, Mary Culleton, Maureen de Forge, Michelle de Forge, Marian Flanagan Tom Dolan, Sean Doorly, Tom Egan, Maura Fahy, Rosalind Fanning, Georgina Fitzpatrick, Sean Ganly, Brian Gunning, Lynn Hoare, Tony Hogan, Joe Hughes, John Hume, Ann Hynes- March 2006 Spain, Conal Kearney, Rowena Keaveny, David Kinsella, Sandy Lloyd, Vicky Lumley, Target meetings with local arts organisations Jackie Lynch, Loreta Mackelaite, Tim Mann, George Manzor, Tom Meskell, Declan Milne, Ursula McFarlane, Maire McKay, Frank McNamara, Emma Nee-Haslam, Jock Nichol, May 2006 Geoff Oakley, Louise O'Brien, Miriam O'Callaghan, Enda O’Connor, Ruairí O’Cuív, Series of focus group meetings on art form Maeve O’Donovan, Adele O’Dwyer, Kevin O’Dwyer, Geraldine O’Neill-Brosnahan, developments Brendan O’Loughlin, Judy Pearson, Catherine Roche, Jorn Ronnau, Ciarán Rosney, July 2006 Malcolm Ross-McDonald, Julie Spollen, William Stafford, Roseanna Tyrell, Helen Wilson. First outline draft prepared

August 2006 Particular thanks to Susan Coughlan and Associates who were commissioned Meetings with the Arts Council and ongoing by Offaly County Council in 2002 to conduct an audit of the arts and meetings with consultants compile the report Developing the Arts in Offaly. They undertook extensive

September 2006 consultation for the report and much of this plan is based on their findings Special meeting of the Housing Social and Cultural and recommendations. Strategic Policy Committee on the Draft Plan Many thanks to Susan Coughlan and Marian Flanagan who were consultants November 2006 Draft approved at November monthly meeting of to this 2007 to 2011 Arts Plan. Council Special thanks to APPENDIX December 2006 to January 2007 The Arts Council Members and Staff Public consultation period and public information meetings The Elected Members of Offaly County Council The Housing Social and Cultural Strategic Policy Committee PAGE February 2007 The Management Team of Offaly County Council Amendments to plan considered and Arts Plan 40 adopted at the February monthly meeting Arts Officer Sinéad O’Reilly and Administrator Frances Berry. SUMMARY OF FUNDING ALLOCATED TO ARTS OFFICE FROM 2002–2006

Year Total Arts Council Allocation Offaly County Council Net Allocation Total Allocation

2002 €57,027 €104,780 €161,807 2003 €40,926 €124,929 €165,855 2004 €50,000 €175,316 €225,316 2005 €42,800 €208,705 €251,305 2006 €54,000 €233,421 €287,421

OFFALY COUNTY ARTS PLAN 2007–2011 This Table shows how the strategies and objectives of this Arts Plan link with the County Development Board, A Strategy for Economic Social and Cultural Development 2002–2012 Offaly Local Authorities Corporate Plan, priorities 2005–2009 The Arts Council, Partnership for the Arts 2006–2010

Offaly Arts Plan Offaly County Arts Plan CDB Strategy Corporate Plan Arts Council Strategic actions Objectives Arts and Culture Priorities Key Goals Capacity 3. To encourage the development of audiences, Objective: To plan 1. Providing civic leadership Make it possible Building awareness & appreciation of the arts. strategically for the delivery for Offaly & all its people. for people to extend 5. To recognise the importance of the artist in the of arts services in the county. 2. Maximising product investment. & enhance their experiences of the arts. community & to make Offaly an imaginative Objective: That the role of 3. Making Offaly a pleasant, safe & & supportive environment for artists. the arts office be resourced enjoyable place to live & work. Strengthen arts 6. To further develop the skills of & capacity & & expanded to meet organisations identified needs. 4. Building cohesion & inclusion support increased professional standards of within & across the county. countrywide so as the local arts sector. Objective: That professionalism to secure the basis & best practice in the arts be 5. Developing & delivering quality of a vibrant & stable 7. To consolidate existing partnerships & services which make a difference. develop new partnerships in the encouraged & resourced. arts environment. provision of the arts in the county. 6. Develop & support an effective internal & external communications strategy.

Making the 1. To encourage promote & be a catalyst in Action: Erect appropriate (1–6) As above. Assist artists in Arts Visible the growth of the arts in the county. pieces of public art to reflect realising their artistic 2. To foster & encourage increased access to Offaly heritage & landscape. ambitions. & participation of the arts by all sectors of Objective: That arts & cultural the community. activities are increasingly Affirm and promote provided on the basis of the value of the arts 4. To utilise confirmed funding for the arts in society. through the government percent for art scheme. agreed plans & programmes. Objective: That Offaly will be an artist friendly county Objective: That the contribution of cultural development to quality of life be recognised & resourced.

Developing 8. To build on the infrastructure for the arts. Objective: Provide (1, 2, 3 & 5) As Above Make it possible an Arts appropriate, accessible & for people to extend Facility for financially viable centres for & enhance their Tullamore arts & cultural activity. experiences of the arts OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly Phone 057 9346800 | Fax 057 9346868

Arts Office Phone 057 9357400 | E-mail [email protected] | Web www.offaly.ie/arts

Edited by Doireann Ní Bhriain Designed & printed by Brosna Press Title by kind permission of Eileen Casey

© Offaly County Council 2007