Funding Announced For Funding Irish Art Abroad

More than €320,000 has been allocated for the promotion of Irish arts abroad, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, has announced.

Under its Summer 2015 grants round, Culture Ireland has awarded €321,500 to 85 applicants including individual artists and arts organisations to support the presentation of their work globally.

The funding will provide opportunities for the promotion of Irish arts and culture around the world throughout the remainder of 2015 and into 2016. Successful projects cover all art forms and involve presenting in 27 different countries including Australia, Brazil, China, India, Paraguay, various European countries as well as the United States and Canada.

Projects being supported include the screening of innovative Irish films at international film festivals, Irish publishers attending Bologna Children's Book Fair next May, traditional Irish music tours in India and New Zealand early next year, the Irish Chamber Orchestra touring the United States in November and the exhibition of dynamic new work by Irish artists at leading art fairs and international galleries.

Artists continue to attract new as well as committed audiences and their international work has become a critical factor for many in sustaining their careers and ensuring the ongoing viability of many arts companies. The travel support offered by Culture Ireland helps ensure that Irish artists can continue to reach global audiences and maintain international awareness of Ireland as a country of strong creativity and artistic excellence.

Minister of State, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, commented: "Irish artists are working incredibly hard to make sustainable careers and Culture Ireland's support allows them to avail of new opportunities in key venues and festivals worldwide and enthral new audiences with their creative powers.

"By presenting the best of Irish culture to audiences around the world, these artists showcase Ireland as an attractive destination for tourism, education and investment."

(MH)