The first of a series of focus groups catering for artists of all disciplines was held to considerable success in RUA RED South Dublin Arts Centre in Tallaght on Friday 16th July. Over 20 participants attended the meeting representing a cross-section of art-forms and disciplines, of interests, of practice and of concerns.
The agenda was broad based, focusing on future priorities and needs for artists interested in working in the area; independent of, in association with, or supported by South Dublin County Council.
The outcome of two facilitated Artists Focus Group discussions is outlined below. These serve to summarise the key priorities and concerns for the cross-section of artists attending the event.
•The first, asked participants to identify perceived gaps in current arts service provision within the county. Below are the key concerns listed in order of priority chosen by Focus Group participants.
Key Concerns
1.Lack of cultural hubs beyond the larger demographic centres eg Tallaght, Lucan.
2.Face-to-face, peer support opportunities for artists living/ working in the county. Regular meetings – not necessarily frequent. eg – An Artists Forum meeting 5/6 times per year.
3.Access to continuous professional development, community-based, mentored, networked eg. Master classes.
4.Advocacy for the benefits of artistic endeavour for individuals and communities.
5.Stronger links with local businesses to sponsor / support artistic endeavour.
6.Quality opportunities for young people seeking a career in the arts.
7.Current issue city-wide with closure of commercial galleries – difficulty in finding places to exhibit.
8.Aggressive marketing supporting artistic endeavour - eg Fused Festival – small audiences.
9.Incentivise opportunities for business involvement in arts partnerships and artistic support. This also contributes to building community spirit and a critical mass of awareness/ interest/ participation in the local arts scene.
10.Stronger links between the Arts Office and national artform development/ support and professional organisations eg. IMRO, to the benefit of professional and training artists in the county.
11.Access to 3rd level arts education within the county.
12.Support and mentorship for artists re: administration, accounting, tax returns. There may also be a role here for the local Partnership organisations.
Arising from this discussion it was proposed that an initial meeting of a county-based Artists’ Forum be held in late September. * See below.
•The second discussion asked participants to anticipate future priorities for a new arts strategy. Summarised below, in order of priority chosen by Focus Group participants, are the issues raised.
The top seven priorities were:
1.Research the potential role for Arts Office as a communication and networking hub for artists.
2.Support mid-career professional artists.
3.Promote best practice and high quality arts opportunities and endeavour.
4.Support a creative and artistic community within the county - cultural dynamism.
5.Encourage and facilitate artists taking part in decision-making.
6.Support residencies in satellite and local communities in addition to physical infrastructure.
7.Local Arts Festivals eg. Clondalkin with local participation and local co-ordination.
The next set of priorities, at equal standing were:
1.Establish an Artists Forum. (first meeting late September).
2.Forge stronger relationships with national arts, arts development, arts & education and professional arts organisations – with particular reference to opportunities for training and mid-career artists.
3.Continue and further develop opportunities for young people – taking particular note of the demographic profile within the county.
4.Equal access to quality arts experiences for those over age 25.
5.Monitoring, mid-term review and evaluation should be built into the Strategy.
The final issues remaining include:
1.Prioritise the creation and promotion of cultural and civic quarters across the county.
2.Establish a database for arts practitioners/ art teachers / community artists.
3.Establish accredited arts-based education within the county.
4.Publish a regular newsletter promoting county arts activities.
5.Facilitate Garda Clearance procedures – clarify guidelines.
It was agreed that a position paper would be drafted and posted on the South Dublin Arts Consultation blogspot allowing for further input and comment.
*The first Artist’s Forum meeting is scheduled to take place in Rua Red on Wednesday 29th September, 7-9pm. Places can be booked directly through the arts centre Tel: 01-4515860.
This meeting follows from a focus group consultation with artists of all disciplines where the participants expressed a wish to set up an Artists Forum in the county. A facilitator will be provided for the event to assist the group to develop its terms of reference. All artists are encouraged to attend this meeting. It is anticipated that the event will be a broad based, focusing on the needs and priorities of artists interested in living and/or working in the South Dublin County area. This initial meeting is organised under the Public Consultation programme
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