This article is from page 14 of the 2011-11-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 14 JPG
THE ARTS community in County Clare has welcomed the inauguration of one of their own as Uachtarán na hÉireann and hopes are high that President Michael D Higgins can do his bit to help boost the arts at all levels in Clare.
Along with his distinguished career in politics, President Higgins has published three collections of poetry as well as contributing to a number of political and philosophical journals. President Higgins was also one of the main driving forces behind the establishment of TG4 which has played a significant role in the development of a sustainable art community in the west of Ireland.
Ennistymon filmmaker, Ken O’Sullivan, believes that the election of Michael D is a very positive move for arts in Clare. Ken, who’s surfing film “Seafever” became one of the underground hits of 2007, has just finished a six part nature series, Farraigí na hÉireann, on TG4.
“Michael D being elected as president is one of the best bits of news to happen in Ireland for some time. You could even hear it in his inauguration speech how dearly he loves and supports the artist community in Ireland,” said Ken.
“When I made the surfing film people I showed it to always said, “I can’t believe that is in Ireland”, when I made the underwater documentary people said, “I can’t believe that is in Ireland” – we live in such a beautiful country and I think that Michael D Higgins realises that.
“Ever from a business point of view – the important of the arts in Ireland cannot be underestimated. I remember around the time of the big meeting about the future of Ireland which too place at Farmleigh House – someone suggested that we could save money by getting rid of the Irish Film Board. But Dermot Desmond got up and said that when they go to China looking for investment – they only thing that they know about Ireland in Riverdance. So it is very important.”
These sentiments were echoed by the new director at Glór, Gemma Carcaterra, who believes that having a President who knows Clare and knows Glór will be an inspiration to the Clare artistic community.
“We are all absolutely delighted that he is the new President. The fact that he is so enthusiastic about the arts and is an artist himself is a great benefit for all of us – not to mention that fact that he lived in Clare and knows Glór,” she said.
“I think that this has the potential to inspire everyone who is involved in the arts in the county.”