By Dan Walsh at the December meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council
Creative Places, Enniscorthy, is an Arts Council of Ireland / An Chomhairle Ealaíon award, a new and innovative initiative from the Arts Council, who is also funding the projects, which hopes to embed creative arts practice into communities and was introduced at the December meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council.
In a presentation to the meeting, Daryn O’Callaghan, Co-Ordinator, explained that Creative Places will engage with communities and artists in Enniscorthy, over this 3-year award and hope to put down strong roots for the future for creativity in the lives of the people.
“The priorities include making arts experience more accessible and consider how artistic interventions can contribute to a sense of place and community,” said Ms. O’Callaghan.
The presentation was appreciated by the members, but the Christmas spirit soon evaporated when members learned that they had no role in the distribution of funding towards the programme which they negatively appreciated was “not in our control”.
Cllr Jackser Owens questioned the lack of public representation on the committee. “This can’t be right. We need members of this Council on the committee,” he stated. Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy supported Cllr Owens and queried “a lack of input from the committee.”
Cllr Cathal Byrne felt this was an attack on local democracy and stated that it was important that a councillor be on the committee. Cllr Aidan Browne added his support to the debate.
Cathaoirleach Cllr John O’Rourke complimented Daryn O’Callaghan, project co-ordinator, and Elizabeth Whyte, CEO Wexford Arts Centre, who was also in attendance for the excellent presentation and was promised the Council’s support for Creative Places, Enniscorthy, during its three-year existence.
WexfordLocal.com 