The Creative County Cork Conference 2018, which took place in Baile Mhúirne recently, proved to be a most special two days. Opening with an address, as Gaeilge, by Cllr. Gobnait Moynihan, deputising on behalf of the Mayor of County Cork, Cllr. Patrick Gerard Murphy, the tone was perfectly set for the captivating talks and discussions to come.
Sarah Keaveney of the National Creative Ireland Programme kicked off the conference, followed by members of Cork County Council’s Culture Team giving an overview of the range of cultural initiatives around the County and touching on the scope of different funding streams available for projects.
The afternoon saw presentations by; An Coimisinéir Teanga, Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Máirtín Ó Méaloid (Oileán Chléire), Rachel Ní Riada (Údaras na Gaeltachta), Bríd Cranitch (Ionad Cultúrtha, Baile Mhúirne) and Peadar Ó Riada. A wonderful performance by local school children involved in the Aisling Geal Programme and evening entertainment with the Bow Brothers in the Ionad Cultúrtha brought the first day to a close.
Saturday speakers included Siobhán Ó Dhúinnín (Rinceoir); Rachel Holstead (Ealaín na Gaeltachta); Tara Kennedy (Free Market) and Dr. Rosarie Crowley (HSE) covering topics as diverse as the importance of open space for cultural interaction and the impact of cultural interaction on our well-being, as well as dance and art in the Gaeltacht areas of the County. Saturday afternoon offered conference attendees the opportunity to tour local heritage sites.
Cork County Culture & Creativity Strategy 2018-2022 was launched at the conference. The Strategy was informed by extensive public consultations throughout the Municipal Districts of the County. Six key priorities were identified; ‘Enhancing and Investing in our Local Cultural and Creative Infrastructure’; ‘Liberating Creativity’, ‘Knowing Ourselves’, ‘Supporting and Promoting Community Engagement with Culture’, Showcasing County Cork’, & ‘Our Native Voice’.
Community groups especially are encouraged to check out the Culture & Creativity Strategy at https://www.corkcoco.ie/arts-heritage/creative-ireland , on Floor 3 County Hall or emailcreativeireland@corkcoco.ie.
