 | We aim to support the diversity of talent of the Creative Individual |
The creative individual in this context is the professional arts practitioner, such as visual artists, musicians, filmmakers, theatre practitioners, writers, performers, dancers; as individuals, collaboratives or companies. Supporting their practice underpins all other creativity in the county. Many artists teach, facilitate, volunteer and are at the fore of cultural development in the county and participate energetically in communities.
Funding for the arts has to date used the language of 'grants' or 'support', denoting that the arts are still periphery and that artists are receiving 'hand-outs'. We need to recognise what it means to 'invest' in the arts; investing denotes faith, belief, hope, optimism and value.
Therefore we acknowledge that by investing in the arts or the artist, there may be risk taking and unpredictable outcomes, but this is the space where exciting and innovative creativity will emerge, not just a predetermined outcome/policy.
Arts Plan Creative Individual Objectives 2012-2016:-
- Evaluate the current support schemes for artists in the light of budget restrictions, in order to identify how to resourcefully and appropriately respond to the development needs of individuals, collaboratives and organisations and publish the results.
- Facilitate a new writers group in the county which would broaden participation and provide a supportive environment for the professional development of both emerging and established writers
- Support the development of theatre in the county by encouraging a professional theatre company to become established and opportunities for new writing for the theatre to emerge.
- Support Legitimate Bodies as professional dance production and touring company in Offaly who also provide youth and community access to contemporary dance.
- Identify and create opportunities for the professional development of all artist practitioners including drama groups and musical societies.
- Work with visual artists to create a culture of "open studio" occasions as a way of increasing exchange and networking opportunities and raising the public profile and audiences for professional visual arts practice.
- Encourage and support the importance of artist-led networking and a co-operative approach to information and resource sharing
- Facilitate the importance of increased critical platforms and the value of professional documentation of arts practice, including those in collaborative and community contexts.
- Promote a culture of professional practice that is based on resource sharing rather than being predominantly resource dependent.
- Recognise and support where artists would like to expand out into the community to share their practice and skills and also be reciprocally informed through a collaborative process.
- Recognise that a thriving creative community will survive through the promotion of excellence, both through professional practice and by generating a greater profile nationally and internationally of Offaly's vibrant cultural activity.