First of its kind policy for Street Performance and Spectacle
Re-enforcing the Arts Council’s belief that art should be accessible to all
Emphasis on community co-creation and Local Authority Partnerships
The Arts Council is proud to unveil its new Street Performance and Spectacle Policy and Strategy Implementation Plan, a groundbreaking initiative outlining a vision for an Ireland where the creative practices of Street Performance and Spectacle are valued, respected and nurtured.
This Street Performance and Spectacle Policy, the first of its kind in Ireland, seeks to recognise the distinctive value and importance inherent within these artforms. It also aims to further demonstrate the potential for meaningful, high-quality engagement with the arts that these artforms offer to the breadth of Irish society.
Street Performance encompasses live, outdoor performance and typically are free of cost, while Spectacle refers to high-impact performances involving floats, pageants, and large-scale structures, often in festival contexts. Both forms consistently achieve high audience engagement figures and draw diverse demographics.
The Arts Council’s new Policy emphasises fair pay for artists, sustainable career development, and improved professional training opportunities. It also recognises the crucial role of Local Authorities, Festivals and Arts Centres in supporting the development and presentation of work in communities across Ireland, and calls for greater opportunities for co-creation, where artists and communities collaborate on the development of projects in the place where they live.
The Policy reflects a variety of other Arts Council strategic policies including the Paying the Artist Policy and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy, and includes a critical focus on ensuring developing the arts for everyone in Ireland no matter where they live, in line with the Arts Council’s Place, Space and People spatial policy.
Maura McGrath, Chair of the Arts Council, said:
“The launch of the Street Performance and Spectacle Policy represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of Ireland’s arts landscape. This Policy recognises the immense value of Street Performance and Spectacle as dynamic and inclusive artforms that have the power to transform communities and enrich the cultural fabric of our nation. As we look to the future, the Arts Council is committed to ensuring that these art practices are supported, celebrated, and given the recognition they truly deserve. By investing in our artists and fostering meaningful engagement with audiences, we aim to create a more vibrant and inclusive cultural experience for all.”
Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council, said:
“This new policy marks a significant step forward in fostering the growth and sustainability of Street Performance and Spectacle across Ireland. With a focus on local authority partnerships, sustainable careers for artists, and greater community engagement, it aims to empower artists to create transformative and inclusive experiences for audiences, no matter where they live. The Arts Council’s mission has always been to ensure that the arts are accessible to all, and through this policy, we are not only supporting the artists but also deepening the connection between people and the arts, helping to shape a more creative and cohesive Ireland.”
The new Street Performance and Spectacle Policy is part of the Arts Council’s ongoing commitment to realising its ten-year strategic vision, Making Great Art Work, which sets out to ensure that everyone in Ireland can create, experience, and participate in the arts.
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