Cultúr: A Strategic Vision for Cultural Services in Donegal County Council 2016-2020 was launched in the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny by Cathaoirleach Cllr Terence Slowey yesterday (Mon)
Speaking at the launch Cllr Slowey said that “County Donegal’s unique and varied culture is a source of immense pride and our county and its culture have always been intertwined. This culture is an all encompassing, evolving force that helps us express and celebrate who we are as a diverse, traditional and modern people”.
“Through our arts, libraries, language and heritage, we showcase a county that strikes a unique cultural beat. We believe that this beat should be heard loudly, clearly and confidently across the mountains and lakes of Donegal, Ireland and the world”.
He added “to protect and promote our culture, language, arts, libraries and heritage in county Donegal and encourage existing and new cultural forms to flourish, we must think laterally, aim high and chart out a vision for the future”.
Seamus Neely, Chief Executive of the Council clearly set out the Councils firm commitment to cultural development and its value to the county saying “cultural development is a serious and substantial part of the work of Donegal County Council”.
“By 2020, we want Donegal’s reputation as a leader in culture to be strengthened by our commitment to its development. Donegal County Council believes that to invest in arts, culture, heritage and language is a commitment to a healthier, more fulfilled, prosperous, successful county and the staff and members of Donegal County Council are very committed to its implementation”.
“This year, 2016 is a special year in Ireland. It is a time to reflect on the motivation of those who sought to build a new Ireland 100 years ago. It is with a new economic optimism that we can look forward again to a cultural vision that seeks to build and move forward our cultural development for the coming years”.
In developing the Cultural Services Strategic Plan for the next five years, the public were invited to identify what were the key cultural issues, how could Cultural Services realistically address or support these issues and finally what should Cultural Services focus on as key priority areas from 2016 to 2020.
Through careful consideration, Cultúr: A Strategic Vision for Cultural Services in Donegal County Council 2016-2020 was developed under the following six key areas of Public Participation, Life Long learning and Social Inclusion, Supporting Arts & Arts Organisations, Conserving and promoting Cultural Inheritance, Building relationships with stakeholders and partners and finally developing a sustainable, high quality Cultural Service.
