DEALBH EALAIN REPORT LAUNCHED AT THE MOD
A major report on the Gaelic arts was published on the 19th October at the Royal National Mod in Fort William. The report, commissioned by Pròiseact nan Ealan (PnE), in conjunction with the GASD (Gaelic Arts Strategic Development) Forum, was written by Donna Cunningham, Director of Firefly Productions, and is based on the findings of Dealbh Ealain, the Gaelic Arts Conference held in An Lanntair, Stornoway, earlier this year.
Kirstie Anderson, Audience Development Manager for GASD commented: “The report is an invaluable document for anyone working in or involved with the Gaelic arts, providing a clear picture of where we are at the moment, as well as taking account of where we have come from over the last 10 years and where we are going. The report looks at the bigger picture, placing the Gaelic arts in an international context, but also gets into the nitty-gritty practical stuff. There are summaries of keynote speeches, workshops and case studies from the conference – including best practise models such as Ceolas, Ur Sgeul and Fèisean nan Gàidheal. It also investigates current topics such as New Media and Audience Development. It’s a hugely relevant report with lots of practical discussions and recommendations”.
The conference was a hugely successful event and as well as debating the bigger issues, it was a unique chance for over 100 delegates from the Gaelic arts community to get together and enjoy the craic. Delegates celebrated the arts at the conference reception and ceilidh, which highlighted a number of GASD funded projects and a GASD exhibition as well as music from choirs and rock bands alike. Essentially the conference allowed Gaelic arts practitioners to debate and discuss the future of Gaelic arts, and to influence the way forward by commenting on the first draft of the National Gaelic Arts Strategy, and endorsing the GASD Forum to lead the way in this exciting time. The National Gaelic Arts Strategy is now in final stages of discussion with key stakeholders such as Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Scottish Arts Council (SAC) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
Calum Maclean, Director of Pròiseact nan Ealan (GASD Forum member) commented: “The National Plan for Gaelic creates the opportunity for Gaelic arts and culture to achieve a new status in the eyes of policy makers and funders. The Gaelic Arts Strategy 2008 – 2012 has been created following extensive discussion within the GASD Forum and wider consultation within Gaelic communities, The Strategy was presented to the international Gaelic arts conference, Dealbh Ealain, in Stornoway and endorsed by more than 100 delegates attending.
"The Gaelic Arts Strategy was requested by Bòrd Na Gàidhlig, SAC and HIE with a view to agreeing a common development agenda for the next four years. It is backed-up by the huge community survey conducted by Glasgow Caledonian University and Donna Cunningham's excellent Dealbh Ealain Conference Report. It will now go forward to national agencies and local authorities in the expectation of a positive response."
Conference reporter, Donna Cunningham said: “This well attended landmark conference for the Gaelic Arts was marked by a very positive approach to future development. Key speeches along with workshops attended by the delegates brought forth a great range of imaginative and constructive ideas. Incorporated into the report these ideas will be critical in leading the way forward for the Gaelic Arts”.