GASD AT THE ROYAL NATIONAL MOD 2007
October 2007
Dealbh Ealain, the first Gaelic arts conference in 10 years, was held in Stornoway in May 2007. Organised by Pròiseact nan Ealan (PnE), in conjunction with the GASD (Gaelic Arts Strategic Development) Forum, the conference saw artists, funders, audiences and stakeholders come together for the 2 day event to discuss and debate the future of the Gaelic arts. Since then Donna Cunningham, Director of Firefly Productions, has been writing the eagerly awaited conference report – which will be launched at the Royal National Mod on 19th October in Fort William.
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”.
The conference benefited from, and added to, an immense feeling of optimism about the Gaelic arts, and generated a spirit of celebration about the current position. There was a chance to discuss the National Gaelic Arts Strategy, which is currently being taken forward by the GASD Forum and is in final stages of discussion with key stakeholders such as Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Scottish Arts Council (SAC) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). The strategy will point a way forward for the Gaelic arts over the coming years, particularly in this time of change alongside the National Gaelic Language Plan, the new digital Gaelic language channel, the emergence of Creative Scotland and the impending Culture Act.
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."