THE downturn in the economy is not hindering Limerick City Council’s strategy to expand its creative sector.
Written into the city manger’s Book of Estimates for 2009 is acknowledgement that “the co-ordinated development of the creative economy in the region is not as advanced as in other regions.
“For many years, the co-ordinated development of the creative sector has been part of Limerick’s striving economy but has been under-utilised but nevertheless, numerous creative companies and organisations have chosen the city as their new location”.
It now emerges that Limerick has applied to be part of a Creative Regions European Network, which goes beyond the classic creative sectors like arts and sciences.
A decision to the application, submitted by Shannon Development and Limerick City Council, will be known in a matter of weeks.
Councillors were told that the objective is to develop creative industry in the city, as well as establishing an artistic cluster in Georgian Limerick.
“We will be drawing up a draft strategy and will be looking at sites, most obvious at the moment being the Theatre Royal and an OPW building nearby,” commented Pat Dowling, director of services,
“We’ve applied for European funding – an initial one million euro, which would allow us put staff in place, etc”.
Meantime, refurbishment work on artists’ studios (to cater for 22 artists) in James Street has been completed and includes upgrading of the accommodation to meet with fire standards. A grant from the Arts Council was secured for the work. Funding was also received for the refurbishment of eight apartments in John’s Square that will be used as a living space for the artists.
Next year, being the 25th anniversary of the nationally established, Kate O’Brien Weekend, the council has applied for a grant from the Department of Art, Sports and Tourism to make the 2009 literary event a special one. It will take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 27, 28, and March 1 in the County Courthouse, Merchant’s Quay, with an expanded programme.
Cllr Jim Long’s recommendation that the Mayor of Seville and other dignitaries from the city, which this year named a street after the Limerick writer in her honour, be invited as special guests to the event, was agreed to.
