Arts Plan 2012-2016 - Offaly County Council

ForewordOn behalf of the members and staff of OffalyCounty Council we are delighted to introduce thissecond published arts plan for the county for theyears 2012 to 2016.Offaly County Council recognises the importanceof the arts in developing vibrant and creativecommunities. It believes the best way to achievethis is to empower, support and resourceindividuals, groups and organisations to achievetheir best potential, so that their continuedachievements are sustainable into the future. Weinvest in the arts because we believe in the powerof cultural engagement to support civicparticipation.We know that there is a growing energy in theOffaly arts community, one which is both resilientand progressive. We also know that there is agrowing audience for arts events that aremeaningful, exciting and original. We knowthat those who have participated on a communitylevel feel invigorated and proud with a renewedsense of belonging. We know this because wehave witnessed it across the county, fromcommunity concerts to festivals and from booklaunches to workshops and theatre.Despite the difficult financial environment, OffalyCounty Council remains committed to protectinginvestments to date, albeit in varying and newdirections. It is intended that this plan will chartthe way for an effective use of combinedresources, coupled with the commitment ofindividuals, organisations and agencies.In the same way that we are proud of how thearts have developed over the course of our lastArts Plan, we very much look forward to the visionthat this plan offers for the people of Offaly overthe next five years and to supporting itsimplementation.5arts plan 2012–2016Cllr. Danny OwensCathaoirleachPat GallagherCounty Manager