The Importance Of Irish Presidents In Cultural Life In Ireland
Posted By Vilkovo.eu Вилково on July 16, 2010
Because Ireland’s presidents rely on support from their local communities to vote them into office, they tend to be far more involved in local grass roots initiatives. Their role in terms of the cultural life of Ireland is one of supporting and motivating the continued preservation and continuation of traditional Irish culture.
President Mary McAleese, the 8th president of Ireland, clearly takes her role in cultural life seriously, supporting local cultural events, festivals and activities throughout Ireland. Her presence at local events, from school recitals to international exhibitions, ensures that her support of the arts and culture of Ireland are visible to all members of the community. Her patronage of local cultural organizations, attendance at events and support of cultural activities actively encourages participation and preservation of Ireland’s rich cultural heritage.
President McAleese validates the efforts of cultural organizations with her support of their initiatives. By presenting awards, attending music recitals and art gallery openings, she motivates the community to support arts and culture and thereby preserve their heritage. Her support extends to the many multi-cultural events that Ireland is host to as well.
On an official level, President McAleese has shown her support for arts and culture with international visits to showcase Ireland’s talent and make inroads into the international market. In 2008 she accompanied Enterprise Ireland and the Irish Film Board on a visit to Hollywood to promote Ireland’s talent in the industry, as well as the country as filmmaking location. The president also attended the European Cultural Foundation National Conference, representing Irish interests and culture. President McAleese presents numerous awards throughout the year, many of them based on cultural activities and achievements, such as Ireland’s Laureate for Children’s Literature.
Previous presidents have been equally involved in the cultural life or Ireland, including Mary Robinson who was instrumental in the formation of the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. This government department, along with the government Arts Council, supports the graphic and visual arts as well as the culture and heritage of Ireland. They are actively involved in various cultural events around the country.
Encouraging the youth is possibly the most important part of the presidents role in cultural life in Ireland. Preserving the language, arts and crafts of Ireland is a primary motivation for the President’s involvement, and important for the cultural heritage of the country. Most cultural traditions are handed down from generation to generation, and must be preserved in order to thrive. Pride in their national heritage can only be strengthened by the active role the Irish president plays in preserving cultural life in Ireland.
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