President of Ireland marks 60 years of Arts Council

Arts Council Ireland welcomed the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, to its offices in Dublin earlier this month as guest of honour at an event to mark its 60th year. 

President marks 60th anniversary of Arts Council from Arts Council on Vimeo.

The event was attended by:

• Chairman and Director of the Arts Council, Pat Moylan and Orlaith McBride 
• former Chairpersons and Directors of the Arts Council
• Arts Council board members and staff
• members of Aosdána, the affiliation of creative artists in Ireland
• artists and representatives from Ireland's cultural institutions 
• the arts community

Chairman, Pat Moylan, said:

'For over 60 years, since its foundation, the Arts Council has successfully overseen the development of the arts through periods of significant social and economic change. Today, more than ever, I feel the hand of history and the heart and soul of Irish creativity in these rooms. In 60 years, the light has not dimmed in each Council's efforts to achieve the best for artists and the people of Ireland and in building the country's self-image and reputation abroad.'

Greeting the President of Ireland, Ms Moylan said it was 'a pleasure and a truly great privilege' to welcome him to the Arts Council. 'To have our Head of State and First Citizen here to share with us the celebration of our 60th year is a great honour indeed, one we deeply appreciate.'

Ms Moylan acknowledged the President’s 'tremendous contribution to public life', including his work during his time (1993-97) as Ireland's first Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht. She said the President, who is a writer and poet, holds 'a strong conviction about the intrinsic value of the arts and their singular contribution to Irish identity'.

Ms Moylan also referred to the President’s powerful inaugural speech which 'gave great prominence to and laid huge importance on the cultural life of the nation'.