THE Regional Cultural Centre & Donegal County Council commissioned its first ever virtual artist-in-residence scheme in a bid to support Irish artists during the Coronavirus crisis.
This was a huge success and over 5,000 people from Ireland and across the world tuning in and very complimentary responses from Arts Council of Ireland and Josepha Madigan, Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
RCC General Manager Jeremy Fitz Howard said: “What a fantastic opportunity this was to showcase the RCC and Donegal County Council and to show the world that public services can be both positive and innovative during extremely difficult times. People from across the globe joined us last night as we briefly forgot our troubles and joined Little John Nee and lost ourselves in his magical tales.”
The new programme is intended to support leading Irish artists from multiple disciplines during the very difficult Covid-19 social distancing period.
Tuam-based Little John, who is much-respected throughout the Irish arts community and can boast President Michael D. Higgins as one of his biggest fans, will performing 30-minute concerts for the next three Thursdays.
Jeremy said: “The world is going through a challenging time as a result of the Coronavirus Crisis and the RCC team wants to do its best to lift the public’s spirits“.
“The daily challenge has been met with huge positivity and over 5,000 families from around the island of Ireland and the world, literally, have joined our new Facebook group, RCC for KIDS.
“We haven’t forgotten about the adults, either. We launched the Remote Inspiration – A Donegal Photographic Group asking people to document their day-t0-day lives while observing social distancing and we have asked the Glebe House and Gallery to curate a weekly still life art challenge.”
The Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny is proudly funded by Donegal County Council and Arts Council Ireland.