C102 Article

Vox Pop

Glenn Howells Architects: plan for The Market Place, Armagh, Theatre and Arts Centre, opened March 2000; courtesy Glenn Howells/Architects Journal

Dear ...,

I am co-ordinating the 'theme' for a forthcoming issue of CIRCA Art Magazine, focusing on the visual arts infrastructure in Ireland. As part of this issue I have written an editorial comment [CIRCA p. 28] and would hope to have contributing responses from a number of different people.

I would like to invite you to be one of those contributors because of your work in the past. I believe you would have a valuable perspective on this subject that would be of interest to CIRCA readers.

Each contributor would ideally write about 500 words, using the editorial comment as a starting point. Alternatively, you might consider the following questions, again only as a starting point (this isn't a questionnaire!): are arts centres designed to show art or are they a compromise between aesthetic, financial and functional concerns? Is the primary role/function of a multipurpose arts centre the promotion and delivery of performing arts over visual and other artforms? How do artists fit into the formula? Are they getting a raw deal? Who do they serve? People employed in the cultural industry (industry of culture) or do they serve the public? Do we get the arts centres we deserve or do we get the arts centres we can afford?

I am hoping that a range of views will emerge to create an interesting debate in the magazine.

I intend to invite about five correspondents, each with a different experience of the arts infrastructure in Ireland so that a fuller picture can be assembled from all these aspects.

I have enclosed a copy of my editorial for your perusal in the hope that you will agree to take part in the discussion.

Can you contact the CIRCA office at your earliest convenience to let us know whether you will contribute a written response for publication (+353 1 6979388 or editor@recirca.com). They will also be able to answer any queries you may have on the practicalities such deadlines, etc.

Yours sincerely

Damien Coyle