It would be easy to dismiss the whole concept of European cultural funding (p1) as a bureaucratic exercise, designed to redistribute a small amount of cash to anyone brave or foolhardy enough to think that the artistic benefits of running multi-national projects involving geographically remote syndicates will more than outweigh the challenges of a) wading though an impenetrable application process and b) working collaboratively with a disparate group partners.
But at a time when many nations? thoughts are firmly fixed on the terrible prospect of war, the whole purpose of enabling arts professionals to break down cultural barriers by working with those in other countries suddenly becomes much clearer. The subtle achievements of trans-national arts projects in building inter-cultural understanding may be small fry compared with top level international diplomacy, but they can nonetheless help nations to take small yet deliberate steps towards mutual respect and appreciation. Witness the impact of the Border Directions on the communities either side of Ireland?s north/south border (p7); and the reactions of Maria Gee to the experience of working with theatre-makers in Vietnam (p10) ? ?We trust each other, share a strong sense of what we can learn from each other, are determined that we will make theatre together and that our audiences/ participants will be the richer for it.?
Similar arguments can be put forward in support of funding for social inclusion projects. Artistic endeavour in this area can also break down barriers, but these barriers are more often psychological than intercultural. Participation in the arts can help individuals to grow in self-respect and confidence. It may not alter their lives in the same way that a big Lottery win would, but it may help them feel more positive about their prospects in life if they don?t win.
So let?s not make the mistake of preaching that the arts can do anything other than bring about incremental change in some people?s lives; but let?s celebrate the fact that they can and do just that.