A new project aiming to promote social inclusion and develop a cultural diversity policy for the arts in Ireland was unveiled last night.
Researchers will observe the extent to which minority ethnic and cultural groups participate in the arts in Ireland and then focus on finding what factors could encourage their involvement in the future.
The project, which is being conducted by the Arts Council and the National Action Plan against Racism, will end in December and an Arts Council Action Plan to enable minority groups to participate more in cultural life will follow.
Olive Braiden, chair of the Arts Council, said cultural diversity has brought new opportunities and challenges to the arts.
"Over the last five years, I have witnessed a rapidly changing landscape that is exciting and challenging in equal measure. Our opportunities to make and experience art have been richly enhanced by our interaction with a diversity of cultures," she said.
Migrants currently comprise 12 per cent of Ireland's population and Minister for Integration Conor Lenihan said he was delighted to see another public body responding to the positive challenge of diversity. "I hope this project will result in opportunities to nurture and encourage existing and emerging talent from within our new communities," he said.
