From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
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The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D., today announced funding of €1.75 million for local authorities in 2021 to support their leading role in developing community-led commemorative activities for the final phase of the Decade of Centenaries Programme.
€50,000 will be allocated to every Local Authority to support their plans for 2021. A further €200k is available for those local authorities who have any additional requirements in relation to specific centenary events and other larger projects.
Speaking today, Minister Martin said:
‘I want to sincerely thank all of the local authorities for responding with such enthusiasm, ambition and imagination in developing their commemorative programmes for this year. I know that it took considerable work to adapt their plans so skilfully in response to the immense challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic’.
The final phase of the Decade of Centenaries (2021 – 2023) recalls some of the most significant, traumatic and deeply personal events in our shared history, including the Struggle for Independence, the Civil War, Partition and foundation of Northern Ireland. The thoughtful and careful approach of our local authorities will have a key role in supporting the national conversation and respectful public engagement with this period in our history.
I plan to continue the collaborative approach between the State, local authorities, and local communities, which has worked so well to date, to ensure that these challenging and sensitive events in our shared history are remembered in an inclusive, measured, and balanced manner.
This funding package represents a significant increase on previous years and shows the confidence and trust we have in our local authority partners to deliver thought provoking and imaginative initiatives in 2021. I have asked local authorities to allocate at least €15,000 from this 2021 funding to support artistic and creative endeavours. I hope that the work of artists and creative practitioners will provide a platform to encourage and support reflection and shared remembrance of this very difficult period in our history’.
Notes to Editor
In 2021, local authorities will be reflecting upon local connections to the significant historical events that occurred a century ago, supported by the principles and guidance laid down by the Expert Advisory Group on Centenary Commemorations. For example, how events such as the Signing of the Truce, the Anglo-Irish Treaty Negotiations and Debates, and the Signing of the Treaty were received or marked locally.
The Government’s approach recognises the need to be sensitive to the local, historical context and the fact that there was no uniform experience during the Struggle for Independence and the Civil War - within counties or across the island of Ireland. It aims to facilitate engagement from all traditions and communities on the island and to acknowledge the significance of local narratives and experiences with a focus always on respectful remembrance and reconciliation.
Plans for all commemorative events in 2021 and associated outreach activities will continue to be informed and underpinned by the evolving public health advice and the Government’s COVID-19 protective measures.
The objectives of the Decade of Centenaries Programme from 2021-2023 are as follows:
- To focus on themes of remembrance and reconciliation and on the commemoration of all of those who lost their lives during this period;
- To promote a deeper understanding of the significant historical events of this period, which recognises that the shared historical experiences of those years gave rise to very different narratives and memories;
- To encourage reflection about the multiple identities, traditions and perspectives that are part of the overall Irish historical experience;
- To respond with sensitivity to the local historical context, acknowledging that there was no uniform experience within counties or across the island of Ireland; and
- To continue to promote a consultative and open approach to commemorations, which seeks to strengthen peace and reconciliation across the island of Ireland. A core element of reconciliation is acknowledgement of the legitimacy of all of the traditions on the island that draw their identity and collective memory from our shared history.