Arts Council at 70

In 2022, the Arts Council marked the 70th anniversary of its very first meeting on 25th January 1952 and presented a programme to celebrate that 70^th anniversary by reflecting the excellence of the arts sector in Ireland. Milestone produced three strands within the programme:

The Curiosity Series is a podcast series hosted by writer, comedian and podcaster Maeve Higgins, commissioned as part of the Arts Council’s 70th anniversary celebrations. Over the course of six episodes, artists involved in music, dance, poetry, literature, visual arts and theatre explore the integral role that creativity has played in their lives, and discuss the broader issues and themes that connect their art. Many of the contributors to the series are members of Aosdána, an organisation founded in 1981 that honours artists whose work has made an outstanding contribution to the creative arts in Ireland.

Critical Voices 2022 reflects on the Arts Council’s history, the value of the arts, and the impact of 70 years of public investment in the arts and contains essays from Rita Duffy, Sandy Fitzgerald, Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh, Beulah Ezeugo & Joselle Ntumba; and Kevin Rafter. To view essays click here.

Milestone is currently working on the development of an audio series based on the correspondence and letters to the Arts Council from artists interested organisations and the general public between 1952 – 1973.

For information visit www.artscouncil.ie/Arts-Council-at-70