A number of Fermanagh artists are to give speeches as part of the 'Addressing the Nations' project to coincide with the launch of the Centre Culturel Irlandais (CCI) in Paris' new five-year strategic plan.
The CCI has commissioned 40 artists in total to address the nations, with four evenings of impassioned speeches from contemporary voices from the Irish arts sector.
Addressing the Nations launches today at 7pm (Wednesday, January 20) to coincide with Inauguration Day in the US, offering Irish artists across the world to address the burning issues of our time including Covid-19, Brexit, populism, mental health and inequality.
Fermanagh natives taking part in the global online project include CCI Director Nora Hickey M’Sichili, CCI's cultural ambassador actor Adrian Dunbar, choreographer Dylan Quinn and visual artist Rita Duffy.
“2020 was the year of the televised political address to nations,” said actor Adrian Dunbar, cultural envoy of the CCI. “Now is the time for our artists and creative thinkers, our cultural augurs, to have their say and set their roadmap for the future. These artists’ addresses transcend the political realm, it is vital that these critical voices are heard.”
The CCI’s Strategic Plan 2021-2025 will see the former Irish college in Paris continue to excel as a contemporary centre of cultural engagement, artistic innovation and critical conversation as it embarks on the creation of a new multi-development plan.
Addressing the Nations is the first in a series of initiatives including artist residencies and exhibitions to be launched in 2021.
“We are excited to continue championing Irish artists with a new programme of diverse cultural experiences, Nora Hickey M’Sichili, CCI Director. “We take great pride in launching our ambitious strategic plan as we continue to play our part in Ireland’s efforts to extend its global footprint.”
Addressing the Nations is over four evenings and the addresses will be available to be viewed online, on January 20, 21, 27, 28. Over the four evenings there will be addresses from key Irish artists, writers, film and theatre makers including actors Siobhan McSweeney, Janet Moran and John Connors, writer Jan Carson, performance poet Alice McCullough, choreographer Fearghus O’Conchuir, as well as conductor Eimear Noone.
The project will be viewable online via www.centreculturelirlandais.com.
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