Calls for Minister to move on Arts in Education Charter – Smyth

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Arts & Heritage Niamh Smyth has called on the Minister to give details about the initiatives which have been progressed under the Arts in Education Charter to date. The Charter, which was launched in 2013, set out 10 core commitments to provide and enhance arts education for young people.

“The Arts in Education Charter presented an opportunity for the Government to encourage children to become more involved in the arts by bringing it into the classroom. I was personally involved in the pilot project, which was rolled out by the Cavan-Monaghan Education and Training Board Local Arts in Education Partnership, and proved to be extremely successful,” Deputy Smyth said.

Now four years on from the launch of the Charter, Ms Smyth says there has been very little information available about the progress which has been made to date. The Charter set out 10 core commitments, ranging from a portal site form arts in education, to an infrastructure upgrade to design and equip schools. Despite asking for a progress update, Deputy Smyth says Minister Humphreys has remained “vague” in her answers was on the matter “rather than outlining any tangible actions or implementation of the core commitments.

“The Arts in Education Charter is contained in the 2016 Programme for a Partnership Government; however I am concerned that it is falling off the Minister’s agenda and is being overshadowed by the Creative Ireland programme. While I am very supportive of the Creative Ireland project, it must not come at a cost to the Arts in Education Charter,” Deputy Smyth added.

“Minister Humphreys must set out a clear update of the progress being made on the implementation of the Charter. How many of the 10 commitments have been implemented? Are the local Arts in Education partnerships being rolled out across the country? Are infrastructure improvements being carried out in schools to incorporate arts programmes? This Charter is an important stepping stone in introducing children to the arts in an accessible and understandable way, and helping them cultivate an interest in these areas,” she stated.