THE Earagail Arts
Festival has scooped an award in recognition of its
contribution to Donegal's economy over the last 22
years.
The annual festival that runs throughout the county
each summer including Inishowen, took the
'Outstanding Contribution to the Local Economy'
award at Friday's Enterprising Donegal Business
Awards 2010. The festival is now estimated to be
worth around €3 million to the local economy.
Artistic director, Paul Brown, said the award
recognised the economic return that arts and culture
bring to the local economy.
"This very special award is a credit to all our
current and former members of staff, our board, all
our funders, sponsors and arts partners and all
those who have worked with the festival to make it
such a success in recent years," he said.
"Like many other businesses, we have had to alter
our business plans to meet the current economic
climate. However, with the continued support of the
people of Donegal we will be able to deliver another
fantastic programme of music, circus, theatre,
visual arts, film and literature this summer." Mr
Brown also thanked the festival's core funders
Donegal County Council, the Arts Council of Ireland
and Failte Ireland for their continued investment.
Donegal Enterprise Board ceo Michael Tunney added:
“We’re delighted to publicly acknowledge the
tremendous impact the Earagail Arts Festival has in
Donegal.
"That impact is both economic and cultural, and both
aspects are vital in promoting Donegal as a great
place to live, start a business, or invest."
The Earagail Arts Festival will run from July 3-July
18, 2010 and the programme will be launched in June. |