Comhaltas launches its 2023-2030 Prospectus – an exciting development for the Irish cultural movement in over 70 years – with the potential to be one of the most significant cultural documents in the history of the state
Comhaltas launched its Prospectus 2023-2030, ‘Connecting Communities Through Our Culture’ – with an address from former President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, a long-term advocate for Irish culture both at home and abroad at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August.
The Prospectus, reflects on the journey of Comhaltas from its foundation in 1951 in Co. Mullingar by a diligent group of Irish culture advocates, to today’s global army of volunteers who have built communities in 21 countries across 5 continents. The Prospectus also details the evolution of the organisation – with perspectives from contributors around the world – and reflects on its accomplishments and its ambitions – setting out a road-map for the future.
A special presentation was made for Mary McAleese and her husband Martin, who along with his wife is a great supporter of Comhaltas and Irish culture.
Speaking at the event, former President McAleese said: ‘With this Prospectus Comhaltas has set out its stall as the leading advocate for our artistic cultural heritage where our future prospects are looking good. Whatever the future holds, and who can tell, there will be music and dance and bridges forged between old and young, between neighbour and stranger and respect for tradition and joy in innovation and the community that is Comhaltas will be the bedrock’.
Éamonn Ó hArgáin Uachtarán of Comhaltas also spoke at the event, saying: ‘Connecting Communities Through Our Culture’, not only describes where we are as a global organisation, but it is the blueprint through which Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann reflects on who we are, where we have been over the past 70 years and where we want to be in 2030 in relation to our role in protecting Ireland’s rich cultural traditions’.
Dr. Labhrás Ó Murchú Ardstiúrthóir of Comhalta said: ‘The new cultural programme of Comhaltas, as outlined in the Prospectus, 2023-2030, is one of the most exciting developments in the cultural movement since its foundation in 1951 in Mullingar. The Prospectus also has the potential of being one of the most significant cultural programmes in the history of the State’.
