Donegal County Development Board Cultural Forum

Press Release

“Culture An Integral And Vital Part Of The Economic And Social Development Of County Donegal”

Launch Of The Executive Summary Of The Cultural Compass Research Project, 2007.

County Donegal needs to be strategic in recognizing and promoting its unique culture and in reaping the many social and economic benefits that it can provide. This was the principal message that emanated from the launch of the Executive Summary of the Cultural Compass Research Project which took place at the County Development Board Annual Strategy Day in the Regional Cultural Centre last Wednesday (May 6th).

Launching the document before a large audience of public officials, key cultural figures and invited guests, Cllr Patrick McGowan, said  “The Cultural Compass Research Project report was proof of the immense contribution Culture makes to the economic and social life of county Donegal”. Micheál Ó Fearraigh, chairman of the CDB Cultural Forum, in his welcoming address, said that, “In these recessionary times, culture, cultural enterprise and cultural activity has a vital and important role to play in the regeneration and development of the Donegal economy and in the growth of tourism”. “Culture”, he added, “can also make an invaluable contribution to social policy objectives and can dramatically improve quality of life on all socioeconomic levels”. “In these difficult times”, Mr Ó Fearraigh added, “the economic impact of our Culture was that it makes the county more attractive to its general population, companies, investors and tourists”.

The Culture Compass Research Project report was set up by the County Development Board to examine all components of Culture – language, the arts and heritage, and presents a snapshot of the sizeable, rich and highly diverse range of Cultural infrastructure and assets spread throughout Donegal. The report aims to contribute to a broader understanding of Culture in Donegal, as well as further informing and facilitating long term strategic thinking to ensure the sustainable development of the sector.

The report provides some striking facts that establish the vital role culture plays in the county. The report establishes that 429 facilities, providers and practitioners contributed to the Cultural infrastructure of Donegal. In addition, it also establishes that there are 67,510 cultural assets comprising artefacts, archive material, artworks and heritage sites collated, and distributed throughout the County. 46 respondents alone who were surveyed for the report showed that Cultural infrastructure benefited the Donegal economy by almost €18 million in 2007 – 2008. 69 of the respondents surveyed employed 1077 staff. This makes up 1.5% of the total paid employment in the county. Furthermore, in 2007 - 2008, 40 cultural facilities attracted approximately 480,000 visitors to the county. This highlights the significant role Culture plays in the development of tourism in the county. Interviews were held with key personnel in the social, health and community sectors to assess the impact culture has on society and on social policy and issues. Their findings illustrate the huge benefits Culture has for society and illustrates how the diverse, rich and accessible mix of cultural activity in the county can increase social cohesion, community development, social inclusion, community safety, and empower the community and the individual.

Summing up the impact the report would have, Cllr McGowan said, “the findings of the report prove that the Cultural Compass report is an invaluable document that presents Culture as an integral, important and advantageous instrument in the economic and social development of Donegal. The results and findings can be used to chart a course for the development of Cultural infrastructure in the county that will prove beneficial to the whole community”.

Further Information: Micheál Ó Fearraigh, Chairman of the Donegal County development Board Cultural Forum. 074 -9560100. m.ofearraigh@udaras.ie The report is also available on the Donegal County Development Board website at www.donegalcdb.ie