People right across the country can expect the best of the arts to visit them under a new Arts Council policy to boost touring.

Arts Council Chairman Pat Moylan today promised to redouble the agency’s efforts to bring high-quality music, dance, theatre, exhibitions and other arts to audiences in every county.

"There are more than 60 arts venues around the country, and every one of them is a mini-industry, creating local jobs, attracting tourists and boosting the regional and national economy. We want to ensure that audiences around the country enjoy great performances and events in those venues," Ms Moylan said.

Arts Council Director Mary Cloake said the new policy had been guided by a comprehensive study, The Touring Experiment, carried out over a period of 18 months.

"The new approach encourages arts organisations to take their work on the road, where a network of venues will be ready to host them," Ms Cloake said. "Our research shows audiences around the country are eager to see high quality work, and we will focus on ensuring that this demand is met."

The report of The Touring Experiment - A Future for Arts Touring in Ireland 2009-2014 is available to download here:

http://www.artscouncil.ie/en/areas-of-work/touringpolicy.aspx

http://www.artscouncil.ie/en/news/news.aspx?article=f90fa7b1-c5b8-48ab-b8ad-0da9f3f1deb8