Upstart’s aim of promoting discourse and discussion seems to be working. While receiving generally universal praise, a piece written in one of Ireland’s more well-read newspapers yesterday seemed to disagree with the project and although aggressive in its disagreement, the result of the article was that more debate ensued. An ironic cheer for the writer of that particular article so. The problem seemed to be the use of satire in some of the pieces that now adorn lamp-posts around the City Centre. If satire is the issue, let me ask if the same level of disdain would be shown to Chris Morris or Graham Linehan were they to cover the Irish General Election?

Upstart promotes opinion, an opportunity not afforded to Artists often enough in Ireland. As the Arts’ budget disappears, so does its voice it seems. Satirical or not, debate needs to be promoted and unlike politicians, artists do not have a public platform to have their concerns and opinions heard. The Arts is one of Ireland’s most important resources, Charles Haughey realised this when he introduced tax exemption for artists, Michael D. Higgins realised this when he re-established the Irish Film Board and created TG4. We have a rich history of culture in Ireland and now is certainly not the time to be resting on our laurels.

As I scout around the various Media outlets online today, there isn’t much mention of the Arts. The “Big 3” of the Independent, the Irish Times and RTE are all devoted to the Election obviously but not much policy discussion seems to actually be happening. Fine Gael’s Official Fan Page The Irish Independent have decided to run no less than six stories about how Enda Kenny is definitely the next Taoiseach according to a poll they did. The Irish Times is mostly posturing about its own use of “audiovisual content”, occasionally sneaking some actual news into their multitude of live feeds, blogs, twitters etc. (Yes, Irish Times, we know you can use a computer). Most of today’s focus on RTE has been on the retail industry, specifically the high rent on Dublin’s Grafton Street. Nice to see everyone is looked after then.

I was looking for a quote/release/something of the day and all of a sudden Fianna Fail find an untapped demographic…

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yieS7jWWdB8

Hopefully we’ll get a bit more action later today/tomorrow but in the meantime, what do you want discussed regarding the Arts? What could these candidates for YOUR vote be doing to promote the Arts? This is all about debate so get commenting!