The Arts Council has awarded €73,000 to Clare County Council to progress a ground breaking music project with the Irish Memory Orchestra and 3L an online music education resource which aims to empower and support visually impaired musicians.
This is following a research award in 2017 of €11,100, making the total investment €84,100 in this unique project.
The first phase of the project tested and designed ways of learning and composing for visually impaired musicians and this phase will bring that research to fruition and towards a premier performance of the new work. The project will be led by Dave Flynn of the Irish Memory Orchestra and Brian McGill of 3L and represents a unique approach to composition and music education, through braille and audio learning. The project is also supported by the National Council for the Blind and Arts and Disability Ireland.
The Arts Council confirmed the award as part of their 2019 ‘Invitation to Collaboration’ scheme aimed at Local Authorities, which promotes unique collaborations through working better together and promoting high quality access to and engagement with the arts.
Speaking at the launch in the Irish Aerial Creation Centre in Limerick, Director of the Arts Council, Orlaith McBride said: “We are inspired by the ambition and creativity of the proposals we receive from Local Authorities. Collaboration between the Arts Council and local authorities is where we see public engagement in the arts at its most informed, most considered and most artistically ambitious.”
“I am delighted to confirm that Clare County Council was one of the successful applicants and I’m confident this funding will help foster a unique collaboration between musicians and support equitable participation in the arts for all our citizens, the outcome of which will no doubt be of national interest,” Ms McBride added.