The findings of the Arts Council’s Contemporary Music Review will be published this month.

In 2005, the Arts Council commissioned Graham Devlin and Associates to review supports for contemporary music in Ireland. The research findings of the report are to be published in two documents, the first providing an overview of the sector and the full research findings while the second includes a summary of the findings and recommendations for further development of the sector.

There will now be a series of meetings to provide members with an opportunity to respond to the recommendations of the review. Fergus Sheil, Music Specialist for the Arts Council, will present the findings of the review at the November plenary session of the Forum for Music in Ireland.

Other topics for discussion at the Forum’s plenary include 'Getting Out the Vote' in advance of the next elections, local music education partnerships and the new Arts and Education Committee. There will also be information updates on the organisation First Music Contact, the Arts Council’s DEIS scheme and challenges in higher education.

The Forum for Music in Ireland is an independent voluntary body founded in 1999 to represent organisations and individuals in all aspects of music.

The plenary session takes place on Monday 27 November in the University Concert Hall, Limerick. Further information is available from the website of the Forum for Music in Ireland or from Niamh Tumelty, info@forumformusic.ie.

Posted: 30 October 2006