CMC hosts New Music Forum

Tuesday the 23rd of November began a new chapter for the new music sector in Ireland with the establishment of an all Ireland New Music Forum, hosted by the Contemporary Music Centre. Over twenty organisations were represented including performers, promoters, ensembles, the RTÉ performing groups and Music Network. The Arts Council was represented by Rosemary Collier (Music officer) and Rachel Holstead (Music Adviser). This forum was recommended by the Arts Council, in the Review of the Recommendations for Priority Actions arising from Sounds New in March 2009, and CMC has worked in partnership with the arts council to establish this forum in keeping with the vision outlined in the review.  The aims and objectives outlined by the Arts Council for the forum are issues that are core to CMC and the new music community in Ireland.

“Since taking up my position as director, it has become apparent that new music in Ireland could achieve so much more with a joined up strategy,  especially in the current climate. As the national resource organisation for new music CMC in partnership with the Arts Council is committed to exploring ways in which the recommendations can be achieved in the medium term” Evonne Ferguson, Director, CMC.

“Congratulations to the CMC for bringing this wide-ranging and diverse sector together for such focused and productive discussion. It was immediately apparent on Tuesday that there was a will to find ways of working together to raise the profile and maximise the impact of everyone's creative work.” Rachel Holstead, Music Adviser to the Arts Council.

The discussion shall continue among those who attended over the coming weeks.