KERRY County Council is to launch the Kerry Arts Strategy (2016-2021),  at 5pm, on February 23, at the Tralee Library.

The Arts Office at Kerry County Council will build on the accomplishments of the previous Arts Plan and continue to facilitate the provision of aid to support professional artists, in particular through the delivery of Artist Bursaries and Artist in Residence programmes.

The office will continue to mentor emerging artists and will strive to reach new audiences for their work.

New initiatives will include the development of visual arts projects to showcase new work (including an e-newsletter), the provision of business mentoring for artists and a film bursary (in association with Kerry Local Enterprise Office).

There will also be a development of a closer partnership between Kerry County Council and other agencies to promote active participation in the arts of young people and working to promote professional arts development in Kerry are central to the plan.

“Ensuring the next generation experience creative development through music, dance, theatre, film, creative writing and visual arts is essential towards ensuring we sustain our living culture and creative potential,” stated Kerry County Council CEO Moira Murrell.

Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Pat McCarthy, said: “The arts contribute enormously to the life of communities throughout Kerry and cultural tourism draws thousands of visitors to the county every year”.

All are welcome to attend the launch where copies of the plan will be distributed on CD and USB.  Tea and coffee will also be served.

You can contact arts@kerrycoco.ie or call 066-718 3541 for more information.