CONTEMPORARY CULTURE

Sligo’s contemporary culture, along with its unique cultural heritage, is a defining feature of our identity, a vital component of our quality of life, and a key differentiator of Sligo as a cultural tourist destination.

In Sligo a significant level of creativity has been nurtured and developed since the arts were introduced to the range of public service provisions in 1997. Space for Art Sligo Arts Plan 2007-2012 was published after feedback from local artists and arts organisations and in response to extensive county-wide public consultations. The plan sets out an overall strategy for the development of the arts in the city and county, in accordance with the Arts Act 2003. Through the publication of the arts plan Sligo County Council supports the arts for the betterment of artists, arts organisations and the practice of the arts in a wide range of social and community settings across the generations in both the city and county. Sligo’s large population of artists and creatives are valued members of our community and a vibrant sector which can bring innovative thinking to the challenges and complexity of local planning and development. The Arts Plan identifies strategic action areas which will be the key areas of focus for the development of the arts, and development through the arts, in Sligo over the coming years.

Implementation of the Arts Plan coincides with a period of significant physical, social and environmental change. Sligo County Council and Sligo County Development Board will continue to develop Sligo’s long standing reputation as a cultural county through delivery of a Creative Sligo initiative to develop Sligo’s rich cultural assets into sustainable jobs and new cultural products and services.