New chamber to develop cultural links with business

A NEW initiative has got off the ground to link Dun Laoghaire’s vibrant arts and tourism scene with local businesses.

The Chamber of Arts Heritage & Culture was launched at the Dalkey Heritage Centre in Dalkey Castle recently.

The new group is a division of the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Chamber of Commerce that is dedicated to developing links between the business community and the arts, heritage, culture and tourism.

Identified four years ago by CEO Audrey McKenna, the initiative will form a bridge for the business-focused members of the Chamber of Commerce with all the individuals and organisations who are involved in the various arts and tourism initiatives.

The Chamber of Arts Heritage & Culture will advocate and represent a strong and sustainable cultural sector to allow friends, patrons and corporate sponsors to demonstrate their support for the arts, culture, heritage and tourism.

It will also give artistic members access to the lobbying capacity and business expertise in the Chamber of Commerce and provide a platform to showcase their talents.

Neil Keenan, the president of the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Chamber of Commerce, said:

“The launch of the Chamber of Arts Heritage & Culture as part of our Chamber of Commerce is a hugely significant development.

“It is very timely in the year of the Gathering and with the construction of a new library and cultural centre in Dun Laoghaire town.

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He added:

“We will rebuild our economy through playing to our strengths. Ireland has a tradition in literature, music, the visual arts and heritage that no other country has, and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County in particular has a proud tradition in the arts.

“I believe we now have an unparalleled opportunity to use this initiative to develop our cultural sector and to attract new visitors to our county and our country.

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Audrey McKenna, the CEO of the Chamber of Arts Heritage & Culture stated:

“Our artists and our culture are such an integral part of our national identity and heritage. We now need to recognise that business and culture are not mutually exclusive but can work together in an inclusive manner.

“Creativity is the bridging factor that will nurture all our resources and empower them to work together. Following two years of planning and now in the year of the Gathering, we launch our Chamber of Arts Heritage & Culture in a time where, at last, we are seeing cultural communities come to the forefront.

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