Arts sector to protest in Cork today
The stage is set for a peaceful protest taking place today on the streets of Cork asking the Government to resume indoor dance, drama and music classes.
Organised by the Performing Arts Educators of Ireland (PAEI), the demonstration will call for the immediate reopening of the performing arts sector including all studios, stage schools and academies.
The protest will start at 11am today from outside Cork Opera House and has full permission from An Garda Síochána.
Anyone attending the protest is asked to wear school uniforms, logos, colourful costumes and anything else to show what they represent.
Protestors are also encouraged to bring along placards and banners to promote their group or organisation.
Having requested an official Government statement regarding the sector’s reopening in September, to which no reply was given, the PAEI says it is now forced to make a public stand highlighting its forgotten sector.
According to PAEI chairperson Pamela Hughes, the group has been fighting for survival since March of last year.
“As it is now August 2021, it has been an exhausting 17 months for us all. We have felt ignored, discriminated against and we cannot survive another autumn and winter with what is left of our businesses remaining closed,” she said.
Looking at the current regulations in place, Ms Hughes said it seemed incredulous that weddings with up to 100 guests are permitted, while indoor performing arts classes for children, operated in a controlled and safe environment, cannot proceed.
Ms Hughes added that the closure of the sector has had an immense impact on the mental health confidence, and social skills of children and young adults in arts training.
The campaign has received widespread support from around the country including that of celebrity actors Saoirse Ronan and Colin Farrell.
The PAEI says waiting for the opportunity to meet with the appropriate Government parties has been “laborious and fruitless” and is now calling on young adults, parents, staff and teachers to take to the streets in support of the campaign.
“Further alienation of children in the performing arts sector due to their passion for dance, drama and singing is nigh on bordering on neglect at this stage,” the group wrote in a statement.
People attending today’s protest are asked to assemble outside Cork Opera House at 10.45am.
A simultaneous protest will take place in Dublin from outside Leinster House.
Organisations supporting the campaign include The Speech & Drama Teachers of Ireland, Irish Ballet Teachers Association, Comhdhail na Muinteoiri Le Rinci Gaelacha, An Coimisiun le Rinci Gaelacha CLRG, Irish Association of Youth Orchestras, and Irish Youth Musical Theatre.