Sir, – There is much to ponder in Mick Heaney’s thoughtful reflections on the somewhat uneasy relationship between the arts and politics (Life Culture, November 18th). The article points again and again to the kind of ambiguity that marbles the meat of all connections between the two.
He refers several times to Roy Foster’s arguably condescending take on the arts in Ireland (the superciliously titled, Luck and the Irish). Prof Foster does however correctly diagnose the current unfortunate condition of seeing art as “product”. When the doors of the first Farmleigh economic forum burst open, dizzy industrialists waving flags with “The arts will save us” emblazoned on them, the creative community shifted uncomfortably on its benches. The idea that artists might be pushed forward to the vanguard of a world assault by “Brand Ireland” was disquieting to say the least. What had they all been talking about in there? What about the economy?
In less intoxicating moments, it is perhaps better to think on the President’s “seedbed of creativity” and to realise that while politics or commerce will never create art, they can have an important role in facilitating its creation, as long as the emphasis is on the value, and not the price. For this, there is a requirement for patient nurturing, for taking the long view and awaiting a harvest which, if it comes, will give real cause for celebration. – Yours, etc,