Fingal County Council Planning for Recovery in the Arts & Cultural Sector post Covid-19

Fingal County Council’s Arts Office will be the first in Ireland to deliver a coaching support programme for artists and arts organisations on responding to and working within the changed landscape of Covid-19.

Fingal County Council Arts Office are extending their ‘Let’s Stay Together’ campaign by offering a specialised one-hour coaching session per individual or organisation to help artists and arts organisations respond to and work within the changed landscape of Covid-19.

The programme is in response to the second phase of the Government’s Community Call and the ‘In This Together’ campaign which aims to provide everyone in Ireland with ways and activities to Stay Connected, Stay Active, and take care of their Physical and Mental Wellbeing throughout the Covid-19 emergency.

This new initiative is also a response to The Arts Council’s recent Planning for Recovery survey which provides an overview of the impact of Covid-19 on arts organisations and artists. The survey records lost programme activity, audiences and income.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien said: “Arts and creativity are vital because they lift individuals up and bring communities together; their benefits are social, cultural, economic and psychological.

“This is especially the case during the Covid-19 emergency, so I commend the Arts Office for their commitment to helping artists and organisations survive and thrive.”

AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, said: “I greatly value Fingal’s creative economy, and Fingal County Council will continue to support artists through this and other initiatives.

Throughout the Covid-19 situation, Fingal Arts have already been creating and promoting activities to stay connected and support creatives in the County.

“In extending the support this expert coaching will help artists and arts organisations to continue to adapt, work well and respond to a changed environment.”

Director of Community & Housing Margaret Geraghty added: “This extension to the ‘Let’s Stay Together’ campaign will assure people of our continued commitment and intention to maintain contact and communication with the arts & cultural communities during this time.”

Each coaching session will be facilitated by Janice McAdam, a Strategy and Engagement Consultant and Coach. 

Janice worked for many years in the arts and now, as a consultant and coach, specialises in helping people and organisations think strategically, engage effectively and consider change.

She continues to work regularly with arts and cultural sector clients across all art-forms, including local and national organisations such as the Arts Council, County Councils, Creative Ireland.

Coaching sessions with Janice will begin in June and can be booked directly by emailing [email protected]