Artists, writers and composers assemble in Dublin for the inaugural meeting of Aosdána.
1n 1981 the Arts Council established Aosdána to honour artists, whose work has made an outstanding contribution to the creative arts in Ireland, and to encourage and assist members in devoting their energies fully to their art. Aosdána is funded by the state through the Arts Council.
The Arts Council believes that along with other state schemes it will make a big contribution to the arts here.
Artists, writers and composers assemble in the House of Lords of the old Irish Houses of Parliament building, now the Bank of Ireland at College Green, Dublin for the inaugural meeting of Aosdána. Those present include Seán O'Faoláin, Neil Jordan, Mary Lavin, Francis Stuart, Máirtín Ó Direáin, Seóirse Bodley and Robert Ballagh.
The Taoiseach Garret FitzGerald opens the first meeting which is also attended by former Taoisigh Charles Haughey and Jack Lynch. Garret FitzGerald believes,
The scheme will enhance the position of the artist in society and enable them to concentrate their energies full time on creative work.
The Arts Council have chosen 96 men and women to be Aosdána members
To be honoured by the state for their contribution to the visual, literary and musical arts.
The remaining 54 members will be chosen by the Aosdána members themselves.
Aosdána will provide a grant, or cnuas, of £5000 per annum for members who apply for assistance. The cnuas will be revised annually. To qualify for the cnuas, members must be full time artists.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 14 April 1983.
