Singer and musician Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh speaks to Seán from Baile na nGall, West Kerry about the catastrophoc affects Covid-19 is having on the Arts Community.
Muireann launched her latest album, Thar Toinn/ SeaBorne on the 11th of March and had a tour around the country planned but like many other artists, the gigs were all cancelled due to Covid-19 precautions.
She describes how the gig economy has been decimated and says regarding the Department of Arts, Culture, Hertitage and the Gaeltacht recently announced support which includes an online element that whilst any help is 'a good thing', these grants will help 'certain people', they are seen as dividing the community as in essence it involves artists 'transforming their practice' for online, something which Muireann thinks won't work for most artists. Nic Amhlaoibh suggests the competition element is not helpful as many artists are struggling to get through the day and aren't feeling 'particularly creative'.
"The arts are so, so important. During this time, it seems people are listening to music more and more, they're reading books and watching films, and that's all the Arts and unless we support them, they won't be there on the other side, when we come out of this"
Muireann finished the interview by singing Róisín Dubh for John Prine and Mary Mc Partlan, both of whom have died in recent days.
You can listen to Muireann's radio show Malairt Poirt le Muireann on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta on Saturday from 7-9.
Today with Seán O' Rourke, Monday to Friday on RTÉ Radio One from 10am
