BACKGROUND

At the end of 2010 Ireland received a bailout from the EU/IMF, cementing a period of Irish economic uncertainty coinciding with a global financial crisis. Once the poster child of globalization and growth  Ireland is now an exemplar of austerity, tax rises and public service funding cuts. Allegations of political corruption and widespread cronyism are being made; Irish civil morality is being questioned. Urgent questions are being asked about how it happened, who is accountable and how it can best be managed.

At times like this it is often creative responses that pinpoint crucial questions to ask and generate energy and dialogue where conventional methods fail. Unsurprisingly then, a very exciting, urgent and necessary body of Irish contemporary art is manifesting in response to the collapse of the global financial system and its local implications. If we explore these works we may uncover new ways to think about the crisis and its aftermath in terms of national identity, post colonialism, political and social structures, civil responsibility, social activism, gender and austerity and more.

THE PROJECT

On 17-18 November 2012 Goldsmiths, University of London, one of the Britain’s top art universities, will be hosting an event called The Future State of Ireland to examine the contribution of contemporary Irish artists, working both at home and overseas, to uncovering important issues in the economic crash. Artists such as Kennedy Browne, Anthony Haughey, the Troubling Ireland think tank and the filmmaking/research collaboration of Treasa O'Brien and Mary Jane O'Leary will present their work alongside eminent keynote speakers such as the Irish historian Professor Roy Foster (Oxford), Assistant Editor of the Irish Times Fintan O’Toole (Princeton).

One of the consequences of the Irish crisis has been a steep rise in emigration which directly affects the British cultural landscape as many Irish emigrants, artists and non-artists, choose to make Britain home. The Future State of Ireland is a timely opportunity for the diaspora voice in Britain to be heard in this discussion, potentially facilitating a fresh perspective.

WHAT YOUR PLEDGE WILL BE USED FOR

The organisers are seeking help with funding to cover the travel and accommodation costs of bringing these five contemporary Irish artists to Goldsmiths, University of London for one weekend to present and discuss their work alongside notable academics, cultural experts, art critics, gallerists and art lovers. Engaging artists in a conversation on the economy gives us a starting point for exploring the angles of this financial crisis that are more difficult to grasp. Your valuable support in making this important event happen is much appreciated.

For further information on the event and on the artists please visit www.thefuturestate.org.uk or contact stephanie@thefuturestate.org.uk for more.