Q3 2021

EU BUSINESS NEWS / Q3 2021 7 Best International Irish Language Arts Platform 2021 The most recent actual festival was held in South County Dublin in 2019, a five-day festival featuring 162 events tailored to suit all ages, which was attended by 10,000 visitors over the 5 days, providing an invaluable boost to the local economy. Other events organised by An tOireachtas annually include New Irish Writing, a series of literary competitions catering for all age groups from tender beginners to well- established authors; The Oireachtas Media Awards, established by An tOireachtas in 1999, widely known as the Irish language Oscars with awards which recognise excellence in the Irish language sector; Irish language events held during Culture Night throughout the 32 counties; the Annual Publishing Awards, with three categories of Gradam Uí Shúilleabháin (Irish-Language Book of the Year for Adults), Gradam Réics Carló (Irish-Language Book of the Year for Children) and Gradam de Bhaldraithe (Irish- Language Book of the Year for publications translated to Irish) which are sponsored by Foras na Gaeilge; and a series of other local and regional cultural and arts events. With regard to the future of the festival, An tOireachtas announced at the end of May that the 2021 festival would not be returning to its pre-pandemic configuration due to the ongoing uncertainty in relation to COVID-19 restrictions. The team is focusing on the creation and delivery of an alternative programme in consultation with its stakeholders – a programme that will bring together, delight and entertain the Oireachtas community. The 2021 programme will be announced in September. Company: An tOireachtas Contact: Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha Email: [email protected] Website: www.antoireachtas.ie