Civic reception for 30 years of Cork Community Art Link

CORK Community Art Link marked 30 years of bringing art to the people of Cork in a unique and inclusive way yesterday.

Lord Mayor of Cork Kieran McCarthy and Cork City Council chief executive Ann Doherty were joined by staff, volunteers, friends, and supporters of Art Link to celebrate the occasion.

Since its establishment, Art Link has worked with thousands of people, and hundreds of communities and voluntary and statutory agencies in partnership across Cork city.

“What started as a Fás Community Employment Scheme back in 1993 has evolved and developed over 30 years to become one of the most successful and admired community arts organisations in the country,” said Mr McCarthy.

He gave a special mention to the annual Dragon of Shandon parade, which sees thousands take to the streets of Shandon to walk with a 36ft Dragon made by the hands of Cork people.

Ms Doherty said the council “has enjoyed a long and supportive relationship” with the organisation, noting its “particularly strong record in working with and in celebrating the creativity of communities and groups that experience inequality”.