Limerick is to get its own Oscars to recognise those engaged in the arts, cultural and media worlds.
Plans for what is to be known as the Mid West Arts Media and Culture Awards, were announced at Punches Hotel.
The ceremony will take place on January 26, 2008, in Limerick’s Hilton Hotel.
The initiative is the brainchild of Nicky Woulfe.
"The effort that people put in to their endeavours should be rewarded. There are so many awards and similar events held in the Dublin and it’s high time Limerick had its own little Oscars! There will be a panel of 10 judges for the various categories”.
The titles include: Best Newspaper in the Midwest, Best Feature Print, Best Play, Best Arts Performance, Best New Young Band or Songwriter/Original Material, Best Festival Award, and Best Art Exhibition.
The main sponsor is Noel’s N2 Menswear, praised by the event’s chairman Mairtin O Briain, for "having the vision to come on board”.
Nicky adds "There will also be a Richard Harris life-time achievement award - hopefully, we’ll have one of his family to present it. This award will honour an individual’s commitment to the arts, media or culture of the region”.
Mr. O Briain said the awards will be a huge boost for all those individuals working in these areas.
"The Mid West region has a proud and distinguished heritage in the fields of arts, in music, writing, works of arts and sculpture, in dance and in festivals and journalism.
Nicky WŁoulfe |
"However, despite the very hard work and endeavours of those involved, they are seldom acknowledged at a public and community level.
"These awards will to go some way towards publicly appreciating those individuals and encouraging them and others, to continue this important work,” said Mairtin.
The launch was attended by the Minister for Defence Willie O’Dea, who welcomed the idea, saying: "it is a very good initiative in that those who work in these areas in the region deserve to be recognised”.
Breda Lynch, a lecturer from Limerick’s School of Art and Design, said the initiative will not only benefit those working in the arts, but also Limerick as a city.
"Anything that draws attention to Limerick - that detracts from the crass stereotype - is a good thing. There is the assumption that Galway and Cork have the strongest arts and culture infrastructure but, in fact, there’s a vivacious arts scene in Limerick, a fact that’s not often recognised”.
Terri Murray, a published author and member of the White-house Poetry group, commented: "It’s a long time overdue. It’s a fabulous initiative. I’m from Dublin and have lived in Limerick for the last 14 years. I’ve always been very vocal in my praise of local artists and writers”.
Barney Sheehan, of the White-house Poetry readings, agreed: "It’s a superb idea. There are people, like myself, who put a lot of effort and a tremendous amount of hard work into something, and we’re not paid for it”.
