Statement from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
Published on
Last updated on
Minister Catherine Martin is representing Ireland at a number of events in Austin as part of the Government’s 2024 St Patrick’s Day programme, some of which form part of the SXSW festival.
These events are aimed at promoting Ireland's creative industries through a trade mission led by Enterprise Ireland and a comprehensive promotion of Ireland’s film industry. They are taking place in collaboration with Ireland’s consulates in Austin, Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as the Department of Foreign Affairs, Culture Ireland, Screen Ireland, IDA, Tourism Ireland and Music from Ireland. In addition, the Minister will be engaging with young Irish business professionals and the wider diaspora in the region.
The Minister spoke this morning to many of the musicians who have withdrawn from the SXSW Festival. She outlined that she has the utmost respect for their freedom of expression as artists and reassured them that she will use every opportunity available to her to make clear her revulsion at the devastation that has been unleashed on Gaza.
This includes the St Patrick’s Day consular reception in Austin tonight where she will outline to attendees the Irish Government’s calls for an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and a massive and sustained increase in humanitarian aid, food and medicine to the people of Gaza.