With the appointment of his first Arts Council, the Minister, John O'Donoghue, has effectively made his most important - and far-reaching - decision since coming into office.
This council will greatly influence the condition and framework of the arts in Ireland for the remainder of the decade. In deciding the composition of the council, the Minister has clearly put his own signature on a sector which contributes to the nation an incalculable wealth that is as vital and as enriching as the economic benefits that we cherish so much.
Making appointments to any board or body is an imaginative challenge, and particularly in this instance where the future scope of creativity and the work of the imagination itself is at stake. On the basis of the panel of names presented yesterday, it can be said that Mr O'Donoghue has responded to this challenge with both inspiration and creative flair - along with the added element of surprise. In a recent interview in this newspaper the Minister promised to deliver "an Arts Council where each individual feels that he or she can make a contribution to the overall interests of the sector." He has done just that in his choice of chairperson and in assembling a wealth of experience from the sector itself.
The tenure of the outgoing council corresponded to a period that was not short of controversy, tensions and recrimination in the arts. The council itself had not even reached mid-term when it had to cope with a series of much-publicised resignations of prominent members, as well as a change of chairman.
Of course, the period of office just ended has been a propitious one that delivered an unprecedented expansion of funding. That, in turn, raised expectations which had to be disappointed during the last months of the council when, in a reversal of fortunes, this growth in State subvention came to an end and cutbacks were applied. This situation has led to much resentment, frustration and bitter accusation about the commitment of the council and the Department. The new council has a task ahead in ensuring that proper levels of funding are maintained and managed fairly.
A consequence of the Arts Act 2003, which came into effect yesterday, is a reduction in council membership from 17 to 13. But, on the basis of the range and quality of yesterday's appointees, this reduced council augurs well for the promotion of the arts. The decision to reappoint three members of the old council - and to introduce a system of rolling membership - is a wise one: experience from the past is an invaluable asset.
The Minister has stated his intention to appoint temporary committees to examine specific art forms. How these committees might operate in tandem with the permanent council has yet to be outlined and tested. However, it is the relationship, and working dynamic, between those appointed yesterday and the executive that needs the clearest and most precise clarification. Where exactly lie the borders of demarcation between the roles of the statutory board and the executive?
Differences of understanding and interpretation seemed to be at the core of tensions in the past. That cannot be allowed to happen again.
Perhaps that is why the new legislation accords an increased - and worrying - policy-making role to the Minister.