As the newly appointed Chair of the Board of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, I am delighted to welcome the publication of Screen Ireland's strategic plan, Building for a Creative Future 2024 which outlines how the organisation will support this important sector of the national economy for the next three years.
Recent years have seen tremendous change in our lives, for reasons ranging from global to local. Over the course of the last 18 months, the global pandemic has meant that, in addition to the direct economic impact, everybody has to adapt to new ways of working, to new constraints in our daily lives, and we are not yet sure of what changes will be required long term. In addition, the reality of climate change is becoming evident everywhere through more frequent extreme weather events. Close to home, the disruption of Brexit has already had a significant effect on our economy. In light of these challenges, it is a testament to the resilience of our creative screen industry that during this period, the industry has continued to grow steadily, reflecting the talent and commitment of those working within it. We need to foster a wider understanding of the value of the industry as an important contributor to the economic and cultural well-being of the country.
Despite the current uncertainties, the very challenges which have catalysed so much change in our lives also open up new opportunities for this sector, as demand for creative entertainment increases. This offers opportunities for the industry to grow more viable businesses and sustainable rewarding careers.
We have all had an opportunity to reflect on the value of culture over the past eighteen months, and film, television, documentary and animation are key drivers and innovators in the cultural space. The creative screen industry showcases an imaginative and authentic Ireland. This vibrant, valuable industry needs to be more accessible to people from different backgrounds and regions, so that the full breadth of contemporary Ireland benefits and is represented.
Ireland is lucky to have exceptional creative resources, producers, directors, actors, crew, writers, animators, artists, musicians and more. These resources are the core of a sustainable indigenous industry. The intellectual property from Irish creativity is a valuable income source and Irish creatives should be supported in retaining it, monetising it and sharing it equitably among all the contributors.
Strong, innovative and efficient leadership is essential to deliver this strategy. It requires a dynamic and responsive state agency in Screen Ireland, one ready and resourced to support the industry as it goes through this period of systematic transformation. Equipping industry professionals and businesses with the tools needed to reach the next level in their creative work and businesses will enable the development of an outward-looking industry, ready and capable of competing at the highest level.
As someone new to the creative screen industry, I see a sector that is innovative and quick to respond to whatever challenges are thrown in its direction. It is now time to ensure the bedrock for further success is firm. Steady, measurable progress is more necessary than ever before, in order to create a production ecosystem in Ireland as resilient as it is agile.
Screen Ireland is looking forward to implementing the strategic plan in partnership with the industry over the next three years.
