Inspirational Readings and Strange Signs
Writing scandal-defying application forms and attending wonderful readings
Writing An Arts Council Application Form
I'm writing an Arts Council application form for Waterford Music at the moment, along with the chairperson and treasurer. If we’re successful, we’ll get an Arts Grant; these grants are given out to various artforms each year. It's a curious feeling, to be writing such an application form in the shadow of the recent controversy over the Arts Council's white-elephant IT systems.
It's hard not to feel that the artists will suffer, despite reassurances to the contrary. Nonetheless, I will keep my head down and write on, knowing I'm working for an organisation with a very solid track record, and trusting that we will receive the reward we deserve.
Jan Carson Author Event
It's always uplifting to go to a reading by an author who knows how to deliver. I went to an author with writer Jan Carson, who describes herself as being from the North (of Ireland.) She impressed me with her light, nuanced approach to tackling difficult issues through story, and with her deliciously dark humour.
Jan read a short extract from The Raptures, her latest novel, and took part in a Q&A session with a presenter from local radio station WLR. The event gave me plenty of nuggets to take away.
Poetry Reading in Dungarvan
Jan Carson's reading was organised by Waterford Libraries, who do a huge amount of work to promote literature in Waterford. So does Waterford Council's Arts Office, whose latest literary venture is a poetry reading this coming Saturday, 1 March featuring Waterford poet Frank Farrelly. Frank will read from his new collection, Small Victories (Revival Press) at 3pm in Dungarvan Arts Centre, in an event moderated by author Lani O'Hanlon.
A Sign from the Grammar Grouch
The Grammar Grouch is trying to mellow out these days, but was galvanised into action when he was sent a sign by a fellow Grouch. This sign says No Vehicle or Pedestrian Access. How then, wondered the Grouch, is one to access the building? Using wings? The Grouch was forced to conclude that the sign actually meant No Access.
And finally… this year marks 200 years since the invention of Braille by 16-year-old Louis Braille in 1825. Technology has evolved since then, but blind people still greatly value Braille for the freedom it gives them to read and write easily. Long may it reign.