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New online channel to showcase the best of Irish Arts and Culture
Platform Ireland is a new online channel showcasing the best of Irish arts and culture to audiences in Ireland and worldwide.
It is also a new potential revenue generator for creators and makers. It is a world first. Throughout the initial twelve week trial period, funded by Still Point Productions and the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, there has been strong interest and support for Platform Ireland from the arts sector and general audiences both nationally and internationally. The top three markets viewing the site have been Ireland, the UK and the US respectively. Almost 650 people signing-up since end of January - treble the original target and all through word of mouth.
Platform Ireland:
“Our research confirms that an appetite exists for an online website showing the best in Irish arts across all markets, which also acts as a single portal for all related material including news, interviews, rehearsals and an archive for the Irish arts. We have performances, documentary and a range of other content from Irelands lead players in arts and culture including Druid Theatre Company, the Irish Chamber Orchestra and Opera Ireland. Throughout the trial Platform Ireland has been consistently adding new content. Latest pieces include ‘The Adventures of Flannery’- a documentary about musician Cathal Coughlan produced by Bandit Films and a film capturing Thomas
Kinsella at The Gate Theatre along with leading writers and poets to celebrate his award as Freeman of Dublin City.
Initial audience research and feedback conducted by Platform Ireland throughout the duration of the trial indicates that over 65% of people surveyed would like to see more behind the scenes content and backstage interviews. In addition, the majority of users highlighted the need for an arts news site and one stop shop for documentaries and critical review and these areas are also in development. In addition to screening content, Platform Ireland is undertaking an audit of arts content produced in Ireland over the last decade. Data gathered indicates substantial content in archives ready for conversion to product. Platform Ireland sees a need for a dedicated arts channel. This is supported by key relevant industry agencies including The Arts Council/An Chomhairle, Screen Producers Ireland, Regional Development organisations, and at policy level in the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and as well as other key Departments. The initiative will be included in the Innovation Task Force report (dept. of An Taoiseach) which is due for publishing soon. A report and business development plan for Platform Ireland is due at the end of the trial stage this month, which aims to also show that the audience we have built believes in this idea. Your input is key and we would ask those who may not as yet have had the opportunity to complete the survey to please take a few minutes from their day to answer our short questionnaire.”
Watch something different…discover something new…give an opinion…get involved!
Register and login to www.platformireland.ie
