Here, Lucy talks about street art, and ISACS aim to highlight their value and relevance in today’s cultural climate.

“We believe that street arts, circus and spectacle are inclusive, democratic, engaging, inspiring and transformative. We seek to grow the recognition of these art forms as socially, culturally and economically vital elements of Ireland.

Creativity was always an important element of my world. The process of making, drawing, sewing, building, painting, crafting, writing, cooking, inventing….it was, and still is, an essential part of my own personal growth. So, I was fortunate enough to be able to follow my heart into Limerick School of Art and Design where, along with all my fellow students, we were encouraged to change our view of what art is, who is it for and where it takes place. A lead figure in our development at the time was the wonderful Martin Folan who rapidly demonstrated to us that the audience for our art was on the street…and if we could think big enough, we could perhaps communicate with a whole new public. This we did and with Martin’s conviction we were delighted to follow.

Upon departing Limerick in 1993, we quickly realised that now we had to stand on our own and make it independently. A group of us set up a company in Wexford called Buí Bolg, which became one of the lead carnivals and processionary arts companies in the country at the time. Of course, my dreams of an artistic life were rapidly transforming into survival and so did my role accordingly. I went from community artist to costume designer, to manager and everything in between. But the struggle as an artistic company was real and relentless, trying to make ends meet. We succeeded in receiving some Arts Council support, but for the scale and for the responsibilities which ensued, it was always too tight. This ultimately led to the formation of ISACS in 2010 and with the demand and need for this entity, I followed the call.

Together with the whole of the street and circus community, we banded together and created a membership network (ISACS) aiming to raise the profile and grow support and recognition of these art forms. This initially was formed between myself, Chantal McCormick of Fidget Feet Aerial Dance and Ulla Hokkanen of Galway Community Circus. It has since then been my pleasure and privilege to see this initiative grow, to lead it and to see it taking shape over the last 9 years.”

What is it about the work that ISACS does that strikes a chord with you?

ISACS is an equal organisation. It is about giving everyone a platform, a light and a ladder upon which to climb. It is about highlighting diversity and individuality and at the same time, about working collectively for the improvement of all in these sectors. It is an incredibly giving and generous sector – the kindness, support, gratitude and spirit of sharing permeate through the membership. We never want to lose that.

What’s your opinion on the importance of street art?

In today’s world, street arts have a crucial role to play in the transformation of our place and of our identity. This is the place where art becomes real….it is real. Whether you create art on a street, in a field, on the side of a cliff, in a carpark, or in a river, when it is in public, it is real. The audience is real, the place is real, the weather is real, the reaction is real. It is REAL!

And if you happen to witness a street arts moment, it not only transforms your relationship with the people around you who have experienced it, but it transforms your relationship with and memory of that place.

Street Art therefore brings people together, engages the public, shares an experience and transforms a place, while building a new relevance for live art in today’s media-soaked society.

What is the current street art scene like in Ireland?

Ireland’s street arts scene is growing and evolving, thanks to a number of key organisations, some of whom have been working in this sector for almost three decades now. Spraoi, Waterford has been championing the development of Street Arts as a means to engage and enrich the city for over 25 years. The success and vitality of this festival transforms Waterford City into a pulsating hub of public approval of the value of the arts on their streets. More recently, Carlow Arts, Cork Midsummer and Limerick Fringe are following as champions of the dynamism of audience engagement through street arts.

Emerging artists are now looking around and gradually, the appetite is growing to create work for the streets, despite our incalculable weather conditions. I can particularly think of Cikada Circus and Cie Maleta who emerged from the NEST programme which ISACS run in partnership with Spraoi. These two small intimate artistic companies are bringing circus, dance, theatre to the streets and connecting with audiences in new, exciting and virtuosic ways.

What about the public’s perception of street art?

The wider public probably don’t concern themselves too much with what street art is and what it’s not, or what  theatre/circus/dance is, that matter. However, if you asked the public of Galway how much they care about the artists which fill their street, you would probably get a very strong response. Street art has embedded itself totally and utterly into Galway’s soul. It has created an enormous energy around the city which attracts international visitors and artists from all over to soak up that unique beating atmosphere at all times of the year. Street Arts is probably one of the single biggest economic drivers of the tourism industry in Galway. It has charged and recharged the city again and again from the initial explosion of Els Comediants and subsequently Macnas onto the streets of Galway over 30 years ago…a wave was created, and it just keeps on coming.

What would you ultimately like to see happening with street art in Ireland? In Europe/Globally?

We in ISACS want to see educational programmes created, creation spaces opened, supported residencies for artists offered, academic papers written, festival programming transformed, doors opened, and glass ceilings smashed! We want equal recognition. We want equal opportunity. We want Arts for all and we are making that happen.

Tell us about the collaboration between ISACS, Circostrada and Galway 2020 and the benefits you hope this will bring to street arts.

The collaboration between ISACS, Circostrada and Galway 2020 is unique. Circostrada – European Network for Circus and Street Arts initiated the FRESH STREET model and ISACS were delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the third edition of same together with our FRESH STREET work group and Galway 2020 from 22 to 24 May 2019.

ISACS have been members of Circostrada since 2013. Our relationship within this network has been critical for building our international networks, platforms and relationships. When Galway was designated as the European Capital of Culture in 2020, ISACS were delighted, as together with them, the prospect of hosting FRESH STREET#3 became a reality. We are so grateful for all the support and encouragement which we are receiving from Galway 2020 towards the development of this project. Exposing the 2020 team to the wonders of street arts has been a delight.

Street arts, public arts, outdoor arts, environmental arts – call it what you will. Arts for all is our passion. Tear down the walls, open the doors, step outside, experience the world……and let’s make it yours.