Harp Ireland/Cruit Éireann have announced that Journal of Music editor Toner Quinn will deliver their annual lecture on 17 November at 6pm at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

Marking ten years since Quinn completed the Arts Council-commissioned Report on the Harping Tradition in Ireland, which led to a series of initiatives, the lecture will reflect on changes in the music and arts landscape in recent years and consider what lies ahead.

Titled ‘What’s Next for Irish Music?’, the lecture will discuss major developments – such as the Basic Income for the Arts pilot and the increase in Arts Council funding – and explore what they mean for musicians, how we can further strengthen music across Ireland, and what it means for the tradition of the Irish harp.

The Report on the Harping Tradition in Ireland was the second policy shift in Irish traditional music that Quinn was involved in following Towards a Policy for the Traditional Arts, the Arts Council’s 2004 report of the Special Committee on the Traditional Arts. Now, 20 and 10 years on from these reports, respectively, he reflects on the impact of these initiatives.

The event is free, but registration is required via Eventbrite. For more information, visit www.harpireland.ie.

Toner Quinn will also be speaking at the Sounds of Belfast festival on 9 November and the William Kennedy Piping Festival in Armagh on 16 November.

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