"ARROGANCE." That was the word most used at the Beaubourg bar to explain any problem Irish artists had working in France. On the credit side, however, all the facilities were there for artists, they said. Declan MacGonagle's stated aim of "creating opportunities for Irish artists" has already been achieved. For example, Alice Maher has created an installation for the Parc de la Courneuve; Brian Friel's folly Sweeny is due to be produced at the Theatre de La Colline as the result of a reading.
And we were bringing the French something special: "France is going through a series of changes," explained MacGonagle. "Ireland has a lot to contribute in this matter of an unsettled identity."
