Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Policy
About Chamber Music on Valentia
Valentia Island, Co. Kerry is the perfect place for a unique chamber music festival, nestled in
a rich and vibrant landscape. It is a spectacular location as one of Ireland’s most westerly
points, steeped in history (ancient and recent) and boasts a host of stunning venues. Founded by pianist Mary Dullea in 2014, Chamber Music on Valentia presents an annual festival of international stature throughout Valentia Island.
Thematically resonating with this backdrop, it connects performers and audience with
inspirational performances in authentic settings, produces novel and impactful engagement, activities, development opportunities and fosters a rich connection with the music and the performers. The Festival continues to evolve as it strives to be innovative and ambitious, accessible and with lasting legacy.
Inclusion and diversity are central tenets of Chamber Music on Valentia’s mission, and core
to our organisational ethos.
Chamber Music on Valentia’s EDI policy is guided by:
- Our mission: To deliver an annual chamber music festival and other events that connects
audiences with performers, presenting a diverse programme of concerts and opportunities
that are accessible and have lasting legacy for all stakeholders. - The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion guideline
https://www.artscouncil.ie/Equality-Diversity-Inclusion/ - Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission | Equality Legislation
https://www.ihrec.ie/your-rights/equality-laws-ireland/ - Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission | Public Sector Duty
https://www.ihrec.ie/our-work/public-sector-duty/
Our EDI statement
Guided by relevant current policy and best practice, and the vision and mission of the
festival, Chamber Music on Valentia will, using a process of continuous data collection,
evaluation and reassessment, strive to ensure that the organisation represents through its
programming, engages with through its public engagement, and reflects in its operational
architecture and organisation the diversity of the community within which it is created and
presented.
Artistic programme
The festival’s artistic programme is at the heart of what we do. Every year, we seek to produce an artistic programme that is exciting, diverse and innovative, ensuring audience engagement is continuously to the fore. The artistic programme is our vehicle for representing the range of work created by Irish composers and artists and for audiences and participants to share these experiences. Any commissioning opportunities are also guided by the four sources above and are responsive to the nature of these opportunities and how they reflect our world.
Public engagement
Chamber Music on Valentia’s community is a central aspect of the festival; from our local
community on Valentia Island and South Kerry to our national and international partners, and the many organisations and individuals we work with through our community engagement programmes.
Organisation
People are integral to Chamber Music on Valentia’s organisation; from our Board / Committee to the volunteers we work with on an annual basis. We believe that a diverse and inclusive arts organisation thrives based on a culture of creativity, respect and
openness.
EDI Policy Monitoring and Evaluation
The delivery of Chamber Music on Valentia’s EDI Policy will be led by the Festival’s Director
(who is also the EDI Policy Champion) and Festival Manager, with oversight from our
Board/Committee. The Board/Committee will, on an annual basis, evaluate its progress and
impact, including the necessity for further development or redrafting of the EDI policy.
This policy was reviewed and signed on
Date: 30th May 2024
By: Mary Dullea