Hospital Arts Trust deserves every penny it gets

Dear Editor,

I would like to second what Margaret Flannery says (Galway Advertiser, letters, July 19) about the excellent work being done by Galway University Hospitals Arts Trust. The organisation deserves every penny it receives, and much more. I know, from working with her, that Ms Flannery is one of the most dedicated and diligent arts administrators currently working in Galway.

In the course of my work with residents of Units 5 and 6 of Merlin Park Hospital on creative writing and memoir projects I have seen the way that writing a witty little poem or remembering a story can transform a person’s afternoon.

Some of the liveliest writers I know are the wonderful group of people I have come to know through my work with them at Merlin Park Hospital. I know that they also greatly enjoy the art classes facilitated there by Anna McCarthy.

Of course not every organisation makes such good use of grants received. There is, certainly, wasteful spending which could be cut back on. I am happy to provide Councillor Keane - or Enda Kenny or Brendan Howlin or any other interested politician - with details.

They could use the money saved to increase the grants of those arts organisations, such as Galway University Hospitals Arts Trust, which do a brilliant and absolutely necessary job.

Yours,

Kevin Higgins

3 Carbry Road

Newcastle

Galway