Counter sites: On site-specific performance and the re-historicizing of space

Abstract

The aim of this research is to examine how government funding, through the creation of a cultural policy framework, can facilitate and support site-specific performance and highlight its value, particularly at sites of historical importance. Using the Ouroboros/ Making History tour as a case study this project examines the nature of site-specific performance and questions the effectiveness of existing cultural legislation in supporting this innovative practice. It also explores the growing relationship between culture and commerce resulting in the creation of cultural policy that embraces the tenets of business and applies them to the arts. Further it examines the economic and cultural benefits for local communities where audience/ visitor attitudes towards historical locations are challenged and reinterpreted through the medium of theatre. Recent socio-economic forces have pressured government agencies such as the Arts Council to create cultural policies incorporating both culture and commerce. Theatre production is vying with many new "cultural industries" (advertising, broadcasting, tourism etc.) for funding. Entrepreneurial initiatives are coming to the fore as the arts is being seen more as an end-product rather than a process, and one which should benefit not only the local community but the larger economy also. With the recent removal of government funding from many established theatre companies, there is a need to assess the impact of this - turnaround in support for the future and the quality of theatre production. It is intended that this research will contribute to the cultural debate on the provision of site-specific locations and will benefit the developing national and regional performance guidelines for historic and architectural sites in Ireland