b'B etweenJuneandAugust,thebookshops,The Festivals have not only created jobs, but continue to bring tearooms and restaurants of Bantry, including investment and much-needed income to this area of Ireland. thestoriedBantryHouse,arefilledwithIn 2012, an economic impact survey administered by Univer-audiences who come to enjoy world-renowned sity College Cork showed that for every 200,000 invested, themusiciansplayingclassicalandtraditional economic return to the community was between five and six timesmusic. In addition, critically-acclaimed authors that amount. With thousands of visitors attending the festivals andfrom around the world make their way to this as many as 30% of the visitors to the Chamber Music Festival com-corner of West Cork to offer readings, seminars ing from overseas, the hotels and restaurants are full during theand workshops to all ages in celebration of all that summer season thanks to West Cork Music. This success has alsois literary. The West Cork Chamber Music Festival in particular has been shown in attendance that continues to increase each year. grown from a small gathering tobeing regarded as one of the lead- West Cork Music also organizes year-round programs in Corking festivals of its kind in Europe. schools. Tuning Up is their initiative which brings children accessFrancis Humphrys, Chief Executive of West Cork Music, has a to top musicians and broadens their exposure to all styles of musicdeep passion for the music and literary gifts that Bantry offers the with an interactive and engaging approach. West Cork Music hasthousands of festival attendees each year. He is a founder of West brought Tuning Up to 50 schools. Cork Music and each year devotedly authors hundreds of pages of Over the years, The Ireland Funds have assisted West Corkdetailed guides that have come to be cherished by Festival visitors. Music through both Donor Advised giftsincluding the Mary DalyBut his passion does not stop at Mozart, Haydn or Beethoven. One FundandTheIrelandFundsGrantRound.In2012agrant of the aspects he is most excited about is the proven economicwas made to the Masters of Tradition Festival and most recently,impactthatthefestivalshavehadforthispartofIreland.funding was provided for the West Cork Literary Festival. The workEspeciallyinruralareasofIreland,youfindcommunitiesof West Cork Music is proof that long-term investment in culturalstruggling, says Humphrys. We are proud to say that here in initiatives can bring long-term benefits to local communities. Cork, we see the difference that West Cork Music is making.Over the years, The Ireland Funds have assisted West CorkMusic through both Donor Advised giftsincluding the MaryDaly Fund and The Ireland Funds Grant Round. In 2012 a grant was made to the Masters of Tradition Festival and most recently, funding was provided for the West Cork Literary Festival. The work of West Cork Music is proof thatlong-term investment in cultural initiatives can bring long-term benefits to local communities. connect2013 | 21'