The first Feis Maitiú was held in 1927, so our centenary is not too far away. A major milestone such as this is an opportunity to think back and to look forward. I am quickly approaching my 40th Feis as steward and many more again as a young performer. For almost 30 years I have had the privilege of being the lead administrator and director. It has been a great honour to be involved in this very special Performing Arts project that has allowed me the opportunity to experience many wonderful moments, events and opportunities; to meet amazing people and to rejoice in the achievement of all performers.
However, administration has changed enormously over that time. It is no longer possible or viable that one person (with the assistance of a small team) should continue to hold responsibility for a major cultural event. I have tried to acquire the necessary skills to keep up to date with many facets but being knowledgeable of many and master of none is no longer appropriate. It is time for a change. A change in management. A change in direction. A change of approach.
In order for the Feis to move forward to its next centenary then we need a new vision; we need additional personnel; we need a new management team; we need skills in ALL areas such as administration, stewarding, Box Office and Green Room, hospitality, marketing, publicity, finance, accounts, fundraising, IT, Social Media, knowledge of the Performing Arts, historians, researchers, help with maintenance, staffing, legal aid, we need anything and everything, this is not an exhaustive list. The Feis needs you.
A major problem in any voluntary organisation is succession. The Feis needs a new arrangement so that the whole project is not solely invested in one person, but there is a clear administrative structure to allow the event to grow, respond and develop.
So we are opening the doors of the Father Mathew Hall and inviting to meet with us all who have an interest in the event; who have ideas to share; who have skills to offer; who are prepared to get involved and be part of an exciting project that will not be too demanding on time; who can help the Feis to reach its centenary and to move into its next stage. No matter your background, experience or skill set, you can help.
We will be holding some open days in which we invite you to come have a coffee and talk to us. It will be a very informal session in which you can chat to some of our stewards, share with us your thoughts and ideas, offer us your skills and hopefully join our team. If after chatting with us, this is not for you, that is fine, but if it is…..
I have a blank sheet of paper to fill. I don’t know what to put on it. The Feis is a precious jewel and we are transient protectors of it. It must not remain hidden, it is time to pass it on.
Our first open day is on Saturday, 5th November, from 10.30am to 1.00pm. If you are available to call and chat that will be great. If this time does not suit, let us know an approximate time or day for our second session, which we will hold hopefully before Christmas. We are also looking at a date in January and a final one during the 2023 Feis.
The Feis team look forward to meeting you, hearing your ideas and hopefully joining our team.
Tim.