Phoenix Irish Arts of Atlanta

No matter the size of the Irish emigrant community in a city overseas, it takes more than simple presence to create space for the arts.

For traditional art forms like Irish dance and music, it requires not only the expertise of trained artists, but plenty of organisational prowess and enthusiasm to help foster this kind of culture.

Next generation

In the southeastern United States, Phoenix Irish Arts of Atlanta uses the passion of its volunteers to keep the flame of Irish music and dance alive for the next generation.

Teresa Finley is president of Phoenix Irish Arts, which offers classes in both music and dance, as well as coordinating the annual Irishfest.

Now in its tenth year, Irishfest is a celebration of Ireland’s traditional music, song, dance and language, incorporating both local acts and a guest artist invited from Ireland each year.

Irishfest

Irishfest is a multi-faceted event that Finley says tries to go one step further than the typical Irish-American festivities.

“This is not about green beer and leprechauns,” she explains. “We're really trying to make sure that everything that we do has a strong cultural connection to Ireland, so people can see the art and the beauty of it, and the history. We have a couple of professors in the area who’ll do lectures. I think it's important for our kids’ generation to bring the whole community together.”

Traditional classes

In addition to Irishfest, Phoenix School of Irish Arts runs year-round classes in traditional music, set dance and sean-nós dance, bringing top instructors from the broader area to children and young people in and around Atlanta.

Finley points out that having these classes available is of particular importance for the next generation of Irish-Americans.

“It’s the immigrant story, really, to want that cultural connection for your children growing up,” she says.

Runs in the family

She herself is the second of three generations of her family to take an interest in promoting the Irish arts. Growing up in Milwaukee, her parents volunteered with the Milwaukee Irish Fest.

Her own son Patrick Finley plays the fiddle and is a multiple All-Ireland champion in the field. “It’s something that runs in the family,” she confirms.

Meaningful connections

Both Irishfest and Phoenix School of Irish Arts have benefitted from the Emigrant Support Programme. “As a small festival, it’s very difficult for Irishfest to afford to bring over guest artists from Ireland,” Finley explains.

“The support from the Emigrant Support Programme means I can cover some of the different categories, as well as grow the marketing of the festival, so that I can afford to bring over traditional bands from Ireland, like Altan or Dervish.”

But the benefits, she says, are not just financial. Having a concrete link to Ireland helps create a context for the festival in the eyes of local philanthropists, and in turn provides momentum for the volunteers who keep the whole thing going.

“It’s very meaningful for us to have that connection and support from Ireland,” she says.