The closure of the Kino Cinema casts doubts on the future of art-house cinema in Cork. Cork TD Deirdre Clune has been in contact with the Irish Film Board and the Arts Council to clarify their commitment to maintaining an art-house cinema in Cork.

With the Kino Cinema being forced to close its doors last Sunday the 29th November the future of art-house cinema in Cork has been put in doubt.

I have been in contact with Simon Perry, Chief Executive of the Irish Film Board, and Fionnuala Sweeney, Head of Film in the Arts Council, to discuss the Kino Cinema and the future of art-house cinema in Cork.

Both the Irish Film Board and the Arts Council have expressed a commitment to secure a future for art-house cinema in Cork. They have been in contact with Cork City Council and have expressed a willingness to assist the City Council with “funding and any other practical contribution that may prove useful” to ensure the provision of art-house cinema in Cork.

Earlier this month Cork was listed by Lonely Planet as a one of the top 10 places to visit in the world in 2010. Cork was praised by the internationally renowned tourist guide for being “at the top of its game: sophisticated, vibrant and diverse.” The loss of the city’s only art-house cinema will be a serious blow to a city that has been internationally recognised for its cultural attractions.

It is now time for the Arts Council, the Irish Film Board and the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism to recognise the vital role the Kino cinema has played in the cultural fabric of Cork, to understand the impact the loss of an art-house cinema will have on a city which prides itself on its cultural heritage and act to avoid the damage that will result from inaction at this critical point.