DO
you like to absorb yourself in your city’s culture? If the answer is yes, be
prepared to be entertained, avail of the chance to discover hidden treasures
and indulge in cultural riches during the largest ever Culture Night on Friday,
September 23.
This
special night, which takes place just once a year, sees museums, galleries,
iconic cultural venues and more open their doors late and invite the public in
for a night of free cultural celebration.
This
free culture night which was created by Temple Bar Cultural Trust in Temple
Bar, Dublin’s Cultural Quarter, in 2006, takes place in a record 30 regions
across the island this year. From live performances, workshops and gallery
tours to talks, drama, dance and a whole range of other creative activities,
Culture Night offers a cultural form to appeal to all ages and interests.
Dublin alone will play host to 156 cultural venues.
Amongst
the highlights of this year’s Dublin programme is soul nourishing music and
talks at Oxfambooks on Parliament Street, a tour of Darc Space, a dedicated
gallery promoting energy efficient architecture, mini-talks on philosophy, the
art of happiness and culture at the New Acropolis Ireland, and free guided
tours of Kilmainham Gaol and Windmill Lane Recording Studios.
Dermot
McLaughlin, chief executive of organisers Temple Bar Cultural Trust, said:
“Culture Night is a unique experience packed with fun and atmosphere where you
have an opportunity to sample forms of culture you may not normally make time
for.
“It’s
also a reminder of what we have all around us, often on our doorsteps, every
day and night of the year.
Explore
“Almost
any cultural venue you can think of is open for free on Culture Night; it’s a
fantastic opportunity to explore new aspects of the world of culture because
every diverse form is showcased in the best possible light.
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Mr
McLaughlin added:
“Packed with a range of culture forms and including hundreds
of cultural venues from small independent galleries to parks, historic houses,
national museums, traditional Irish arts groups, community centres, theatres,
government buildings and local sports organisations, the programme is testament
to the enormous diversity of Irish venues and organisations that boast a rich
cultural offering for their communities and regions across Ireland.
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There
will also be two new exciting initiatives live on Culture Night – an Augmented
Reality exhibition on O’Connell Street and Radio Culture Night from 4pm-8pm
live on the night.
Temple
Bar Cultural Trust is also working with the Department of Arts, Heritage and
Gaeltacht on collaborating with a range of arts organisations, community and
multicultural groups this year.
A
range of special events will take place across indoor and outdoor venues on the
night ensuring the event is open to as diverse an audience range as possible,
making it an inclusive cultural experience for all citizens.
Culture
Night is supported by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in
partnership with the regional arts offices and local authorities throughout
Ireland.
The
complete programme of events is available online at www.culturenight.ie