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Cultural Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 January 2013

Wednesday, 30 January 2013

Questions (9)

Gerry Adams

Question:

9. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht his plans to expand culture night to culture week in September; and if he will also consider a second culture week during the summer holiday period in support of the Gathering 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4508/13]

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Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to expand the Culture Night concept and to consider making it a twice yearly event. Following on from discussions between my Department and all relevant stakeholders, it was agreed that this commitment would be best met by the designation and delivery of an International Week of Irish Culture, based around the St Patrick's Day Festival. This would allow for the cultivation and development of the solid foundations already in place to showcase to the world Ireland's rich and varied cultural heritage and to promote Ireland as a destination for cultural tourists.

2012 was essentially the first year of a 5-year development plan for this initiative, which will ultimately potentially link with 2016 commemorations. Last year, the emphasis was on the international launch of the "International Celebration of Irish Culture" brand abroad and a series of programme activities based in existing cultural venues around the Merrion Square/Kildare Street areas of Dublin, marketing the message of "I Love my City ". The existing St. Patrick's Festival activity was used to promote Ireland and its culture, both domestically and internationally, and the initiative was well received and supported in both national and international spheres.

Plans for the 2013 event are almost finalised and both the duration and programme have been expanded for this year's event, having particular regard to the Gathering. In addition to profiling the range of rich cultural events taking place during St. Patrick's Festival, the 2013 programme also includes some 16 headline events in collaboration with various cultural institutions and partners over a 4 day period from the 14th to the 17th March inclusive. These events will be staged in the beautiful surroundings of some of our most prestigious cultural institutions and venues and admission will be free of charge. Ireland's current presidency of the EU will also be celebrated during the 2013 event, with the key focus of the international element of this year's programme centring on "Culture Connects" , the international culture programme of Ireland's EU Presidency.

In further recognition of the Culture Night commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department continues to work with all relevant stakeholders to foster and develop the event. Culture Night has grown from a relatively small-scale cultural event staged only in Dublin in 2006 to the significant national cultural event it now is, with Culture Night 2012 featuring a record 34 participating locations, including 6 regions in Northern Ireland, and encompassing over 900 venues, making it the biggest and most extensive Culture Night to date. Discussions have already commenced with key stakeholders in relation to Culture Night 2013. As it enters its 8th year, the challenge is to keep Culture Night fresh and exciting, whilst building on the platforms and success of previous years to further develop and enhance the event. Whilst we want people to really enjoy Culture Night, we also want to use it as a stepping stone or bridge to encourage more people to visit cultural venues and experience culture in their locality. I anticipate that both the Culture Night and International Celebration of Irish Culture initiatives will make a significant contribution towards the success of The Gathering in 2013.

Question No. 10 answered with Question No. 7.
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