Cultural venues in Dublin will stay open late into the night on September 14th for the second annual Culture Night.
The event was officially launched yesterday by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Paddy Bourke, at the Hugh Lane Gallery on Parnell Square. Museums, galleries, theatres, libraries, historic houses, cathedrals, artists' studios and cultural centres are among the venues involved.
The initiative was organised by the Temple Bar Cultural Trust. Speaking at the launch yesterday, Grainne Millar, head of cultural development at the trust, said: "The event provides an alternative and exciting way for people to participate in the cultural life of the city."
More than 80 of Dublin's cultural venues will stay open until 10pm and the public is invited to attend over 100 free events. Transport will be provided between the venues and on-street entertainment is planned for those preferring to walk.
Among the venues taking part are the Chester Beatty Library, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, the National Gallery, Christ Church Cathedral and Dublin Castle.
Last year some of the 42 venues reached capacity as the events attracted 40,000 people into the city. The trust expects the number of visitors to double this year due to the success of the previous festival.
The event is designed to promote Dublin's cultural institutions both at home and farther afield. Events such as dance classes, art exhibitions, drama workshops for children and literary readings reflect the growing cultural diversity of the city.
The lord mayor said that Dublin City Council had a remit to expand and improve the cultural life of the city. "It's an exciting initiative for Dublin," he added.
He anticipates that the festival will soon equal similar cultural events in cities such as Paris and Rome.
"By 2010, we hope to extend the festival to a week-long event."
Details of all events can be found on the website www.culturenight.ie. Alternatively, people can call the Temple Bar Cultural Trust on 01-6772255. Leaflets and maps are available from the Hugh Lane Gallery on Parnell Square.