Tribute was paid to the late Seamus Brennan today for his dedication to increasing access to the arts at the launch of Culture Night 2008.
Director of Culture Night and head of cultural development at Temple Bar Cultural Trust (TBCT), Gráinne Miller, said it is "a great testament and tribute to the late Seamus Brennan for his motivation and commitment to access for all in the arts that makes it possible to stand here today to celebrate the launch of this national initiative".
The evening of Friday September 19th has been designated as Culture Night, with museums, galleries, theatres, cathedrals and other cultural venues opening their doors to the public until 11pm, for free events such as tours, talks and exhibitions, concerts, films and classes.
The event, which is in its third year, has been expanded to include Cork, Galway and Limerick, with highlights including painting classes at the National Gallery of Ireland, creative writing classes at the Irish Writers Centre, giant board games and puppet shows at Limerick's City Library, and workshops by Lorg Printmakers and Artspace Art Collective in Galway.
Ms Miller said the aim of the event which is costing in excess of €300,000, was to "open cultural venues and experiences to people".
"The inclusion of Cork, Galway and Limerick gives us the opportunity to reach more people than ever before."
She added that modern life with its time pressures and financial constraints can prevent people from exploring Ireland's varied cultural offerings, and the event will now give young and old alike the chance to explore the range of free events on offer.
Chair of the Arts Council, Olive Braiden, said the event "is a night of opportunities, a night to entice people out of the ordinary and into the extraordinary", with more than 100 organisations and cultural venues taking part.
Liz Meaney, arts officer for Cork City Council said in excess of 30 venues would be taking part in the Culture Night in Cork, with most putting on special programmes for the night.
The events will include film karaoke in the Glucksman Gallery, music performances in the Civil Trust House and tours looking at the political culture of Cork City Hall. "We are hoping to have local councillors leading some of the political tours," she said.
More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the event in Dublin alone, an increase of 20 per cent on last year's attendance.