Annie Fletcher, Director of IMMA, shares her top recommendations from this year’s Culture Night programme …
Culture Night will celebrate 18 years in the capital this Friday September 22. This year’s programme boasts an impressive lineup of over 250 participating venues and more than 300 captivating events taking place across the city and county. All events are free for the public to attend. Ahead of the annual celebration of culture, Annie Fletcher, Director of IMMA, shares her top recommendations from this year’s Culture Night Dublin programme.
Damn Fine Print, Stoneybatter
Get ready to unleash your inner artist this Culture Night! It’s a chance to let your creativity soar and discover hidden talents that you never knew you had. As one of Ireland’s most renowned open access screen printing studios, Damn Fine Print has been a hub for courses and events since 2011. On Friday September 22 they are rolling out the red carpet for you to dive into the world of limited edition prints. Imagine creating your very own artwork, right in their Stoneybatter Studio. Free screen printing demonstrations will be happening all evening, so you can learn from the best and try your hand at this captivating art form and participate in a rich artistic tradition … but that’s not all! While you’re there, get ready to browse through a curated selection of prints for sale, crafted by some of the studio’s master printmakers. It’s not just a gift, it’s a statement of support for Irish artists.
Damn Fine Print Unit 1, 32 North Brunswick Street, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7. More information here.
‘Shadowing The Archives,’ Artist John Beattie at the National Archives
It is so important to have Irish contemporary artists engage with our history, it’s a different and very creative lens that allows us to reflect on the past openly and afresh. John Beattie has a knack for diving into cultural and political narratives often through film. As the artist in residence at the National Archives his groundbreaking exhibition, which will be open to the public on Culture Night, explores the archive’s historical records and the fascinating concept of state commemoration. The exhibition includes an ambitious black and white double-video projection installation, where Beattie combines footage of archival and exhibition-making processes with staged and choreographed scenes filmed in collaboration with the Irish Aikido Federation. Do not miss!
‘Shadowing the Archives’ by John Beattie, National Archives, Coach House, Dublin Castle, Castle Street, Dublin 2. More information available here.
Frank X Buckley Art Collection Tour
Prepare to be captivated by the impressive collection of Irish art once owned by the extraordinary Frank X Buckley. As a dedicated supporter of the arts, Buckley’s legacy lives on through his cherished collection. The Irish Writers Centre is giving you the chance to embark on a breathtaking tour of these artworks during Culture Night. Expect to see a cross section of modern and contemporary Irish artists including works by Patrick Scott, Mainie Jellett, and Patrick Hickey. It’s a chance understand the unique experience of what it means to build a collection and to share it with the Irish public, an endeavour close to our hearts at IMMA!
The Irish Writers Centre, 19 Parnell Square North, Dublin 1. More information available here.
‘Liffey Love’ by Artist Rhona Byrne
Culture Night will mark the launch of a groundbreaking new art project called ‘Liffey Love’ by the talented Irish artist, Rhona Byrne. This innovative project will transform plastic waste from the River Liffey into a magnificent public sculpture to be unveiled to the public in February 2024. As part of the launch members of the public are invited to hop on board The Liffey Ferry, Ireland’s oldest ferry, and embark on a thrilling journey up the River Liffey with Rhona Byrne and Jimmy Murray from the Irish Nautical Trust. Prepare to be mesmerised as you hear firsthand about the incredible origins and processes behind this extraordinary art project.
Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club, Pigeon House Road, Ringsend, Dublin 4. More information available here.
‘Earth Rising’ Festival at IMMA
It would be entirely remiss of me not to recommend a visit to IMMA when planning your Culture Night adventures. Get ready for Earth Rising, an amazing four-day festival and a key element of Culture Night focused on how we can think and collaborate as a creative community tackling the climate crisis and igniting collective action for a brighter future. With over 50 talented artists showcasing their work through screenings, installations, workshops, and tours, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the groundbreaking film series Leviathan Cycle by international artists such as Shezad Dawood, exploring climate change, migration, and mental health. Plus, check out the captivating exhibition by American artist Jo Baer, inspired by the fascinating history and landscape of Co Louth. We look forward to welcoming you all!
IMMA, Royal Hospital, Military Road, Kilmainham, Dublin 8. More information available here.
Need to know: Culture Night Dublin will celebrate 18 years on Friday September 22. All events are free for the public to attend. To view the full the programme visit www.culturenightdublin.ie.
