Culture Night Celebration in Fingal Friday 17th September 2021

Download the Culture Night Fingal Brochure here

Fingal County Council is delighted to announce an exciting programme of free events taking place in various locations in Fingal to celebrate Culture Night 2021. Culture Night, now in its sixteenth year, is an annual national public event that celebrates culture, creativity and the arts. For one night only arts and cultural organisations, castles and historic houses in Fingal will extend their opening hours to the public, showcasing a wealth of local talent and superb cultural facilities. Audiences of all ages can ‘Come Together Again’ and enjoy a variety of music, poetry, art, tours and talks specifically programmed for Culture Night in Fingal either online or at participating venues and locations.

Fingal Arts Office will present two special events; a viewing and talk by curator Marysia Wieckiewicz Carroll of ‘New Considerations of Familiar Settings’, a contemporary art exhibition for the inaugural 'GUEST’ programme at Newbridge House and the screening of ‘A Burning Tide’, at Loughshinny Harbour. This writing commission in association with the Irish Writers Centre features performances of new works by writers commemorating the anniversary of the formation of the Irish State in 1921 and the significant historical related events in Fingal which involved the burning of the county’s coastguard stations. View online here 7pm to midnight  https://vimeo.com/606593810

As part of this year’s programme Ardgillan Castle’s newly established artists’ studios will be open to visitors.  This artists’ studios initiative by Fingal County Council in partnership with Ardgillan Castle provides supported studio space for artists living and working in Fingal. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the artists and designers now based at the bespoke studios in the castle. Swords Castle will present a special online video screening performance of Sord Cholmcille, a new music composition commemorating the birth of St. Colmcille.

Fingal Libraries will host an online poetry and music event which can be accessed through the Fingal Library YouTube Channel at these links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDpUZi4He5M and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s219WWvlMfY  and Our Balbriggan will welcome visitors to view their photographic exhibition highlighting Balbriggan’s wonderful coastline. The Irish Institute of Music and Song, a superb music facility in Balbriggan, will host a music trail through their campus and DIAS Dunsink Observatory will present a night among the stars including ‘Light-speed’ talks. Visitors can also explore the beautiful interiors of Malahide Castle, one of Fingal’s finest heritage properties.

Speaking about the programme Mayor of Fingal Cllr Seána Ó Rodaigh said: “This wonderful programme for Oíche Chultúir/Culture Night celebrates our rich culture through poetry, song, creative writing, including as Gaeilge, photographic exhibitions, opportunities to engage with artists in Ardgillan Demesne and Newbridge House, and much more. Well done to all involved and I am sure it will be a great success.”

AnnMarie Farrelly Chief Executive said: “I welcome the opportunity on Culture Night each year to celebrate and support culture and artistic endeavour in Fingal and to showcase our Heritage properties as we open their doors to the public. This year is no exception and the programme planned offers many exciting opportunities to connect with and enjoy creativity and culture at both online and in person events.”

Emer O’ Gorman Director of Services said: “The last eighteen months have been very challenging for Culture and the Arts but have also highlighted their very important role in society.  I am very pleased to present this fantastic programme for Culture Night at an exciting time for the arts as audiences can ‘Come Together Again’ and enjoy a variety of music, poetry, art, tours and talks  for free both in person and from their homes.”

All Culture Night events are free however some venues may have limited capacity due to COVID-19 restrictions and may require advance booking. Social distancing measures will be adhered to for live events/tours, as per government guidelines on COVID-19.

Visit www.fingal.ie   www.fingalarts.ie/news for further information and a programme of Fingal based events and for the full national programme see www.culturenight.ie

Download the Culture Night Fingal Brochure here