It’s that time again when everyone looks back and looks forward. No one would disagree that, in keeping with all Dubliners, it’s been a very challenging year for The Arts. Positive initiatives are also blossoming though not least in the amount of new collaborations partnerships and generosity that have developed and I know will bear fruit in 2013.
The LAB has a really gorgeous exhibition that will be open throughout the Christmas break, except 25/26th/30th December and 1st January. This Swedish inspired installation by Veronica Forsgren entitled Ett Hem is a delight and closes January 5th. Following shortly after is Mick Wilson’s ‘some songs are sung slower’ which opens on January 18th.
I am delighted to report that The Public Art Commission ANU Productions' Boys of Foley Street has been selected by Susannah Clapp, Theatre Critic of the Observer as one of her top ten theatre productions in 2012. And BOFS has also been nominated for the entertainment.ie ERIC award for Best Theatrical Production of the year.
The Dublin Writers Festival Team is starting to produce exciting programming ideas and the Festival this year will be focused on The Temple Bar and Trinity College area. Invitation is the key to this year’s Festival in May 2013 as is reflection on Ireland’s role in Europe during our EU Presidency.
My highlight for 2012 is my growing appreciation of all City Council is doing in the cultural life of Dublin in which The Arts Office plays its role. So whether it is ever expanding areas of Events and Tourism, the wonderful programme of events and exhibitions at Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane, our beautiful green spaces looked after by the Parks department, our stellar Libraries and designation as Unesco City Of Literature, the dedication of Council staff of Sport Recreation and Play, Festivals and Community, International Cultural initiatives and City twinning from Beijing to Barcelona to Architecture and Design, it remains a great time to be involved in culture in Dublin.
May I wish you all from everyone at The Arts Office a wonderful Christmas.
Best Wishes
Ray Yeates
