Culture Night is one of the highlights of the September calendar, and this year is no different. Despite the impact of Covid-19, it’s full speed ahead for a packed programme on September 18.
The annual celebration is moving a bucket load of its events online, from potato pressing tutorials to belly dancing classes to virtual tours, though some in-person events will still take place in accordance with Government guidelines.
Always one for showcasing the weird and wonderful that Dublin has to offer, as well as exploring our rich history, there are umpteen events scheduled for the night.
Belly Dancing
Cida Arcanjo, a belly dancing teacher in Temple Bar, says she loved participating in Culture Night so much last year, she couldn’t wait to take part again in 2020, even online.
She will be teaching three free classes on the night, all hosted on Zoom.
“It’s a new experience, to do the classes online,” Cida told Dublin Gazette. “Ever since this all started, I’ve been doing classes with women who say they feel so empowered by learning to belly dance online.
“The classes for culture night will be for beginners, to try and encourage to get people moving and to learn something fun and new. I’ve been a belly dance teacher since 2005, so doing classes online has been a learning curve, but I absolutely love it, and I can’t wait to introduce new people to it on Culture Night.”
Potato Painting
Liz Walsh from 29 Bride Street will also be hosting her event on Zoom next Friday, as she revs up to take part in Culture Night for the third year in a row. There will be two virtual potato printing classes, with creatives of all ages more than welcome.
“Usually I host physical workshops in my studio in the Iveagh Trust building, but I just couldn’t fit that many people into my studio this year, so I’ll be hosting a potato printing class online,” she revealed.
“There’ll be 40 places, but those with a ticket can watch with their whole family or their friends.
“It’s designed to be accessible, so they can use any fabric, any kind of paint. I have a list of what would be most suitable on the event page, so everyone can take part.
“That’s why we’re using a potato – everyone has one, and they’re easy to shape. I find sweet potatoes are the best to use, they’ve a bigger surface area!”
There are several virtual tours of Government buildings planned, and the opportunity to delve into other cultures, like that of the Greek Orthodox Church.
The Dunsink Observatory will also be hosting a virtual night under the stars, while the Irish Whiskey Museum will hold a virtual tasting as well.
For a full list of virtual, and in person events across Dublin, visit CultureNight.ie.
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| Best of Online | Best of Offline |
| Aoife Dunne: Genesis. WHAT: Multi-disciplinary artist Aoife Dunne presents an immersive flagship show that playfully dissects and subverts the appearance of societal rebirth. WHEN: 8pm – 11:45pm, www.genesis2020.tv/. | Tours of Áras Chrónáin WHAT: Tour the wonderful 1840 Georgian headquarters of Muintir Chrónáin in Clondalkin, either in-person or by tuning in virtually from home. WHEN: 7-8.30pm, no booking required, araschronain.ie |
| Let Us Entertain You WHAT: Staff and friends of DLR Mill Theatre in Dundrum take to the stage for a special event hosted by theatre manager/chanteuse, Kate Canning and led by technical manager Barry Donaldson. WHEN: 8 – 11pm, milltheatre.ie/ | Atelier Maser WHAT: Exhibition of new work by Maser at his working studio which also operates as a contemporary art gallery. WHEN: 4-8pm, Block 3, French Mullen House, Charlemont St, Dublin 2, www.ateliermaser.com/ |
| Dublin Body Paint WHAT: Learn how to create the coolest body paintings with the use of a black light and 3D glasses. Pick up a kit and tune into a Zoom lesson. WHEN: 4pm – 11pm, dublinbodypaint.com | Casino Model Railway Museum WHAT: Complimentary limited capacity tours of the iconic collection crafted by Cyril Fry, now housed in the Casino cottage in Malahide. WHEN: 5-7pm, must be pre-booked, modelrailwaymuseum.ie |
| Dublin Buddhist Centre WHAT: In this interview, members of the Triratna Buddhist Order discuss the affinities between Buddhism and Western life. WHEN: Watch part 1 at 7pm, part 2 at 8.30pm, dublinbuddhistcentre.org | Clontarf audio journey WHAT: Bring the family on an inspiring socially distanced audio journey starting at North Bull Bridge. Download in advance and experience the new music of composer Ciara McElholm as you step back in time for a guided history tour. WHEN: 4pm – 11pm. |
| Beginner’s Guide to Genealogy WHAT: Glasnevin Cemetery’s resident genealogist, Lynn Brady, shows how to explore digitised records for births, marriages, deaths, burials and the Census. WHEN: 6pm – 8pm, www.glasnevinmuseum.ie | Musical Tour of IIMS Campus WHAT: The Irish Institute of Music & Song in Naul will open its doors to the public for a mix of interactive musical performances, a heritage tour, and explorations of buildings old and new. WHEN: 5.30-8.30pm, www.irishinstituteofmusic.com |
