What's the importance of culture in Dublin?

Hi Veedushi,

Happy to chip in if 'I can!

How far is this true? Is there room for cultural development?

While it's true we've a rich literary and musical culture, we're somewhat lacking on the modern arts front, with a deficiency in funding and support from artists across all spheres including music, literature, comedy and little by way of modern art galleries to showcase our burgeoning talent.

Unless you're signed by RTE or a national advertiser, there's very few forums for independent art for flourish, and that's to the detriment of modern Irish culture, where artists struggle to make enough money to maintain their lifestyles, let alone profit and re-invest in their work.


Are you happy with what's on the offer?

As you might guess from my response to the opening question, not really, no. We've a vast and diverse immigrant population who haven't really been integrated fully into Irish society and are allowed to remain in their own cultural bubbles through a lack of a concerted community drive to incorporate all members of our community into society.

Outside the (dwindling) influence of churches, there's no unified place of congregation, with few annual events (Culture Night and the St. Patricks' Festival aside) aimed at inclusivity and community engagement.

Of course, it's easier said that done to foster such an environment, particularly in the post-COVID era, but the Irish government has never really prioritised the inclusion of non-natives within the national cultural narrative, from the evidence I've seen and lived through.

Which are the most popular cultural events and activities in your city?

Samhain, Culture Night/Week, St Patricks' Festival, TradFest, the Dublin Fringe Festival and Pride are the ones that spring to mind most prominently for me as the most popular and inclusive events in Dublin City each year.

Hope this helps, sorry if it's a bit 'ranty', but i do feel we should be doing more as a nation to support our local and newly-local communities!

Cheers,

Luke