I LOVE MY CITY CULTURE PROGRAMME UNVEILED

PRESS RELEASE I LOVE MY CITY CULTURE PROGRAMME UNVEILED St. Patrick s Festival launch programme of 17 cultural events and happenings over four days Dublin, 5th March 2014: St. Patrick s Festival s I Love My City cultural programme, now in its third year, was officially launched today by Mr Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and The Gaeltacht. The Minister was joined by Azaria Starfire and Bella AGogo. The performers gave just a flavour of the eclectic series of 17 intimate cultural events and happenings that will take place in some of Dublin s most prestigious cultural venues and found spaces through-out the City. This year s events, featuring both established and emerging artists, from a variety of disciplines including literature, music, film, song, spoken-word, photography, visual art and more will be presented over the 4 days of the Festival, 14 th 17 th March. The majority of the events are free to attend and people can register on www.stpatricksfestival.ie. The I Love My City programme will be staged in the beautiful surroundings of some of the city s cultural venues including The National Gallery, The National Concert Hall, The National Library, Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane, The Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA), The Little Museum, Earlsfort Terrace, Marsh s Library and The Chapel Royal Dublin Castle and many more site-specific and pop-up spaces throughout the City. Speaking at this morning s launch, Minister Deenihan commended St. Patrick s Festival commenting; This programme demonstrates real vision and creativity in highlighting Ireland s cultural persona. The selection of events for this year s programme is a true testament to the wealth of musical, dramatic, visual and creative artistic talent we have here in Ireland. It is gratifying to see so many of our National Cultural Institutions play host to these special events, allowing locals as well as visitors from across the globe to experience the best in Irish culture at some of the Capital s most culturally significant and beautiful spaces. Speaking about the programme, Susanna Lagan, Creative Director of St. Patrick s Festival said: As a country, Ireland embodies the best of what it means to be creative, passionate and artistically courageous. It is an honour to work with some of Ireland s most talented artists as part of the I Love My City programme which continues to go from strength to strength every year. Particular highlights of this year s programme includes The Enchanted Banquet, a sublime evening of Irish food and performance, Solo Space a very special musical and vocal performance featuring Iarla Ó Lionáird (voice), Seán Mac Erlaine (clarinet) & Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh (hardanger d'amore fiddle) at the Chapel Royal in Dublin Castle and Jape live at the RHA. The programme offers something for everyone in the family including, children with Dabbledoo Music at The Little Museum of Dublin, a fun multimedia experience for young children, combining sound, illustration, performance and animation. I would encourage people to

register for these events now and experience some of the best in music, Irish food, dance, film-making and more in some of Dublin s most iconic locations. Spaces at these intimate events are limited. For a full list of events and to register for a place please visit www.stpatricksfestival.ie. St. Patrick s Festival will take place this year from 14 th 17 th March. For details on the four-day Festival programme log on to www.stpatricksfestival.ie, download the app, or join the Festival s official Facebook and Twitter pages. ENDS For further information, please contact: Maria McGrath, Fleishman-Hillard, on 01 6188420/ 0861653055 or maria.mcgrath@fleishmaneurope.com Kevin Moore, Fleishman-Hillard, on 01 6188499/ 0868252611 or kevin.moore@fleishmaneurope.com Notes to Editors: The I love My City programme as part of St. Patrick s Festival is funded by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Fáilte Ireland St. Patrick s Festival Principal Funders are: The Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport, Fáilte Ireland and Dublin City Council. Full List of I Love My City Events below and available on www.stpatricksfestival.ie I Love My City Events As part of St. Patrick s Festival 2014 Kindly supported by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht & Fáilte Ireland. I Love My City is a series of inspiring, intimate, cultural events and happenings curated by the Festival and staged in the beautiful surroundings of some of the city s prestigious cultural venues, spaces, architectural gems and found spaces. 17 eclectic events and happenings, featuring both established and emerging artists, from a variety of disciplines including literature, music, film, song, spoken word, photography, visual art and more will be presented throughout the Festival. Admission is FREE to the series of headline event (except The Enchanted Banquet).

Places are limited and pre-registration is essential at www.stpatricksfestival.ie. HEADLINE EVENTS - I Love My City (pre-register online at www.stpatricksfestival.ie) ONE CITY, MANY CULTURES Friday 14th March Where: The National Gallery, Clare Street, D2 Time: 7pm Milk and Cookie Stories is the last word in Dublin storytelling, mixing home-baked treats with home-spun yarns. If you have a story to tell, or want to hear a tale told well, in a relaxed, friendly setting then this is for you. Themed One City, Many Cultures tales about how welcoming, inclusive and multicultural Dublin has become, will be shared. So come. Tell a tale or don t. Read a story, or just listen, and have a cookie. But do come! JAPE AT THE RHA Friday 14th March Where: Dr. Tony Ryan Room, RHA Gallery, Ely Place, D2 Time: 7:30pm Experience Jape in the intimate and contemporary setting of the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA). Jape began in 2003 as a solo project of Dublin musician and producer, Richie Egan. Over the years, the band has evolved to become one of Ireland s most exciting acts. Richie, along with Glenn Keating and Ross Turner, will deliver meticulously crafted lyrics and melodies, in what promises to be an unforgettable performance. STREET FEELINGS Friday 14th Sunday 16th March Where: Gallery 10, Hugh Lane Gallery, Parnell Square North, D1 Times: Friday 14th & Saturday 15th 10am-5pm, Sunday 16th 11am-5pm

Street Feelings is a creative documentary written and narrated by broadcaster and film-maker Donal Dineen. The short film explores the effect of Donal's move, from Kerry to Dublin in 1986, on him personally, and the lasting impression that Dublin city has made on him. This specially commissioned visual treat, shot by award winning film-maker Myles O' Reilly, is accompanied by an original score created by Irish musician Katie Kim. No pre-registration required. DUBLIN THEN & NOW Friday 14th Monday 17th March Where: City Assembly House, South William Street, D2 Times: 10am-5pm The Dublin Painting and Sketching Club marks its long history with a unique exhibition in the City Assembly House, celebrating representational art in Dublin, over a period of almost 250 years. The City Assembly House was founded by the Society of Artists in Ireland in the 1760s, and paintings will be exhibited in homage to the work of some of these society artists and early club members, as well as a selection of work, by current club members. No pre-registration required. i Friday 14th Monday 17th March Where: The Library Project, Temple Bar, D2 Times: Friday 14th & Saturday 15th 12pm-6pm, Sunday 16th & Monday 17th 11am - 6pm Eamonn Doyle has been photographing his fellow Dubliners since the early 90s, with his unique approach to street portraiture. Despite the close range, the images remain respectful, and inspire feelings such as kinship and compassion. The exhibition will feature a selection of work from this limited edition book i and offers a fascinating view of everyday Dubliners. The limited edition book i will launch on Friday 14th March at 6pm and will be available at a special rate during the exhibition before its April release.

REMEMBERING LUKE A documentary produced by Noel Pearson of Ferndale Films, directed by Sinead O Brien. Where: O' Donoghue s Pub, Merrion Row, D2 Times: 10am & 12pm* Thirty years have passed since the light went out on one of Ireland s most important cultural icons. In this frank documentary, the story of Luke Kelly is revealed, in the appropriate surroundings of O Donoghue s where he regularly played with The Dubliners. The film features poignant contributions from Ronnie Drew, Christy Moore, The Dubliners, John Hume and Shane McGowan. *Following the 12pm screening there will be a Q&A with Happenings, which will be attended by Luke's family, as very special guests. His brother Jimmy Kelly will be in conversation, (and possibly song) with the director, making this an unmissable event. DABBLEDOO MUSIC Where: The Little Museum of Dublin, 15 St. Stephen s Green, D2 Times: 11am, 12:15pm & 1:30pm Dabbledoo Music is a new multimedia experience for young children, combining sound, illustration, performance and animation, encouraging creative music-making and group performance, in a new and exciting way. Children can come along to this participatory 45 minute workshop, pick up an instrument and learn to play together, in a relaxed environment. A special Irish music graphic score, featuring the uillean pipes, will be sure to inspire the children on this St. Patrick s Festival weekend. This event is suitable for ages 6+. I A BECKETT CLOWN Where: The Warehouse, 32 Millstreet, D8 Times: 11am & 2pm This fun, participatory 2 hour clowning workshop, facilitated by Raymond Keane, Director with Barabbas Theatre, will examine the world of famous, literary great, Beckett and his characters, through The Mask of

Four Temperaments, or four humours. Beckett s love of slapstick comedy and his dark sense of humour will be explored through the shape and rhythm of the human body. Please note that this is an over 18s event. PAST TIMES Where: Marsh s Library, St. Patrick s Close, D8 Times: 12pm, 1:30pm & 3pm Step back in time to the early days of Marsh s Library during these specially developed one off tours. Ireland s most famed literary figures, James Joyce, Bram Stoker and Jonathan Swift are all brought to life through dramatic performances, as their days at Marsh s Library are recounted. Take this unique opportunity to explore the fascinating location of Ireland s first public library, unchanged for three centuries. BANTER: IRISH IDENTITY, PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE Where: The Grand Lodge, Freemason s Hall, Molesworth Street, D2 Time: 4pm What does it mean to be Irish in 2014? Does it even matter? Does our past identity inform our future one? Or should it? What about the new wave of Irish emigrants? This Banter event will delve into questions of Irishness in the mysterious surroundings of the Grand Lodge and unearth where our collective identity is at - or at least start the conversation. Host: Una Mullally (Irish Times/TG4) Panelists: Sinead Gleeson (Irish Times/The Book Show), Denise Charlton (Immigrant Council of Ireland) More to be announced. THE ENCHANTED BANQUET Where: Earlsfort Terrace (in the grounds of The National Concert Hall), D2 Time: 7pm Tickets: 50 Lose yourself in a sensory celebration of inspired food, dreamy music and whimsical performance by the creative, ambitious and brave Hunt&Gather. Expect a mystic five course menu of Irish produce, designed by

Gruel Guerilla, and be entertained by some of Dublin s most renowned performers, the PETTYCASH collective. Set within the impressive, empty halls in Earlsfort Terrace, this curious evening will feature some of Ireland s lesser-known fables, fairytales and folklore in a traditional night like no other. Please note this is an over 18s, BYOB event. DHUISÍOS AR MAIDIN: TIONSCADAL NA ngormacha WOKE UP THIS MORNING: THE IMRAM BLUES PROJECT Where: RHA Gallery, Ely Place, D2 Time: 8:30pm Féachann Imram anocht ar an gormacha sa cheol agus san fhilíocht. Amhráin chlasaiceacha agus dánta sa seanrá seo a chur i láthair ag Liam Ó Muirthile, Gabriel Rosenstock, an Mary Ryan Blues Band, le físeanna gormacha ó Margaret Lonergan. Exploring blues poetry and song, including classic songs by Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday and poems by Langston Hughes, Amiri Baraka and others, this magical event curated by Liam Carson, features performances by Irish poets, the Mary Ryan Blues Band and projections by Margaret Lonergan. Please note this show is in English & Irish. FLOATING CINEMA - WAKING NED Sunday 16th March Where: Grand Canal Dock, D4 Time: 7:30pm This floating cinema in the heart of Ireland's waterways, will screen Irish classic, Waking Ned, a story about a small town in Ireland called Tulaigh More. One of their 52 inhabitants wins the lotto jackpot of nearly seven million pounds, and when he dies of shock, his fellow town folk attempt to claim the money! A great start to an evening out in Dublin City, but make sure to wrap up warm! Rated PG, Staring Ian Bannen, David Kelly, Fionnula Flanagan, Susan Lynch and James Nesbitt. DOCUMENT THIS DOCUMENTARIES FROM OUR PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE Sunday 16th March Where: The Reading Room, National Library of Ireland, Kildare Street, D2 Time: 6pm

Taking inspiration from the 2014 parade theme Let s Make History, St. Patrick's Festival and Dublin Doc Fest presents a curated programme of short documentaries, exploring the role of film as a document of our past, present and future histories. This special screening in the breathtaking Reading Room will feature films from both established and emerging filmmakers, including Sundance Film Festival winner Irish Folk Furniture by Tony Donoghue and Danger: Overhead Powerlines by Mia Mullarkey. SOLO SPACE Monday 17th March Where: The Chapel Royal, Dublin Castle, D2 Times: 5pm & 7pm Three of the country's top solo performers will take their turn filling the vaulted ceilings of this beautiful space with their music. Featuring Iarla O Lionaird (voice), Sean Mac Erlaine (clarinet) & Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh (hardanger d'amore fiddle), expect spacious, magical sounds. An oasis of calm, this is a chance to relax and disappear into some of the most beautiful contemporary and traditional music imaginable. THE ONE BOOK BOOKSHOP Friday 14th Sunday 16th March Where: Pop-up city centre location Times: Check www.stpatricksfestival.ie for more info A celebration of one of the world s most famous literary cities through poems and songs, If Ever You Go: a map of Dublin in Poetry and Song is the UNESCO City of Literature One City One Book choice for April 2014. This beautiful collection will be brought to life in a pop-up bookshop, that sells only one book. Drop in on Saturday or Sunday to experience surprise performances by some of Ireland s greatest poets, featured in the book. No pre-registration required. TRAD TRIO Monday 17th March

Where: The Kevin Barry Room, National Concert Hall, Earlsfort Terrace, D2 Time: 7:30pm An uplifting performance of Irish traditional music and song from a trio of top-class musicians: Phil Callery (vocals, fiddle), Gerry Harrington, (fiddle) and Peter Browne (uilleann pipes). Variety is the keynote of this intimate concert with songs by Callery, of the celebrated singing group the Voice Squad, lively slides and polkas from Kerry, haunting slow airs played on the uniquely Irish bagpipe, the uilleann pipes and more. All presented with knowledge and humour. Free tickets available in advance from 3rd of March from The National Concert Box Office: 01 417 0000 / www.nch.ie / info@nch.ie