Museums and galleries across Ireland are set to hold special evening and night-time events over the coming months as part of a new Government campaign to promote Ireland's culture and heritage to a wider audience.
The Museums After Hours campaign was launched by Minister for Culture and Arts Catherine Martin at the Little Museum of Dublin on Stephen's Green.
The campaign, which builds on last year's pilot Night-Time Economy Support Scheme, includes almost €1 million in funding which will be made available in grants of up to €10,000.
It is specifically aimed at smaller museums and galleries across Ireland which agree to host at least four evening or night-time events lasting up to 9pm between June and December this year - and will be open to groups which are members of the Museum Standards Programme for Ireland and/or a member of the Irish Museum Association.
Ms Martin said in addition to exhibitions of already in place day-time items, museums and galleries may also host film nights, well-being initiatives, live podcasts and poetry jams.
"International Museum Day is being marked this week and we celebrate how museums and galleries throughout the country are the beating heart of culture in our communities.
"They are the keepers of our history, reflect our cultural identity and provide a space for creativity which future generations can enjoy. They play a vital role in smaller towns and villages supporting open conversations, promoting positive mental health and are inclusive to all.
"A thriving night-time economy is valuable to communities and I would like to encourage local museums and galleries to look at their spaces through a late-night lens.
"This support announced today aims to welcome new audiences through a variety of innovative programming and activities, bringing life to longer evenings for both communities and tourists alike," she said.
Irish Museums Association director Gina O'Kelly said the campaign could potentially rejuvenate the evening and night-time cultural options open to people in Ireland.
"Our museums provide creative spaces for visitors to connect with culture in ways that are relevant and meaningful to their lives and, as such, are ideally placed to support Government efforts to develop a more diverse night-time economy.
"The support announced today extends a welcome opportunity for our museums to not only explore sustainable after-hours access and enhance participation in their programmes and events, but also to reach new and under-represented audiences and provide a vibrant night-time alternative for both their communities and visitors to their localities," she said.
The view was echoed by Little Museum of Dublin director Trevor White who said the campaign will showcase Irish culture and heritage - and will breathe fresh life into the wider public's night-time experiences.
He added that later openings will also give people who may be working during the day a chance to see Ireland's cultural treasures for themselves.
