If someone were to ask you what one night, seven locations, 15 venues and hundreds of people have in common, what would you say? Well all these elements together give us Culture Night, which this year falls on Friday September 24. The main focus of the evening will be on access, therefore participating venues will extend opening hours and organise events which are free of charge and open to the public.
This year Mayo is hoping to build on the success of last year’s event with an increase in the number of cultural organisations participating. New parts of the county will be involved and new and existing audiences are invited to come out in force on the night. Whether you plan to keep it local and go along to what is happening in your town or village, or you decide to go further afield, or even aim to visit a number of venues on the night, you will not be disappointed.
Why not enjoy some music and dance by local talent in Belmullet? In Ballina try your hand at writing a haiku and perhaps afterwards you could pop in on a conservation workshop. You could take a closer look at how our ancestors lived in Turlough, or go on a tour of different art galleries in Claremorris with an artist. Perhaps you prefer to visit a working artist’s studio in Westport or Ballycastle, or visit a workshop where many artists work together in Castlebar, where you can also bring along your old books and DVDs and swap them with others, or why not stroll along an arts trail in Westport?
The options are varied and with just the smattering of events mentioned above you will need to get your hands on a programme of events to get a more succinct picture of what the evening holds in store. These are available from libraries, information centres, participating cultural venues, and Mayo County Council Arts Office T: 094-9024444 Ext 7558 or 7471, email: [email protected]. You can also log onto www.mayococo.ie and download a brochure.
