Culture night to go nationwide next year

Culture Night is to become a nationwide event next year, the Dáil heard today.

The second year of the event, which took place on September 19, saw galleries, museums and public buildings open their doors to up to 100,000 people across the country.

Dozens of venues in Dublin participated again but cities like Limerick, Galway, Cork and Waterford also took part for the first time.

Arts, Sport and Tourism Minister Martin Cullen told the Dáil that plans were afoot to extend the 2009 Culture Night to other large towns in Ireland and the North.

Labour TD Mary Upton called for the event to be extended for more than one night.

Mr Cullen added: “The heartening thing is that the public has responded in such numbers to these type of events.”

“The event is cost effective in terms of funding and has a momentum all of its own.”

This year’s events included painting classes at the National Gallery of Ireland, karaoke in Cork’s Glucksman Gallery and giant board games and puppet shows at Limerick’s City Library.