How Dublin is shaping its civic soul through cultural engagement

The Purpose

To place culture at the centre of the city’s work and acknowledge its impact on all aspects of Dublin, including the economy, education and tourism, but with a particular emphasis on community and civic life.

The Challenge

To encourage citizens to take an active part in shaping the city’s culture. The challenge is to make the offerings appealing and more accessible to ensure engagement and ongoing participation.

Culture Connects has established the ‘Dublin Fundraising Fellowship’ which helps communities develop fundraising skills.  

The Solution

Dublin City Council developed a five-year Cultural Strategy (2016–2021) as part of its bid to be the European Capital of Culture 2020. Although the bid for Capital of Culture was unsuccessful, the ‘Dublin Culture Connects’ programme, now managed by a new Dublin City Council Culture Company, was adopted as a means of strengthening partnerships and including audiences across the city. 

The National Neighbourhood programme offers events ranging from singing groups, a creativity day for children and storytelling sessions to gardening, traditional music, and outreach for specific groups, including the deaf community. There are also ‘culture clubs’ led by professionals who accompany groups to museums, galleries and arts venues throughout the year. Each visit ends with a ‘tea and chat’ session, which allows people to socialise and discuss what they saw.  

The ‘Culture Connects’ programme is run by the Dublin Culture Connects team in collaboration with many other cultural agencies, including libraries, the Arts Office, galleries, museums, theatres, community groups, schools and young people. The programme invites artists, community groups and even whole villages to meet and engage at libraries, museums and creative spaces. The aim is to enjoy resources and develop new creative outputs. 

The Impact

More communities are driving cultural programmes. Culture Connects has established the ‘Dublin Fundraising Fellowship’ which helps communities develop fundraising skills.  

There is now the Cultural Audit & Mapping Project which gives a better understanding of Dublin’s cultural assets, providing insights which support cultural programming and policy. 

Culture Connects received a special mention at the Culture 21 International Awards 2018. The jury praised the strategy for making cultural policy work for those who most need it and for its success in creating cultural empowerment through listening and learning, as well as sharing with residents.

Source: World Cities Culture Report 2018

Images Courtesy © City of Dublin