From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media; Department of Foreign Affairs
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Today the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Micheál Martin, and Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, launched Zeitgeist Irland 24, a season of Irish arts and culture which will take place across Germany throughout 2024.
Zeitgeist Irland 24 is a partnership between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Culture Ireland, mobilising a strategic joint investment of more than €2.5 million to deepen Ireland’s cultural engagement with Germany as a key partner in Europe. The initiative will create new opportunities for artists and companies across art-forms to perform all over Germany as well as developing their networks of contacts with German-based artists and cultural institutions. The Irish Embassy in Berlin, Consulate General in Frankfurt and Tourism Ireland are working alongside Culture Ireland to co-fund, plan and deliver the programme.
In line with the ambition of the Global Ireland 2025 strategy, Ireland is committed to strengthening our global cultural presence and impact, and places a strategic priority on the arts and creativity as a key outward expression of our identity. This year-long strategic cultural programme in Germany is a flagship initiative under the Strategy.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Micheál Martin, commented:
“Germany has long been an important partner for Ireland – economically, politically and culturally. The ties between our two countries have been further strengthened in recent years through the implementation of joint action plans to enhance bilateral relations and EU cooperation.
“There is a strong cultural connection in Germany with Irish arts, not least literature and music. Building on this proud legacy, Zeitgeist Irland 24 will bring a new generation of Irish artists to new audiences across Germany next year.
“My department, in particular through our Embassy in Berlin and Consulate General in Frankfurt, is delighted to partner with Culture Ireland to present this curated season in collaboration with a diverse range of German cultural institutions, venues and festivals.”
Speaking today, Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin said:
“I am pleased to launch the programme for Zeitgeist Irland 24 with my colleague the Tánaiste Micheál Martin. This exciting partnership between Culture Ireland and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Embassy Berlin will give Irish artists a unique opportunity to present their work to German audiences and, to develop long-lasting relationships with German venues and presenters. The programme announced today will showcase an inspiring curated season of high-quality contemporary Irish arts and culture.
“Culture Ireland has responsibility for the promotion of Irish arts globally and along with Tourism Ireland, both of which operate within my department, will provide funding over €1.5 million for ZI24 in addition to the €1 million being provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs. This is a significant investment by Government in the German market to enhance opportunities for Irish artists.”
The initial programme will be launched today on the Zeitgeist Irland 24 website.
More than 110 projects involving over 400 artists and arts professionals are already confirmed for the season, taking place in over 100 cities and towns across the Federal Republic, spanning all artforms, and featuring Irish artists based in both Ireland and Germany.
In the programming of Zeitgeist Irland 24, strategic priority has been placed on cultural network building resulting in key presentations with German institutions such as Staatstheater Mainz, International Stuttgart Animation Festival, Transmediale festival, CTM festival, Hebbel-am-Ufer and Literarisches Colloquium Berlin, to name a few.
The Zeitgeist Irland 24 website will provide updates throughout the season on all events. Season highlights include Wallis Bird, Dead Centre, Pan Pan, Fishamble: The New Play Company, Other Voices, Opera Collective Ireland, Oona Doherty, Emma Martin/United Fall, Jessica Traynor, Irish Museum of Modern Art, Sarah Pierce and Diatribe Records.
Zeitgeist Irland 24 will commence with a gala event on 18 January 2024 in Berlin showcasing the talent, richness and diversity of contemporary Irish artists with an evening of performances across genres including Ye Vagabonds, Kate Ellis, Jennifer Walshe, Sheena McGrandles, Tara Erraught and others. This will be the first in the year-long programme of events across Germany covering the range of creative disciplines.
Zeitgeist Irland is a flagship initiative under the Global Ireland 2025 strategy and was first flagged as a key action in the 2018 strategic review of Ireland’s relations with Germany including the strengthening of cultural links with Germany.
Aside from a strong cultural affinity Germany remains Ireland’s second largest source of inward investment, third largest source of tourists, fourth largest overall trading partner and fifth largest market for food exports.
Zeitgeist Irland will create new opportunities for artists and companies across art-forms to perform across Germany as well as developing their long-term networks of contacts with German-based artists and cultural institutions.
The Irish Embassy in Berlin, Consulate General in Frankfurt and Tourism Ireland are working alongside Culture Ireland to co-fund, plan and deliver the programme.