Minister Martin launches Museums Scheme to support the Night-Time Economy

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Dia dhaoibh a chairde agus failte mhór romhaibh ar fad go dtí Músaem Beag Bhaile Átha Cliath, áit ina bhfuil béim mhór ar an gcruthaitheacht agus an nuálaíocht – áit atá foirfe le haghaidh seoladh na Scéime seo a thacaíonn leis an nGeilleagar Oíche. Thanks to Trevor and Sarah for hosting us here today.

When I published and launched the Night-Time Economy Taskforce Report back in 2021, I pictured a vibrant and thriving night-life across our cities, towns and villages – a diversity of activities with something for everyone to enjoy, venues opening later encouraging new acts and audiences. I pictured new thinking and innovation – introducing diverse new acts into the wonderful cultural infrastructure we have.

Museums and Galleries were a key part of this vision and today’s announcement means that my department will be supporting galleries and museums to open their doors later in the evening and encouraging people to venture out into the night and try something new. I hope to see up and coming DJs in intimate venues; poetry slams in a local gallery; singer-song writer nights amongst precious local heritage; late night tours to encourage footfall in our towns and villages – it is all possible. We have seen some really successful international examples of similar initiatives in the UK and Toronto which demonstrate how successful iconic cultural and heritage spaces can be used in a structured way for new Night-Time Economy uses.

Last year’s Night-Time Economy Support Scheme provided support for cultural activity in pubs, nightclubs, cafés and other suitable licensed and unlicensed premises during off-peak times. We saw some great examples of how spaces in museums and galleries could be used. The scheme enabled the Kerry Writers Museum establish ‘The Rambling Sessions’ which involved a performance in traditional music, song and storytelling and the Museum of Literature Ireland took the opportunity to work with a new and diverse selection of artists, which were all popular among the 18-30 age group but who are multi-disciplinary in nature. This allowed them to reach audiences outside of their main literary focus. This latest call builds on the learnings of that Scheme and will be targeted at museums and galleries. My department will provide up to €1,000,000 in funding for local museums and galleries across the country to open later, try new events and encourage a diversity of offering. The Scheme will also support the National Cultural Institutions to build on their pilot events from last year.

It is very timely that we launch this Scheme ahead of International Museum Day tomorrow. Museums and Galleries throughout the country are the beating heart of culture in our communities and have the ability to increase our sense of wellbeing. They are the keepers of our history, cultural identity and creativity for future generations to enjoy. They play a vital role in smaller towns and villages across the country and I would like to encourage them to look at their spaces through a late night lens.

This exciting pilot scheme, will bring these vibrant spaces to a broader audience through a variety of activities. Bringing life to longer evenings for both communities and tourists alike. I want to extend my thanks to Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive of The Heritage Council and Gina O’Kelly, Director of the Irish Museums Association and Fáilte Ireland for their support in developing this work.

Last year my department supported a number of large-scale pilot events and later openings in our National Cultural Institutions – Haunted Dancehall in the National Concert Hall and the IMMA Summer Nights series - all showed how new opportunities can be developed through collaboration between institutions and more diverse partners. I hope to see really exciting ideas coming from the spaces we have in galleries and museums right across the country.

This scheme represents further progress in the implementation of the recommendations of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce Report. We continue to work together across Government to drive strategic change that will help bring vitality and diversity into our Night-Time Culture and Economy.

My department is also supporting and funding the recruitment of new, full-time, Night-Time Advisors in 9 locations across the country. Five of these positions have already been advertised in recent weeks with the remaining four due to be advertised shortly and I hope that the dynamic, creative and resourceful people who work in the Night-Time Economy will see the opportunities that these positions offer and apply.

The new Advisors will help drive and support a more sustainable night-time economy in their specific areas. They will work with businesses, communities, venues, residents and artists to create a more vibrant night-life for all and bring increased vitality to our city and town centres in a safe and sustainable way – museums and galleries will play a vital role in this work. I would like to thank our local government colleagues in the City and County Management Association for their role in leading this process and I look forward to getting the Advisors in place and getting started.

Ar deireadh, ba mhaith liom moladh dár músaeim agus dár ndánlanna cur isteach ar an Scéim seo – osclaígí bhur spásanna don nuálaíocht agus do lucht spéise nua, agus cabhraigí linn níos mó a chur ar siúl, le rud éigin do gach éinne.