Date: 1st January annually

Location: Various locations across South Dublin County

Introduction:

South Dublin County Council is excited to introduce "South Dublin Culture Day," a vibrant and inclusive festival that celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures that call our county home. As part of our Tourism Strategy for 2024-2029, this annual event will showcase the diversity of our community while promoting unity and understanding among residents and visitors alike.

Festival Highlights:

Multicultural Parade: Kick off the day with a colorful parade featuring representatives from various cultural groups, local schools, and community organizations. Participants will showcase their unique traditions through music, dance, and traditional attire.

Cultural Villages: Transform public spaces into cultural villages, each dedicated to a specific country or culture. Visitors can explore interactive displays, sample international cuisine, and engage in hands-on activities such as art and craft workshops.

World Music and Dance Performances: Enjoy a diverse lineup of live performances throughout the day, featuring music, dance, and performances from around the world. From Irish folk music to Bollywood dance, there will be something for everyone.

Culinary Delights: Savour the flavours of the world at our international food market. Local restaurants and vendors will offer a wide range of dishes, allowing attendees to embark on a culinary journey without leaving South Dublin.

Cultural Workshops: Participate in workshops and demonstrations that highlight the arts, traditions, and customs of different cultures. Learn to create traditional crafts, practice martial arts, or try your hand at dance from around the globe.

Cultural Exhibitions: Visit cultural exhibitions and galleries showcasing art, history, and artifacts from various cultures. Gain a deeper understanding of the global influences that have shaped our community.

Interactive Learning: Engage in cultural exchange through storytelling sessions, language classes, and discussions on intercultural topics. These activities promote dialogue and understanding among attendees.

Children's Activities: Provide a dedicated area for children's activities, including face painting, storytelling, and games from different cultures. This ensures that Culture Day is a family-friendly event for all ages.

Unity Ceremony: Conclude the festivities with a unity ceremony symbolizing the coming together of diverse communities in South Dublin County. This powerful moment reinforces the message of inclusion and harmony.

Inclusion / Getting Involved:

We invite local cultural organizations, community groups, schools, and businesses to participate in South Dublin Culture Day. Whether you want to host a cultural village, perform on the main stage, or set up a food stall, your involvement will help make this event a resounding success.

New "Music Theatre Festival"

Dates: from 19th August for 2 weeks

Location: The Civic Theatre & various other venues and performance venues in Tallaght and South County Dublin

Introduction:

South Dublin County Council could lead the way to announce the inaugural "Musical Theatre Festival of Ireland" as a significant addition to our Tourism Strategy for 2024-2029. This festival aims to celebrate the vibrant and diverse world of musical theatre while attracting visitors to Tallaght, reinforcing our commitment to culture and the arts. There are so many artists, musicians, composers already making a living in this field of work. At one stage a couple of years ago there were 5 people from Dublin playing lead roles in West End productions.

Festival Highlights:

Diverse Productions: The festival will feature a diverse line-up of new & original musical theatre productions, including original works by local artists and companies (of which there are many) along with concert versions of unseen Broadway shows, as well as talks and Master Classes. So we are encouraging the development of local Irish artists and welcome work from overseas.

Local Talent Showcase with a Bursary on offer: Provide a platform for local talent to shine by hosting auditions and workshops, encouraging community participation and collaboration. Local schools, drama clubs, and emerging artists will have opportunities to showcase their skills. The winner could receive a bursary to study in Ireland. There are already Full time degree courses established in T.U., American College (IMIT) in Dublin and Munster TU (Cork) with more schools and colleges due to be established in the coming years.

International Guest Performances: Attract renowned international artist to perform and speak at the festival, offering audiences a chance to experience top-tier productions without leaving Tallaght.

Interactive Workshops: Offer educational workshops and masterclasses led by industry professionals. These sessions will cover various aspects of musical theatre, including acting, singing, dancing, costume design, and stagecraft.

Children's Theatre: Organize family-friendly shows and workshops, introducing young audiences to the magic of musical theatre. These productions will inspire the next generation of performers and theatre enthusiasts.

Street Performances: Enhance the festival atmosphere by featuring street performances, pop-up musical numbers, and impromptu performances in public spaces throughout Tallaght.

Thematic Events: Create themed events such as sing-along nights, costume contests, and theatrical trivia, encouraging audience engagement and participation.

Community Engagement:

Involve the local community in planning and organizing the festival, from volunteer opportunities to partnerships with local businesses and schools. Encourage residents to take pride in their artists & cultural stories.

Support for Emerging Artists:

Offer grants, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities to support emerging artists and theatre companies in the region, fostering a thriving arts community in South Dublin.

Conclusion:

The “Musical Theatre Festival of Ireland" aims to become a signature cultural event in Tallaght, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the magic of musical theatre. Through this festival, we hope to enrich the cultural landscape of our region, promote tourism, and provide a platform for local talent to shine on a global stage. There is currently no festival like this in Europe.

We look forward to working with local artists, theatre enthusiasts, and the community to make the South Dublin Musical Theatre Festival a resounding success. Together, we will celebrate the performing arts and showcase Tallaght as a vibrant and culturally rich destination.

South Dublin County Council Draft Tourism Strategy 2024 - 2029 - Submissions

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