I welcome the approval by the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys, of funding of €18,000 to Cork for Culture Night 2016.

“Towns and cities across the country are now gearing up to celebrate Ireland’s annual cultural extravaganza, Culture Night, as it returns on Friday 16th September 2016.

“From museums, galleries, libraries and theatres, to cathedrals, parks and government buildings, venues right across Cork and the country will throw open their doors for free tours, workshops, readings, performances and demonstrations for all the family.

“I am delighted that funding of €18,000 has been provided to Cork to support their programme of local events.

“Having grown from 40,000 attendees to 350,000 in ten years, Culture Night is now an all-island cultural movement.  

“The Culture Night programme in Cork and around the country is a showcase of our enormous diverse and vibrant arts and creative scene. The night will involve hundreds of participants from all genres including photographers, illustrators, designers, composers, visual artists, dancers, aerialists, researchers, script-writers, conductors, projection mappers, graffiti artists, singers and musicians.

“This funding for Culture Night events in Cork is very welcome. As a Fine Gael Government Senator I want to ensure that the fruits of our recovering economy are used to support local communities throughout Cork.”