'The keepers of our history' - Up to €1m in funding secured for late night museum scheme

A new late night museum pilot scheme to support Ireland's Night-Time Economy (NTE) has been announced. 

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, today (May 17) announced news of the scheme, which aims to support small museums and galleries across the country to open later and programme new live events. 

Up to one million euro in funding has been secured to support the scheme, with up to €10,000 ringfenced to help re-energise and revitalise the NTE in Irish villages and towns. 

Speaking ahead of International Museum Day, Minister Martin said, "International Museum day is being marked this week and we celebrate how Museums and Galleries throughout the country are the beating heart of culture in our communities. They are the keepers of our history, reflect our cultural identity and provide a space for creativity which future generations can enjoy.

"They play a vital role in smaller towns and villages supporting open conversations, promoting positive mental health and are inclusive to all. 

"A thriving Night Time Economy is valuable to communities and I would like to encourage local museums and galleries to look at their spaces through a late night lens. This support announced today aims to welcome new audiences through a variety of innovative programming and activities. Bringing life to longer evenings for both communities and tourists alike." 

Members of the Museum Standards Programme for Ireland (MSPI) and the Irish Museum Association can apply for up to €10,000 in funding to host late night events this year. 

Events can include live music, live DJ, dancing (performative or participatory), exhibitions, poetry readings, comedy shows theatre, film, live podcasts, storytelling, classes and wellbeing initiatives. 

Director of the Irish Museums Association, Gina O’Kelly, said, "Our museums provide creative spaces for visitors to connect with culture in ways that are relevant and meaningful to their lives and, as such, are ideally placed to support Government efforts to develop a more diverse night-time economy. 

"The support announced today extends a welcome opportunity for our museums to not only explore sustainable after-hours access and enhance participation in their programmes and events, but also to reach new and under-represented audiences and provide a vibrant night-time alternative for both their communities and visitors to their localities.” 

Last year’s Night-Time Economy Support Scheme - developed in conjunction with the Irish Museum Association, The Heritage Council and Fáilte Ireland - provided support for cultural activity in pubs, nightclubs, cafés and other suitable licensed and unlicensed premises during off-peak times. 

Support will be offered by way of a grant payment of up to €10,000 per museum, which will be required to open later and/or schedule events for a minimum of 4 nights until at least 9pm. 

Additional funding may be considered if a more ambitious programme of openings is proposed and funding allows. 

Chief Executive of The Heritage Council, Virginia Teehan, said, "The Heritage Council is committed to ensuring our heritage in all its forms and that it is as accessible as possible to as many as possible. By supporting late night events in our museums and galleries, this pilot scheme is sure to increase accessibility to our cultural heritage for new audiences, but will also facilitate the creation of new and interesting works.

"Our Museum Standards Programme for Ireland has been hugely successful in raising the quality of our museums across the country. We know how dedicated our accredited museums are to upholding standards of excellence and I’m confident that the museums who benefit from the scheme will provide an excellent experience to visitors.”

Minister Martin also took the opportunity to welcome the recruitment process now underway in five of the nine locations selected for a Night-Time Advisor. 

She said, "I welcome the progress made across the five local authorities who have now kick-started the recruitment process for new Night-Time Advisors. Thank you to the teams in Cork City, Dublin City, Kilkenny, Drogheda and Limerick who have announced the recruitment of these vital posts and I expect the remaining four, Galway City, Longford, Buncrana and Sligo, to get underway shortly.

"These posts will bring much needed strategic support, local engagement and drive for a more vibrant and diverse night-time economy. Schemes such as the one being announced today will be a great vehicle for these advisors as they work to develop ambitious and exciting plans for their areas."