CDA – A Roadmap for Branding Dublin 2012 – A Discussion Paper

A Roadmap for Branding Dublin, A Discussion Paper 20125.8 A Wealth of Creativity and Cultural Activity“When I die Dublin will be written on my heart.” – James Joyce“While Dublin tourist guides attempt to coach visitors in the pronunciation of the Dublingreeting, ‘howaya?’ the equally common accompaniment to this – the enquiry, ‘what’sthe story?’ reveals the remnants of an oral tradition which is alive and well, while alsodemonstrating Dubliners’ appetite for the world of books.” 103In the Your Dublin Your Voice survey, the range of culture, arts and activitieswas overall rated second only to Dublin’s people. From the Hugh Lane Gallery,the world’s fi rst museum of modern art, and the Chester Beatty Library,which houses one of the world’s most signifi cant collections of Islamic andFar Eastern artifacts, to the Abbey Theatre and the multitude of festivalsand events that take place each year, Dublin has a richness and diversity ofcultural activity that gives an enviable international reputation for creativitythat is part of our DNA. Refl ecting this, Dublin was awarded the permanentdesignation as a UNESCO City of Literature in 2010, nurturing the vibrantliterary and story-telling scene of today while celebrating the rich literarytradition of our heritage.“It’s great that the art galleries and museums are free, in most cities youhave to pay for these.” – Your Dublin Your Voice panelThe promotion of culture to the general public is to the fore with many ofDublin’s museums and galleries free to visitors and signifi cant state andcity support given to the arts. Local arts theatres and centres, includingThe Axis Ballymun, The Civic Theatre and Red Rua Arts Centre in Tallaght,Draoiocht in Blanchardstown, and the Pavillion in Dun Laoghaire, are bringingInternational art, theatre, dance and music to local audiences throughoutDublin. The Science Gallery in Trinity College is unlike any other sciencecentre. With no permanent collection, it instead runs a series of exhibitionsevery year that stimulate the public’s interaction with science and developinnovative art-science collaborations.“Lots of interesting people means lots of interesting events and venues,and because of its size you hear about them and can get to them easily.”– Your Dublin Your Voice panel103 UNESCO City of Literature, 201259