Another busy year in Docklands with an exciting range of arts and cultural events
Another busy year in Docklands with an exciting range of arts and cultural events
A tropical seaside oasis in the heart of the city, cutting edge arts performances and a mass nude photographic installation were just some of the highlights of a packed events calendar in Docklands during 2008.
One of the visual highlights of the year was the June visit of internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Spencer Tunick to Docklands for his first Irish installation. Despite unseasonably chilly weather, over 2,500 volunteers bared all in Dockland's South Wall for a photo shoot. Described by many who took part as a life changing and liberating experience, the shoot attracted huge interest from the public and media alike.
Summer in Docklands got off to a lively start with the popular Docklands Maritime Festival, now in its fifth year. Taking place over the June Bank Holiday, this year's Festival attracted a record 130,000 visitors who enjoyed the magnificent Tall Ships, street entertainment, Dublin's largest out door market and a dedicated children's arts and crafts area.
In July, Grand Canal Square was once again the venue for Analog, a three night outdoor music festival, organised by the Docklands Authority in association with Note Productions. This year's line up was more impressive than ever with Lou Reed, Tim Robbins, Shane McGowan and Teddy Thompson performing in Hal Willner's Rogues Gallery as well as acclaimed bands Tortoise, Cap Pas Cap, Silje Nes and Tarafs de Haidouks.
Docklands was once again put on the map as one of the hottest summer event destinations in town with the installation of Ireland's very first Urban Beach at George's Dock in the IFSC. An estimated 45,000 people visited this chilled out haven during its two week run, enjoying a range of events including a special mass yoga event, tango and salsa nights, a play area especially for little ones or just the chance to relax awhile on a sun lounger.
In July, Dublin City Council granted planning permission for the proposed Antony Gormley sculpture in the river Liffey, with a number of conditions attached. This decision has since been appealed to An Bord Pleanala and a report is expected in the new year. The proposed sculpture has been commissioned by the Docklands Authority as an important element in the delivery of the overall Docklands Arts Strategy.
Back in March, Docklands was also the location of the Irish premiere of Pearl by innovative French theatre company Plasticiens Volants. This was the first time an inflatable performance of this magnitude or scale was held in Ireland; it was an event not to be missed and featured giant inflated puppets taking over George's Dock to tell the story of the precarious journey of a precious pearl.
Thousands of well wishers visited Docklands in June to bid farewell to the magnificent Viking longship, ‘Sea Stallion from Glendalough', as it began its return voyage to Roskilde in Denmark. The departure of the historic ship followed its arrival in Docklands in August 2007 after a six week journey from Denmark. Since then the Sea Stallion had been on public display at the National Museum at Collins Barracks as part of a special Viking themed exhibition.
In September, the Docklands Authority continued its long-standing association with the Dublin Fringe Festival with Equilibre, a trio of fantastic French physical pieces exploring tension, suspension and counterpoise.
Running during June and July was We Are Here 3.0, the third edition of the festival jointly organised by the Docklands Authority and the Project Arts Centre. Once again the emphasis was on cutting edge and accessible performance works that use everyday technology in a simple yet sophisticated way. Highlights of this year's festival included the return of Rimini Protokoll, with Call Cutta in a Box; Choc-Steady Sundae, a day long block party for all the family; Disco-nnect, a guided walking tour around Docklands leading to a gig and a party; and Propositions 1 and 2, an eerie reconstruction of a murder scene.
Also taking place this year in Docklands was The Hive, a new light and sound show in Grand Canal Square. Presented by the Docklands Authority in collaboration with Science Gallery at Trinity College, the project was part of LIGHTWAVE and consisted entirely of projected light and sound.
Other popular events at Docklands included the fifth annual Dragon Boat Race with local school students and business people and the opening of additional units in the renovated chq building in the IFSC, including Mitchell & Son Wines, Toss'd Noodles & Salads, Fitzpatrick Shoes and House of Tea.
The year ended on a festive note in Docklands with the fifth annual 12 Days of Christmas Market in George's Dock in the IFSC. Once again, the market attracted thousands of visitors who enjoyed a magical festival experience in a unique waterside village setting with over 80 market traders selling a range of Christmas gifts, seasonal food and stocking fillers.
Further information on events at Docklands can be found on www.chq.ie
For images and/or further information, please contact:
Loretta Lambkin, Docklands Authority, Tel. 818 3300