DCU Arts and Culture in the Community
DCU Culture Night
DCU is dedicated to developing the artistic and cultural life of our campuses and our communities, including those on our doorstep as set out in DCU Arts and Culture Plan. While the term "university without walls" is often used, we truly believe that arts and culture can transcend both physical and conceptual barriers.
Our vision positions the campus as a central hub, radiating cultural vibrancy in concentric circles to embrace the diverse communities in North Dublin in line with one of the main pillars of DCU’s 2023-28 strategy - to enhance local engagement. Our strategic and interdisciplinary approach, exemplified by our successful 2023 summer programme, sets a benchmark for other universities to follow.
TBL8 Brass Band
DCU aligned our initiatives with national cultural celebrations like Cruinniú na nÓg and Culture Night. This approach allowed us to join onto government-led initiatives, giving access to funding and promotional opportunities, and providing a natural context for hosting artistic experiences for our local community.
By hosting a ‘open-air summer series’, we sought to create an aperture through which the local community would interact with DCU in an imaginative way, creating more inclusive welcoming spaces and celebrating the magnificent infrastructure we are custodians to.
The green field programme included a mini Festival called 'Wild Neighbourhood Festival', 'A Handful of Dreams' Aerial Dance Series and 'Culture Night', an evening of creativity for all.
'Wild Neighbourhood' Festival - DCU All Hallows campus
A mini-arts and environmental festival for young families to celebrate Cruinniú na nÓg. This festival explores creative ways to embrace nature in our city, highlighting the urban wildlife and habitat of DCU’s All Hallows campus in Drumcondra. Cruinniú na nÓg is Ireland's national day of free creativity for children and young people.
'A Handful of Dreams' in partnership with Fidget Feet - St. Patrick's campus
A Handful of Dreams is an awe-inspiring and heart-warming series of shows that combines aerial and circus arts with live Irish traditional music and dance. A specially designed outdoor rig with ancient magic, this beautiful celebration will connect to the hearts of each audience member while restoring the joy of being alive.
DCU 'Culture Night' - St Patrick's campus.
Culture Night at DCU celebrated with a circus cabaret theme, introducing spectacular aerial shows, historic tours, daring feats, music, dance and childrens' workshops in circus, dance, art and animation, traditional music sessions and live bands.
“It was a fantastic day out for young families to experience and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the All Hallows’ DCU campus, with a fun packed afternoon of activities and entertainment. In particular to mention Mr Fox’s Circus Finale, which was both thrilling and highly entertaining for children and adults alike! A truly spectacular performance by Mr Fox that was not in any way dampened by the light rain in the afternoon!”
Cormac and Deirdre Ross
“Just a quick word of thanks and praise for the wonderful event 'a handful of dreams'; in DCU last weekend. We thoroughly enjoyed it with family and friends. My children were really inspired by the wonderful cast. Many thanks for a great experience”
Aoife O'Gorman
DCU St Patricks Campus
These events have transformed how the local community sees DCU from an Arts and Culture perspective. It is now seen as a ‘first-choice’ destination for family focused cultural celebrations like ‘Cruinniú na nÓg' and 'Culture Night’.
By breaking down barriers and fostering a welcoming environment, we have provided a more permeable and inclusive campus. DCU Arts and Culture’s innovative approach demonstrates our unwavering commitment to enhancing the long term social and cultural wellbeing of our local community.