Little Green Cars launch ANAM 2019 – DCU’s Arts and Culture Festival returns in April 2019

Irish indie band Little Green Cars officially launched ANAM 2019 with a live gig performed for students and staff at DCU’s state-of-the-art student centre, the U, today (Thursday, December 6th).

The Dublin band, who are in the midst of a nationwide tour, played to a packed audience and also took the opportunity to encourage students and staff to get involved in DCU’s ANAM Talent Search- which is urging students in DCU, particularly those involved in performance-focussed societies, to audition for an opportunity to perform with renowned Irish artists at the upcoming festival taking place in DCU on April 3-4, 2019.

Following the success of the inaugural event, curated by director Philip King and South Wind Blows (creators of RTÉ's longest running music TV show & festival, Other Voices), ANAM, a two-day cultural festival of music, poetry, literature, drama and film workshops with performances from established Irish artists, North Dublin community groups and DCU staff and students, will once again take place in a series of venues across DCU’s three campuses (St Patrick’s, Glasnevin, All Hallows).

ANAM is an integral part of the development of a North Dublin Cultural Quarter, as part of DCU’s Strategic Plan, which outlined a commitment to foster the creative and performing arts in DCU and the North Dublin region and to provide high-quality artistic and cultural experiences through public engagement opportunities, outreach programmes, visual arts initiatives, and both on-campus and community events.

Last year’s event included a number of memorable shows with highlights such as Other Voices: ANAM at the Helix involving award-winning Irish acts Lankum, Soulé and Jafaris performing with the DCU Student Gospel Choir, students from the School of Theology, Philosophy and Music and Direct Provision Singers; Heart of the Rowl featuring some of Ireland’s greatest musicians performing with DCU students and staff, in a celebration of Dublin’s unique traditions; ‘Double take-creative women in conversation’ - Una Mullally, Irish Times, Ellen Coyne, Times Ireland Edition, musicians Síle Denvir and Róisín Blunnie, and from the world of theatre, Marina Carr and Lian Bell; ‘Writers: The Next Generation’- young poets at DCU showcased their work in front of an audience followed by a Q&A.

The 2019 showcase will be produced by director Philip King and South Wind Blows.

Speaking at the launch of ANAM 2019, President of DCU, Prof Brian MacCraith said:

“Following the outstanding success of our inaugural event, I am delighted that ANAM is returning in 2019. DCU is firmly committed to contributing to the creation of a new cultural quarter by opening up our spaces and sharing our cultural assets, from across our three academic campuses with the wider North Dublin Community.

Last year’s event was the first step in a five-year plan and we were overwhelmed by the showcase of talent by Irish artists, local community groups and DCU staff and students.

In 2019, we aim to build on that and to make ANAM one of the highlights in a year-long series of events that celebrate culture and creativity and build deep connections with local community groups through a process of creative engagement.”

Speaking about ANAM 2019 Philip King of South Wind Blows said:

“We are delighted to work with DCU; its three campuses, faculties and students to propagate the seed planted at the inaugural ANAM festival and to watch it grow and flourish for 2019; to build relationships with all of the significant stakeholders in North Dublin and bridge a dynamic relationship between the St. Pat's, All Hallows and Glasnevin campuses with the communities and artists of North Dublin.”

Speaking at the event, President of DCU Students’ Union, Vito-Moloney Burke said:

“We are thrilled to welcome the return of ANAM to DCU, this time in our new home, the U. The fact that Little Green Cars will officially launch the festival speaks volumes for the magnitude of the event.

It will be wonderful to watch the guys lighting the ANAM spark that will see many students get involved, either as a performer, helper or promoter, and further engage the student body with the North Dublin community around us. We are all truly excited to see an exhibition of culture displayed from DCU's brightest and most passionate talent.”