Government announce funding for museums and galleries to open later

The Government have announced a new scheme to support later openings in museums and galleries across Ireland.

The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, has announced the ‘After Hours at the Museum’ scheme, with the aim of developing the night-time economy in Ireland.

The funding of €423,000 will support 47 organisations across the country will be supported to say open until at least 9pm.

As well as this, there have been other recent initiatives to host evening and night events, including the ‘Dublin by Dusk’, which will provide a night of cultural activities on the last Thursday of every month.

Patrick O’Donovan said: “Museums and galleries are the cornerstones of our cultural life and are important social hubs in our communities.

“This investment will help broaden access, welcome new audiences and will ensure that our museums and galleries play a pivotal role in the growth and development of an inclusive and diverse Night-Time Economy across the country.”

The scheme is operating on a matched funding basis, with 15% of the costs being provided by the applicant. There is funding available of up to €8,000 for each organisation to open later.