Festival aims to nurture cultural life that is rooted in place, inclusive in approach, and shaped through shared ownership.
03.02.26
Culture Date with Dublin 8, the innovative local cultural festival, has officially launched a new Five-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2030).
Officially unveiled by Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam last week at Christ Church Cathedral by Dublin City Council, the strategy sets out a clear and ambitious vision for the next chapter of Culture Date with Dublin 8, building on nearly a decade of collaboration, creativity, and community-led cultural activity across the neighbourhood.
Speaking at the launch, the Lord Mayor said, “Culture Date with Dublin 8 demonstrated the important role that culture played in strengthening communities, enhancing quality of life, and supporting placemaking at a local level. This five-year strategy provided a clear and ambitious roadmap for the continued development of the initiative, rooted in partnership, accessibility, and shared civic pride. Dublin City Council was proud to support work that connected people with place and celebrated the rich cultural life of our neighbourhoods.”
Since starting life as a small pilot in 2017, Culture Date with Dublin 8 has grown into a major annual festival and a year-round programme, working with hundreds of partners to deliver free and low-cost events across museums, heritage sites, libraries, parks, arts spaces, and community venues throughout Dublin 8.
The new strategy focuses on:
1. Deepening partnerships and collaboration
2. Supporting inclusive and accessible cultural programming
3. Strengthening placemaking and local identity
4. Growing Dublin 8’s profile as one of the city’s most vibrant cultural districts
The strategy has been developed through consultation with communities, artists, cultural organisations, and local stakeholders, and the plan reflects shared ambitions for how culture can continue to play a meaningful role in everyday life in Dublin 8 over the next five years.
More details on the plan at www.culturedatewithdublin8.ie.
Also announced last week was the dates for this year’s Festival, which will run from 4th to 10th May 2026. The programme will be announced in early April. For updates and details of the full programme see: www.culturedatewithdublin8.ie.
