In Meeting House Square, Temple Bar this Wednesday, August 19 at 6.30 (gates at 6), an important anonymous debate on Dublin, Culture and the city will take place. It’s a free event, doesn’t require tickets and everyone is invited.
In anticipation of Culture Night 2009, Dublin’s citizens, funders, public representatives, artists and more are called to to take part in ‘Culture and the City – the Debate’, a masked anonymous debate and theatrical event where invited guests and audience members will respond to broad questions about Culture and the City, including the exploration of issues such as control and regulation of space and the citizens level of involvement in this.
In an interesting twist, all audience members, invited guests and crew will be required to wear a white upper face mask upon passing a screen at the entrance to Meeting House Square and all will remain anonymous throughout.
This theatrical experiment, according to the organisers, aims to break down some of the barriers that exist to real discussion and debate, using anonymity to encourage people to give their truthful opinions.
Posing the question ‘Is this City fit for purpose?’, Dylan Haskins of Exchange Dublin and debate curator says ‘In a city like Dublin where everyone knows everyone, this event is an opportunity for people to say what they really feel as users of the city without worry of who it might offend. The only thing we ask is that people leave their associations behind, be it business, political, friendship or otherwise and speak as individuals.’
Speaking about the event Lorraine Maye, Cultural Projects Manager at Temple Bar Cultural Trust said ‘We are delighted to host this event on Meeting House Square; a fresh, bold new take on traditional debate formats and a timely opportunity for people to have their say about culture in Dublin.
All are welcome and we would encourage everyone to come along, participate in and experience what promises to be a lively, informative and fun event.’
Despite being anonymous, the topic is very touchy in Dublin (or at least, it should be). I wouldn’t go for the sake of getting rowdy and angered!
Good idea, but Dublin has a huge amount of cultural issues that require addressing. We are, after all, the only city to have to move those street-art cows to more “secure” area’s following vandalism.
It’s a good idea. Sounds very interesting, and even slightly Venetian.
Dylan’s a pretty busy guy. I know him from The Hist in Trinity. A record label, Exchange Dublin, and now something like this?
Makes you think what people are doing with thier lives, even if parts of this venture are a bit objectionable it’s a noble effort.
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