Dublin | UNESCO City of Literature
Dublin has been designated as a UNESCO City of Literature, one of only four in the world. The rare accolade recognises Dublin’s cultural profile and its international standing as a city of literary excellence. The announcement was made at Dublin’s Grand Canal Theatre this morning.
Among the writers, playwrights and poets present were Thomas Kinsella, Theo Dorgan, Pat Boran and Enda Wyley, along with Mary Hanafin TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport and Gerry Breen, Lord Mayor of Dublin.
I am absolutely delighted about this achievement – which confirms what Dubliners have known for years – this is a city that has always produced – and continues to produce – great writers.- Gerry Breen
The UNESCO application was led by Dublin City Council’s library service with partners from literary-related organisations, including Poetry Ireland, as well as culture, arts, tourism, government, media and educational institutions across the city and country.
For more details visit dublincityofliterature.ie
Hmmm. Well, Maria Johnston’s savage, hilarious and at times cruel attack on Irish poets in the 100th PIR coupled with Matthew Sweeney’s criticisms of the proliferation of dull, safe poetry in Best of Irish Poetry 2010 suggests we would do well not to go around preening ourselves over the city of literature thing. If what these two say is right then a kick up the arse would have been more appropriate than an award. Could I suggest a resolution for us all to mark our city of literature status: that we hereby resolve to write no more poems about (a) our dull childhoods (b) our dead fathers?
Posted by: Padraig O'Morain on July 31st, 2010 at 10:28 amDublin City certainly was due this award for the prolific world-renowned writers it has produced. I’m delighted about this well-deserved recognition.
Posted by: Joan Kelly on August 14th, 2010 at 2:53 am