€7,500 boost for The Model as ‘After Hours at the Museum’ scheme backs late-night culture in Sligo

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

The Model in Sligo will benefit from funding to the tune of €7,500 through the ‘After Hours at the Museum’ scheme.

Welcoming the announcement Cllr Thomas Walsh said, “This funding will open up The Model to people who can’t get there during traditional opening hours.

“Whether its workers, families or young people, later openings make culture more accessible to everyone and that’s what public investments should do.”

This scheme was developed in support of a commitment in the Programme for Government to promote and support later openings in our museums and galleries and the ongoing development of a diverse night-time economy in Ireland.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, 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 funding of €423k will support 47 organisations across the country to open later and programme events until at least 9pm.

Members of the Museum Standards Programme for Ireland (MSPI), Contemporary Art Gallery Association (CAGA) and the Irish Museum Association were eligible to apply for up to €8,000 in funding to host later evening and night events

Cllr Walsh concluded by saying, “This is Fine Gael in Government making a difference to communities in Sligo. The night-time economy is about more than pubs and restaurants, it’s about making our communities vibrant, safe and culturally rich after dark.”

The scheme is operating on a matched funding basis (85:15), where 15% of the proposed costs must be provided by the applicant.

Events do not have to be free of charge. Venues may charge an entry fee, but where possible the costs should be kept low to ensure maximum participation, inclusivity and long-term sustainability.

Events which can be funded include but not limited to, late evening or night tours, live music, live DJ, dancing (performative or participatory), exhibitions, poetry readings, comedy shows (Stand up, sketch or improvisation), theatre, film, live podcasts, storytelling, classes and health and wellbeing initiatives. Funding can be used towards operational costs, e.g. staff costs for opening late.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.