Today Dublin will be awash with Arts type events (not that is isn’t normally but let’s call this a surge of events) – Which are all organised to campaign to TD’s to maintain the level of funding the Arts recieve as they believe that the Arts are a key factor in economic and social recovery in Ireland.

Who can really argue with that considering that so many gigs, drama events, impromptu shows and events all pull people together, earn people a livelihood and give people so much pleasure throughout the year.

Below is the list of events taking place today, if you find yourself around or nearby, check it out. If you want to help in other ways, look at the bottom of the article or check out their website – NCFA

Dublin: 1pm – The Irish Writers Centre & the Garden of Remembrance

Chairman of the Irish Writers’ Centre, Jack Harte, will walk from the IWC in Parnell Square, accompanied by a piper to lay a wreath at the Garden of Remembrance in honour and recognition of all the dead generations of writers who contributed to the creation of our state and the formation of our national identity. As part of this ceremony, Liam Mac Uistin will read his poem that is inscribed on the back wall of the Garden and that encapsulates the spirit of this commemorative shrine. All present will then return to the Writers’ Centre, where writers and members of the public will read short pieces from all the writers that are being commemorated.

Dublin South Central: 1pm – The Back Loft, Off Thomas Street, ‘The Thing Is’

A celebration of the arts which will include music, a short film of photos from artists living in the Dublin South Central constituency and a series of readings by artists including Peter Sirr who’ll read from his poetry and playwright Eugene O’Brien who’ll read an excerpt of his work.

Dublin: 1.30pm – Merrion Square & outside Dáil Éireann

A flash mob ‘dance event’

Dun Laoghaire: 5-6pm – The Pavilion Theatre,  ‘Meet Our Artists: Generations Share’

A public conversation with three leading artists living or working in the Dun Laoghaire area, interviewed by emerging youth performers and arts enthusiasts.

Galway East & West: 1pm – On the steps of Townhall Theatre – ‘TDs as Artists for a Day’

A number of TDs from Galway East and West are teaming up with Galway artists to present a short performance of music, dance and theatre on the steps of the Townhall Theatre.

Galway South: Portumna Shorelines Festival

A debate about the value of the arts will run on Friday 17 September as part of Portumna Shorelines Festival.

Laois-Offaly: Youth Dance Event

Legitimate Bodies Youth Dance will present a free performance in Tullamore town.

Singer Rebecca Storm will give a Masterclass with students from St Brendan’s Community School, while artist Jessica Foley who has been working on a project during Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival will extend her work to the foyer of the Theatre on the Day and engage with some local school children and the general public.

Meath West: 3pm – Solstice Arts Centre,  Concert

Music and live arts for all at the Navan arts centre.

North Tipperary: 8pm – Source Arts Centre, Open Stage

Local artists (professional or amateur) are invited to do a spot on the Source Arts Centre’s stage as part of a free event celebrating the arts.

South Tipperary: The Magical Moment Tree

Clonmel Junction Festival in conjunction with other cultural providers in South Tipperary will collaborate on building The Magical Moment Tree in The Common Thread Café. Starting on the NCFA Day of Action on 17 Sept and culminating on Culture Night on 24 September, the CJF team, with South Tipperary artists Brigid Teehan and Lynn Mather will commence the building of the Magical Moment Tree. Members of the public of all ages and backgrounds are asked to come to The Common Thread and fill out a card and share a magical arts moment with the community.  On Culture Night, TDs, Senators and local representatives will be invited to come to the unveiling of the tree, to celebrate the importance of the arts in the community.

Other activities taking place on or in the lead-up to Friday 17 Sept

Email your TDs. On our website there is a simple way of emailing your local TD. Please ask all your friends and family to so.

Postcard Campaign – Available at the Electric Picnic this weekend and around the country over next two weeks – 40,000 cards asking members of the public to fill in the blank, ‘I believe the arts ……’ Cards are returned to NCFA and then sent to the appropriate constituencies/TDs.

Venue House Announcement – Actor/Comedian Pat Shortt will voiceover a venue house announcement which also highlights the NCFA. This will be available by the end of the week on mp3 for use in all venues across the country.

E-cards – Sent out on Friday 17 Sept by venues and arts organisations to their members, noting that this is the National Day of Action and thanking them for their support over the year(s).  Available for download on newly overhauled website www.ncfa.ie

Irish Times Advertising – The Irish Times wil run ads in the week running up to the day of action.  Ads will run on Friday 10, Saturday 11, Tuesday 14, Thursday 16 and Friday 17 Sept.