 |
| Pic by Dónal Murphy |
The Museum of Literature Ireland has won a prestigious cultural heritage award from the European Commission. The museum is a partnership between University College Dublin and the National Library of Ireland and was singled out by the Europa Nostra jury for its work as a heritage project fostering social cohesion, inclusion, multicultural dialogue and nurturing a sense of place and belonging. The Europa Nostra Awards are the European Commission’s most important cultural heritage awards, and every year identify best practices in the conservation and enhancement of tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
Speaking on receipt of the news, MoLI Director Simon O’Connor said: “The founding patrons and partners in UCD and the National Library of Ireland had the ambition and vision to create a major literary institution in the University’s original home that would open reading and writing to all audiences. We have never taken achieving that ambition for granted, and welcoming visitors from every imaginable walk of life to this spectacular facility has been at the centre of our work. From toddlers to teenagers, academics to pensioners learning to read for the first time, sharing the empowering and democratic value of the written and spoken word is what motivates us every day. To receive this award is a welcome acknowledgement of that work, and due recognition for the vision of our partners and patrons. It is an award for them, and the community of visitors who inspire us.”
President of University College Dublin, Professor Orla Feely said:
“This award recognises the great contributions that MoLI has made to the cultural heritage of Dublin, Ireland and Europe in the few short years since it opened its doors to the public.”
“It is clear proof of what can be achieved when two national institutions with an exciting, shared vision and ambition – in this case, the National Library of Ireland and University College Dublin - join forces towards a common goal.”
“Through its exhibitions, events and outreach activities, and the harnessing of digital technologies, the museum successfully engages wider and more varied audiences in Ireland’s rich and diverse literary heritage.”
“We are deeply proud that MoLI is based at UCD’s most significant historic property, Newman House on Stephen’s Green, Dublin, where James Joyce, arguably the university’s best-known graduate, studied for his degree.”
MoLI will be presented with their award alongside other winners in a ceremony in Venice in September this year.
No comments:
Post a Comment