As we move into our sixth year we are honoured to have artists from over 50 countries taking part in this year’s exciting event that aims to build a positive response to integration, nurturing respect and understanding through the arts. As in previous years the picturesque coastal town of Dún Laoghaire will be transformed as artists and audiences alike - a staggering 200,000 in 2005 - descend on the town for 3 days of cultural celebration.
This year we bring you diversity from all corners of the globe, from indigenous tribal to urban club life and inventive collaborations featuring Trans-global Underground and Trio Bulgarka - in partnership with the British Council, the exquisite Brazilian Indian music of Marlui Miranda with kora player Ravi and from West Africa Etran Finatawa, a meeting of the Wodaabe and Tuareg people of Niger. New events include a Festival preview performance on Thursday 24th from the Dasom Dance Company of Korea, a traditional costume show, cookery classes, Déan Nós Bris Nós - an innovative event of old school/new school Gaelic performers, and for the ’insatiable sociables’, International speed dating.
Along with these exciting new additions we are proud to announce that RTÉ, along with the Irish Times are once again the Festival's official media partners for 2006. For the fourth consecutive year RTÉ have commissioned a 3-part television series ‘Highlights of the Festival of World Cultures 2006’ which will be broadcast on RTÉ Two in September.
The Festival works in partnership with many creative organisations and individuals and we would like to acknowledge and thank all our many partners and colleagues for their invaluable contribution. On behalf of the Festival staff and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, we hope that you enjoy this year’s programme and wish all of our visitors an enjoyable and memorable Festival weekend.
