Launching the festival in Dublin’s Belvedere House, Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan said: “To witness an event such as this, which has grown and developed into what it is today is not only a true sign of the imagination and vision of its founders, but also a testament to its loyal and growing audience. The Five Lamps Arts Festival broadens and extends horizons, it entertains and enthrals and will continue to engage with the local community, building strong participation with the arts in all its forms and genres.”

The continued support of Marino College for the past eleven years as well as Dublin City Council have been crucial to this accomplishment. Waterways Ireland will be again supporting a number of events in the Festival which includes the Royal Canal 'Big Day Out' on Saturday 10th March which seeks to highlight the importance and beauty of nature in the area.

Minister Madigan continued: “The more recent support from the North East Inner City Initiative shows the Government's determination to help with the long-term social, economic and cultural regeneration of the area.

“I also wish to pay tribute to the dedicated individuals who make it happen. As is the case with so many of the terrific festivals up and down the country, the Five Lamps Arts Festival is run by a dedicated voluntary committee which include Chairman Jack Gilligan, Artistic Director Roisin Lonergan, Festival Board members and numerous volunteers. I wish them all every success with the festival this year.”

The Five Lamps Arts Festival was founded in 2007 as an initiative of Marino College of Further Education, which itself is situated in the heart of Dublin's North Inner City. The continued support of Marino College for the past eleven years has been vital to the survival of the festival. Dublin City Council, through its Arts Office was an early supporter of and advisor to the Festival. The North East Inner-City (NEIC) has also come on board to support this important festival. Other main funders of the 2018 festival include The Arts Council of Ireland, Waterways Ireland and Dance Ireland as well as the Dublin Bus Community Spirit Fund.

North East Inner City (NEIC) Initiative
In July 2016, the Government launched a major initiative for the Dublin North East Inner City to oversee the long-term social and economic regeneration of the area. To support the work of the Ministerial Taskforce, Mr. Kieran Mulvey was appointed to engage with the local community groups, representatives and other interests, and to report back with specific recommendations. The Mulvey Report recommended a number of new structures and appointments to lead this work.

Dublin's North East Inner City is a vibrant and hard-working community. Structures have now been set up to support the process recommended in the Mulvey Report. The INEC is now working collaboratively with the community, businesses and statutory agencies to create opportunity and bring about change. Further information can be accessed from their website http://www.neic.ie/about/implementation-board