Coinciding with the launch of its latest magazine, Goblin presents the first in a series of nighttime film and talk-based events which will consider the development of public spaces in Dublin and further afield. Goblin is a publication focussed primarily, but not exclusively, on skateboard (and Skate Bird) culture, a culture which is inclusive and sociable, challenging and rewarding. Skateboarding enthusiasts are accommodated and nurtured in many cities and demonised in others. With short film screenings and presentations from planners, skateboarders, and other urban dwellers, this series will celebrate existing public spaces and consider ways to create more.

The series of weekly events will run on consecutive Friday nights from September 29th to October 20th. This event is supported by the Government of Ireland Night Time Economy Support Scheme. This project is part of Night-Time Economy After Hours at the Museum Scheme supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

Notes by Sunniva O’Flynn

Friday, September 29th

The first event of this four part series kicks off with a screening of a film about an inspiring community project.  Titim Isteach follows the construction of a skatepark by visiting skateboarders and local enthusiasts on the island of Inis Oírr off the west coast of Ireland.  The screening will be followed with presentation of the latest issue of Goblin’s magazine which focuses on the use of public space by skateboarding and other communities and explores what changes can be made to spaces around the country to create more welcoming and vibrant towns and cities.

Friday, October 6th

Our second show will see the premiere of Dublin Digital Radio’s new film by Johnny Savage. The film documents the rise of DDR and the positive effect it has had as a grass roots radio show on the music scene in Ireland. Following the screening, the team at DDR will be joined  by members of Give Us The Night to discuss the sparsity of night time and cultural venues around the country, and how these absences ca be addressed.

Friday, October 13th

Week three of Spás Poiblí brings Johnny Savage’s new film Resonant Frequency, a short film about Dublin digital radio, to the screen.  The film will be followed by a panel discussion with Savage, Sunil Sharpe from Give Us The Night & Alice QB. Alice is part of a community collective that has recently let out a new space in Dublin with the aim of creating a cultural space for members to share in response to the lack of artistic spaces across the city.

Tickets on sale here.

Friday, October 20th

For our final show we will screen our new film about Dublin’s history of public space, the issues around it and how we can change things for the better. Panellists (to be confirmed) will reflect on the previous programmes and invite a lively feedback session from the audience. Together we hope to learn as much as possible from each other so we can develop and contribute to a city development plan for Dublin which will include elements of play and public space throughout the city.