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Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will this evening (Wednesday 6

March 2013) launch the 2013 Dublin Dance Festival in the Little Museum of Dublin, 15 St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2.

Dublin Dance Festival is the leading dance event in the Irish Arts calendar and attracts many prominent dance promoters. It also provides a platform for Irish choreographers. The Festival enjoys strong ties to festivals and venues across Europe and for years has actively engaged in creating opportunities for artistic exchange between Ireland and our European neighbours.

This year, with Ireland holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU, provides the ideal time to draw more attention to the festival’s role in connecting Irish artists with opportunities in Europe. As a result, two key European companies feature prominently in the 2013 programme: Finland’s Tero Saarinen Company and Belgium’s Ultima Vez will appear in Ireland.

Commenting Minister Deenihan said: "Dublin Dance Festival presents one of the finest dance programmes in Europe. It has played a key role in helping develop a dedicated audience for dance in Ireland. Dance plays a significant role in Ireland’s cultural landscape and in this regard I am delighted that my Department, through the Arts Council, provided significant funding for this Festival which is one of the key features of Culture Connects - our culture programme celebrating Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union."

Dublin Dance Festival 2013 will run from 14th to the 26th May in venues across Dublin. Please check