Sensory spaces at Tallaght Culture Night set to promote accessibility and inclusivity in the arts​

As we reach just under a month until Culture Night 2023 on September 22, it has been announced that Tallaght's Culture Night will feature two sensory spaces - The Soft Space and Vanishing Point, promoting accessibility and inclusivity in the arts​.​​

Commissioned by South Dublin County Council (SDCC) and curated and produced by NOISE Music and SoFFT Productions, culture enthusiasts are set to experience unique and immersive sensory spaces for the first time at Culture Night 2023.
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Focusing on young audiences and neurodiverse communities, the events are scheduled to take place at several Tallaght venues on Friday, September 22 and are free of charge, with availability for both bookings and walk-ins.

The Soft Space is designed as a decompression space with unique elements facilitating a sensory experience​​. Taking ​place at at Tallaght’s Culture Night cultural quarter, the immersive space offers a serene space for relaxation where attendees can visit and escape the festival atmosphere. Created by SoFFT Productions with the aim to promote inclusivity through innovation, the result is an experience that is suitable for all audiences, including neurodivergent children and families.

Photo by Julien Behal Photography

In a first for these sensory spaces, SoFFT Productions and NOISE Music have teamed up with the cutting-edge virtual reality experience, DEEP VR, a meditative VR game controlled by breathing. Through stable, slow, and deep deliberate breathing players explore the mesmerizing and hypnotic world of DEEP. The experience is designed to bring people from their existing emotional state to one of relaxed calmness and has been clinically validated to regulate anxiety.

Photo by Julien Behal Photography

Curated by South Dublin County Council’s Arts Office, NOISE Music, and Sofft Productions, the programme taking place at The Soft Space throughout the day and evening includes:

• Art & Ecology Workshop with Karen Aguiar
• Dance workshop/Embodied movement with Karen Aguiar
• Tai Chi with Kat Lee
• Music workshop with Alicia Raye
• Collaborative art project with The Autistic Art Club
• Live music set from iUS of NOISE Music
• Deep VR virtual reality experience

Timeslots to attend The Soft Space on Friday, September 22, 2023 at Rua Red, South Dublin Arts Centre and Tallaght Library will be bookable through Eventbrite, with further information here.

Vanishing Point is a unique DJ experience. This experiential zone will combine ambient sounds, soothing lighting, and comfortable seating, with the aim of promoting restful rejuvenation and mindful introspection. Designed by lighting designer Conor Jacob of SoFFT Productions, and curated by NOISE Music in conjunction with Dublin Digital Radio, the space will feature a line-up of talented DJs delivering curated sets across the night, including:

• ​​BALIBOC (Jack Colley)
• ​R.KITT (Robbie Kitt)
• MAXIU (Matthew​ Xie​)
• DREAMCYCLES (Jenn Moore)​

Photo by Julien Behal Photography

​Vanishing Point highlights the importance and relevance of ambient spaces which promote relaxation, emotional wellbeing, clarity, creativity, and productivity. SoFFT Productions are advocates for ambient spaces in clubs, leading to a more inclusive clubbing experience. The space was created with this in mind while also contributing to the artistic landscape pioneering an experiential event.

Robbie Kitt, DJ and Producer, talks about this new sensory experience, saying: "It's an honour for me to DJ in this unique, inclusive space at Vanishing Point, where music brings us all together. I hope that this is the first step towards ambient spaces becoming an integral part of clubbing and cultural experiences in the future."

Bookings for Vanishing Point on Friday, September 22, 2023 in The Civic Theatre Studio Space, Tallaght, can be made through the Civic Theatre Box Office.

For those who don’t book in advance spaces will be available at both events on a walk-in basis on the day.

Speaking about the events at Tallaght Culture Night, Natasha Duffy, Creative Director at SoFFT Productions, says, "We believe passionately in crafting memorable and inclusive events that celebrate the rich tapestry of culture and provide an opportunity for neurodivergent children and adults to participate. As a neurodivergent person, I understand only too well how accessible festival spaces play a crucial role in contributing to community engagement, social interactions, and cultural enrichment, and this inspires my work every day. I’m encouraged by South Dublin County Council’s commitment to collaboration through its various programmes to make these spaces a reality for Culture Night.”

Photo by Julien Behal Photography

“As an initiative of the South Dublin County Council’s Arts Office, NOISE Music is delighted to contribute once again to Culture Night in Tallaght, continuing our commitment to providing young people with opportunities to participate in making and performing music, and experiencing live performance events," Gerry Horan, Programme Manager at NOISE Music, adds.

Karen Aguiar, socially engaged Artist and Producer, furthers: "It has been a pleasure to work on this activation and I’m excited to welcome families and children, especially those from the neurodivergent community to experience what The Soft Space has to offer during Tallaght Culture Night."

These events for Tallaght Culture Night 2023 are funded by South Dublin County Council through its Arts Office and by The Arts Council. The Soft Space and Vanishing Point are produced by SoFFT Productions in partnership with NOISE Music.

Check out the events for Culture Night 2023 around ther country - here!