Government plans major campaign for 1916 centenary

Details of an ambitious programme of activity to mark the 2016 centenary will be unveiled today by Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys.

A national and international campaign for Ireland 2016 called “Ireland Inspires” will be launched, based on five intersecting themes.

The first theme will be based on the word “Remember”. It will recall the shared history of those who live on the island of Ireland

The second theme will be headed “Reconcile”, which will aim to honour all who have built peace that now prevails on the island.

The next theme, “Imagine”, will focus on releasing the creativity and imagination of Irish people, in particular young people, as they attempt to envisage what the next 100 years will bring for Ireland.

The fourth theme will be called “Present”. It will aim to find a way of imaginatively and creatively showing our achievements to the world.

The final theme will be “Celebrate”, with an emphasis on family, community and friendship.

The team charged with devising the programme will actively engage with communities, relatives, schools, universities, business, voluntary organisations, arts and culture institutions, historical societies and local government.

The centenary team will also tap into the diaspora, all in an effort to facilitate remembrance of 1916 while reflecting on the present and reimagining the future.

Schools and young people from around Ireland will also play a central role.