Donor Report | WISDOM

THE TRINITY SOUTH ASIA INITIATIVE

Trinity strengthening ties with India and South Asia

The goal of the Trinity South Asia Initiative is to make Trinity the centre for South Asian Studies in the Irish Republic. It aims to do so through the development of inter- institutional research and postgraduate links, the promotion of teaching and research relating to South Asia across the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering and Technology, and the development of scholarly and cultural outreach events relating to South Asia. 2009 was a busy year for the Initiative with the visit of the Indian Secretary General for the Department of Science and Technology in May, a public lecture by former president of India Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in June, and the first cricket match for the Ranji Trophy taking place in College between an Irish and Indian XI.

Funding for visiting Indian academics

is provided by the India Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). The Indian Embassy has provided assistance with the Indian exhibition this summer in TCD’s Long Room and sponsorship of the exhibition catalogue. Funding is currently being sought for a Library Archivist and scholarships for student exchanges.

www.tcd.ie/longroomhub/projects/ south-asia

Pictured: Dr Kalam with Trinity students

CREATIVITY, THE CITY AND THE UNIVERSITY

Dublin, a global creative city

Under the auspices of the ‘Creativity, the City and the University’, two research projects were carried out to examine the relationship between the University and the City in two areas:

1: Collaboration and Synergies between Libraries, Museums, Galleries and the University.

This research project builds on a recent

report which examined the collaboration between Trinity and six nearby libraries and museums, over the last century or more. Launched by Minister Mary Hanafin

during Trinity Week 2010, the report was funded by TCD, Trinity College Library, National Museum of Ireland, Dublin City Library and Archive, National Gallery of Ireland, National Library of Ireland, Chester Beatty Library, Dublin City Gallery and The Hugh Lane Gallery.

2: Collaboration and Synergies Between the Performing Arts, Creative Writing and the University.

Trinity has an impressive record in

relation to the performing arts, music performance, creative writing and student societies. Many of Ireland’s greatest playwrights, authors and high achievers have strong connections with Trinity. The purpose of this research project is

to explore the above. Funding was kindly provided by the J.P. Foundation.

www.tcd.ie/longroomhub/

TRINITY COLLEGE LIBRARY

Conserving and supplementing College’s treasures

The Library’s history dates back to the establishment of the College in 1592 and it is the largest library in Ireland. It has five million printed volumes with extensive collections of journals, manuscripts, maps and music. The Library supports the learning and

research needs across the College; it is a major research library of international repute; it provides services to a wide range of external users and institutions; it contributes to the development of creative initiatives in information provision and continues to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Old Library each year.

Support for the Library is provided

through the Trinity Annual Fund and the hugely popular Trinity Booksale. The annual booksale, run over three days in the Exam Halls, includes an auction of the more valuable books donated by alumni and friends of the College. In turn, the money raised is allocated to the Library in the form of grants for research materials. These materials include a book from Dean Swift’s personal library, French 18th century economic pamphlets, a 19th century map of Londonderry, and contemporary non- copyright publications in the sciences.

www.tcd.ie/alumni/support/giving/ taf.php

Collaboration and Synergies between Libraries, Museums, Galleries and the University captures and interprets a mosaic of cultural synergy which has existed between TCD and adjacent national and civic institutions within the city of Dublin for over 100 years. In recording the past, the present and inspiring possibilities for an unwritten future underpinned by its cultural institutions, the research team have made a significant contribution to the learning environment which is the City of Dublin.” Deirdre Ellis King, Dublin City Librarian

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