There’s been a lot of talk of late that Dublin has been losing its’ creative edge as a result of the city experiencing colossal financial issues in the past few years, paired with massive rates of emigration. However, these critics seem to have missed the fact that Dublin’s creative flair has been steadily blossoming despite the hardship.

Historically, Dublin was a city that creative types were drawn to, with it churning out some of the best playwrights, artists and authors of the 19^th and 20^th centuries. Fast forward to 2014 and this still resonates as true, with technology and nightlife now being added to the emerging art forms of Dublin’s fair city. The notion of pop-up culture has done a lot for Dublin’s creativity, and each weekend you have your pick of events, markets, and happenings in a variety of original locations. One creative collective which has been bringing a kaleidoscope of colour to Dublin’s events in the past year, is Hunt & Gather. Focusing on art, culture, food and events, Hunt & Gather are more than just a club night. With a mantra of “You get what you give and Dublin has given us so much…” their outlook and positivity on Dublin’s current state of creativity is both heart-warming and reassuring. Some of their past events have included a roller disco, a night dedicated to unleashing your spirit animal, a supernatural Good Friday party and a Day of the Dead celebration.

Most recently, they celebrated their 1^st birthday with an 80s themed prom night in the ballroom of The Pint complete with a cringey photobooth and Prom King & Queen awards. Hunt & Gather take the basic club night structure, deconstruct it, and then throw it all back together using glitter glue, with amazing results. The focus is less on drunken DMCs in the smoking area, or monotonous DJ sets but playtime and releasing your inner child. Their transience is one of their best attributes, with ever changing themes, venues and events drawing different punters each time. The next few months for Hunt & Gather are set to be even busier, as they launch a new website in November, and December sees them co-host a series of Oscar Wilde Christmas dinner parties alongside Gruel Guerrilla and PETTYCASH. There’s also word on the street that they will be throwing an Illuminati evening in the coming months, which will be well worth checking out if exploring the underbelly of New World Order is your kind of thing.

I mean, sure, we can moan and whine that Dublin’s losing its’ creative edge, but why not just get out there and embrace the innovation and imagination that is present? Hunt & Gather are certainly leading the way, and it’s exciting to think what else they could have up their sleeves over the coming years.