A major new art exhibition - one of the largest events of its kind to be held in Ireland - is set to be held in Dublin over an eight-week period from 6 September.

Irish tourism, culture and sport minister Mary Hanafin announced that Dublin Contemporary 2011 will showcase a number of emerging Irish and international artists across a number of city centre locations. DC2011 aims to bring Dublin's cultural institutions together as part of the scheme, with private galleries and public realm art installations to help reach a wider audience.

Exhibition venues are poised to include Hugh Lane Gallery in Parnell Square; Temple Bar; Thomas Street sites; and the Irish Museum of Modern Art, as well as locations such as libraries and music venues. A number of organisations are backing the new exhibition, including the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport; Culture Ireland; Dublin City Council; tourism agency Fáilte Ireland and Trinity College.

Hanafin said: "Dublin Contemporary 2011 will be the largest contemporary art event of its kind and scale ever held in Ireland and will provide a highlight for cultural tourism in Ireland on a global scale. "DC2011 will be an internationally recognised and acclaimed contemporary art event in the city and will be located in more than 100,000 square feet (9,290 sq m) of exhibition space around Dublin."