Creamofcreative croptoriseon CultureNight
CULTURE is catching in Kerry as the county gets ready to showcase all that’s great about the arts.
The cream of the creative crop will rise on Culture Night as a long list of free events await on Friday, September 21.
From 5pm to 11pm, villages and towns across Kerry will join the rest of the country in our nation’s annual night of celebration of the arts, culture and heritage.
In Killarney, art events include the annual Kerry Visual Arts Showcase at 5pm at the Department of Arts buildings on New Road and will feature art works by several Kerry artists. The Art House Studio & Gallery will hold a family night with a discussion, demonstration and exhibition of artwork by visual artist John Flynn.
The talents of a younger generation will be fêted with St Brigid’s Secondary School showcasing student’s work at the school from 5pm to 8pm.
Listowel’s Culture Night will kick off with several themed literary events organised by Listowel Writers’ Week. At St John’s Theatre, there will be an airing of a recent RTÉ Radio One documentary which looks at events in the Parish of Listowel in 1946 between the church, the local community and the State.
In Dingle, An Lab is hosting two events including a short dance film directed by Maria Svensson at 6pm at The Phoenix Cinema and an Art Adventure, a visual art mystery tour at 8.45pm.
Over in Ballinskelligs, the Cill Rialaig Project has arranged a Storytelling Supper, which features an evening of stories at the house of Seanchaí Seán O’ Connaill (1853-1931).
Meanwhile, in Castleisland, artist Marjorie Cunningham – whose art was commissioned as part of a Creative Ireland Kerry Vacant Sites initiative – will be on hand from 8pm at Browne’s Bar to discuss the art and its impact on the town.
In Tralee, the night opens with a youth choral performance at The Ashe Hotel at 5pm.
Kerry County Museum will have free admission to all exhibitions as well as a behind the scenes tour and medieval family fun. Sliabh Mish Comhaltas will play from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and the Ciar Quilters work will be on display.
Siamsa Tire’s events for the night include the premiere of Ceol sa Chroí, a specially commissioned piece by Neil Martin, joining the forces of National Folk Theatre musicians, classical musicians and the NFT Choir. Artist-in-Residence, Conor O’Grady will work with visitors to the gallery on an interactive project as well as showing visitors around his studio.
Kerry County Council and the Arts Office have been busy working with local organisations to plan these events and many more, so be sure to come out and be part of the memorable night.