Busy Culture Night ahead in Offaly
Once again Culture Night promises to be ‘one night for all’ as venues and public spaces across Offaly open their doors to host a programme of free cultural events for Culture Night 2024, an island-wide celebration of arts, heritage and culture.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Tony McCormack said: “Culture Night Offaly brings a packed programme of events which reflects the eclectic cultural spirit within the county and is a great night out for all the family. There is a range of cultural treats to choose from, across the county in Banagher, Birr, Clara, Clonmacnoise, Edenderry, Kilcormac, Shinrone and Tullamore."
Commenting on this year’s programme, Arts Officer, Dr. Sally O’Leary of Offaly County Council said: “Culture Night has become an annual event which is eagerly anticipated by so many and 2024 is no exception, with multiple events happening across the county; with artists, community groups, and venues taking part in the creation of an exciting and stimulating evening of creativity for everyone to enjoy. Culture Night 2024 in Offaly offers a diverse range of activities for all the community and the Arts Office is also delighted to announce the commissions awarded to five professional artists whose work range across visual arts, music, storytelling and dance and film. The commissioned artists will offer presentations of their work in four locations across the county. This year will certainly be “One Night For All.” The programme was launched this week at Birr Theatre and Arts Centre, as artists, venue hosts and organisers came together to showcase the variety of events which will be held across the county on Culture Night Offaly (Friday, September 20)
Ann Dillon, Deputy Chief Executive said Offaly’s creative and cultural sector comes alive with a showcase of art, music, talks, film, poetry, dance and photography. She said: “Culture Night Offaly sees an emphasis on diversity and inclusion with all communities encouraged to come and be part of a range of multi-disciplinary events.”
Creative Edenderry host 'Cultures of Edenderry' – a special evening celebrating the diverse cultures and nationalities of Edenderry. Birr also hosts events which celebrates Irish Tradition and Culture, including artist Thomas McCarthy and his ensemble showcase songs and stories from their series of Creative Ireland workshops which celebrate Experience the rich tapestry of Irish Traveller culture. Cloughmoyle Hall, decorated in the aesthetic of an old Irish ‘rambling house’, will host an intimate event in Shinrone.
Ms Dillon said visual art is also a strong feature of this year’s programme with exhibitions in Esker Arts, including In Dreams by Arno Kramer and Cecilia Bullo plus and an exciting commission at J.J. Hough’s in Banagher with Whale Fall by Patrick and new paintings by Sheila Hough from 7pm. Artist Rosemarie Langtry is hosting an exhibition in Clonmacnoise, displaying ways to recycle, repurpose and reuse china.
Music also takes centre-stage this year. Clara Musical Society hosts ‘Musical All Sorts’ at Friends Meeting House, Clara at 8pm and there are choral delights in Edenderry with Eden Chorale’s at Edenderry Library at 6pm. Youth events feature strongly with an Open Youth Busk hosted by Music Generation Offaly at Esker Arts from 4pm, and Donlan Dance Students will present a contemporary work BOLD at Esker Arts at 6.30pm.
All events are free to attend, although some venues require booking in advance. The event brochure is available to download from www.offaly.ie/culture-night-offaly
Culture Night is brought to you by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Creative Ireland Programme in partnership with Offaly County Council.