Clare’s cultural community will come together on Friday 16 September to showcase the very best the county has to offer.
Culture Night Clare 2016 will see 45 free cultural events for all ages being held throughout Clare over a 5-hour period from 5pm to 10pm.
This year’s programme, which is organised by the Clare Arts Office and funded by Clare County Council and the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, is filled with free events across the county from Ennis to Ennistymon, Kilshanny to Kilkee and Kilkishen to Corofin.
Arts and cultural spaces throughout Clare will throw open their doors offering members of the public a chance to enjoy unique performances and catch a glimpse inside some of the most beautiful buildings and cultural institutions in their area.
Some of the highlights in this year’s programme include Tommy Hayes and Matthew Noone, performing as the eclectic An Tara in Tuamgraney, a celebration of music and song with Helen Houlihan (soprano) in Ennis, and Coda in concert in Kilkishen. In Ennis this year a creative trail from The County Museum to glór to Parnell St., will showcase museum collections, an interactive art space, a 3D art installation, an exhibition of visual art and audio and video installations. A stroll around the town led by Clare Poets will explore locations associated with famous Clare poets.
This year for the first time, Shannon will host two events when Music Generation Clare present ‘Sing while you Shop’, followed by a showcase of music, art and film. In Ennis, there will be an opportunity to come and see the newly opened Market.
“Over the past ten years this initiative has captured both the public’s imagination and the enthusiasm of artists and cultural organisations in Clare. This year is no different with 45 events planned around the county, including exhibitions, theatre, film, concerts, readings and storytelling,” explained Siobhan Mulcahy, Clare Arts Officer.
“Culture Night happens because many people share a vision and enthusiasm for enjoying, celebrating and promoting creativity and culture”.
Ms Mulcahy continued: “Culture Night is a fantastic way to encourage more people to visit cultural venues and experience the culture in their locality. It also serves to remind the public of the fantastic resources that we have locally in terms of venues and the artists who exhibit and perform in them. Culture Night encourages people to try new things and helps to create a sense of community and belonging.”
Culture Night is organised annually in Clare by the Clare Arts Office and is funded by Clare County Council and the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. For more check out their website.