Clare’s cultural community will come together this evening (Friday, September 22nd) to showcase the very best the county has to offer.
Culture Night Clare 2017 will see 40 free cultural events for all ages being held throughout Clare over a 10-hour period from 1pm to 11pm.
This year’s programme, which is organised by the Clare Arts Office and funded by Clare County Council and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is filled with free events across the county from Ennis to Ennistymon, Kilshanny to Kilkee and Kilkishen to Kilfenora.
Arts and cultural bodies 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.
A poetry trail, classical music, a ceramics and jewellery showcase and a family art workshop are just some of the ways that people around the county can enjoy this year’s Culture Night.
There will be a wonderful opportunity to see Declan O’Rourke live in Kilkee’s Culturlann Sweeney Theatre. Declan who has achieved critical acclaim for his song writing, singing and performance, plays to sold-out crowds here in Ireland and regularly tours in Europe, America and Australia.
Some of the other highlights in this year’s programme include An Tara in Feakle, a classical recital with soprano Helen Houlihan in Ennis, and Seamus Begley in concert in Kilkishen. The historic Kilfenora Cathedral and Ennistymon’s Courthouse Gallery will both host a night of traditional music. In Ennis a creative trail from The County Museum to glór to Abbey Street will showcase museum collections, an exhibition of visual art and a 3D art installation. And a stroll around the town led by Clare Poets will explore locations associated with famous Clare poets.
Culture Night in Ennis will culminate with ‘Firestorm’ – a show of light and shadow, skill and choreography that will light up the night like no other.
“Over the past eleven 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 40 events planned around the county, including exhibitions, theatre, film, concerts, readings and sessions.” 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,” added Ms. Mulcahy.
She 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, to raise the profile of cultural organisations, activities and facilities, and to encourage people to try new things and help to create a sense of community and belonging.”
Details of the full Culture Night programme for Co. Clare can be seen at events.culturenight.ie/clare. For updates, follow Clare Culture Night on Facebook.