The blend of arts and culture has always been very much alive in Kilkenny, but this week two new attractions and one festival for visitors are set to highlight why Kilkenny is viewed as the leading home to craft and culture in Ireland.
Kilkenny Arts Festival X
Artists and performers will join forces again this year for a new form of one of the County’s most loved festivals online, the Kilkenny Arts Festival. Running from August 7th – 16th, Kilkenny Arts Festival X will bring a world-class programme including concerts, exhibitions, talks, theatre, film, opera and dance to you online.
For the first time, audiences can access that special Kilkenny magic at both indoor and outdoor exhibitions and installations, and crucially at live performances made especially for the times we live in.
Among the performances will be; The world premiere of a major new theatre production Solar Bones & ‘Eight Seasons’, two live concerts from the Irish Chamber Orchestra in the glorious setting of St Canice’s Cathedral.
For a full list of performances visit: http://www.kilkennyarts.ie/
Join in online in the watch & listen section of their website www.kilkennyarts.ie
Butler House Gallery Re-Opens
This week, Butler Gallery has re-opened its doors in an exciting new location, the gallery has re-located to the historic Evans’ Home in Kilkenny City. Built in 1818, Evan’s House was originally the site of a 12th Century Augustinian priory and later the Anglican church of St John Evans.
The new location allows for highlights from the Butler Gallery Collection to be exhibited in a contemporary new double-height exhibition space – known as ‘The O’Malley wing’. And for those looking for some refreshments, the gallery now has a welcome addition of the ‘Muse’ café located on the ground floor.
For Information: https://www.butlergallery.ie/
CONNECTED: Outdoor Exhibits & Trails
Many of the streets, lanes and buildings of Kilkenny have been transformed with an incredible series of outdoor exhibitions. CONNECTED brings together over 30 incredible works by 20 artists, designers and craftspeople using multiple sites along Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile to create a unique outdoor exhibition experience and sculpture trail.
The exhibitions, which stay open until October is the first step in what Design & Craft Council Ireland and partners across Kilkenny City and County plan to develop as a permanent fixture. Among the locations that these great works can be viewed are: Kilkenny Castle Park; Butlers House & Gardens and the Medieval Mile Museum.
Entry is free. For information: https://www.kilkennyarts.ie/
Commenting on these cultural attractions, Chairperson of Kilkenny Tourism, Brian Tyrrell said; “We are delighted to be able to showcase of the very best of Irish design, craft and art here in Kilkenny and offer visitors and local people, the opportunity to visit unique exhibits and galleries that truly represent the very best of our city’s cultural experience.”