On the evening of Friday September 23rd, the biggest, most extraordinary collection of arts events took place across the country – all free and in a venue near you.
Culture Night first took place in Dublin in 2006 as an initiative to open up cultural institutions and increase public awareness and participation in cultural activities in the city to people of all ages. Since then the initiative has developed to include over 20 cities and counties throughout the country.
Following the fantastic night of events around the county on Culture Night in 2010, Leitrim once again celebrated its artistic, creative and cultural capital through a variety of free activities open to the public. Events took place in Carrigallen, Manorhamilton, Carrick on Shannon, Drumshanbo and Ballinamore.
THE DOCK & LEITRIM DESIGN HOUSE - CARRICK-ON-SHANNON
Leitrim Design House will hosted a children’s craft workshop for all ages. Workshop participants used textile materials and a variety of craft techniques, such as weaving, printing and embroidery. The Boyle Camera Club opened their inaugural exhibition with The Dock in The Jury Room. Hot on the trail of her debut novel Solace, celebrated author Belinda McKeon gave a writers workshop. Wendy Louise Designs facilitated a workshop on vintage apparel. Participants gained skills in craft making and recycling, in a playful and creative atmosphere, going home with their very own vintage design. Paul Cunningham facilitated an informal and musically diverse (from Sesame Street to Beethoven) Djing workshop aimed at all age groups. Participants will be encouraged to mess around with music using all the tricks of the trade. Audrey Reynolds is currently exhibiting at The Dock was in conversation with Leitrim Arts Officer Philip Delamere discussing her work showing in galleries 2 and 3. Laura Gallagher gave a life drawing workshop in the foyer for anyone with an interest in drawing. The Rock&Roll Tea Party Co hosted a Vintage Fashion Showcase. Dirty Fabulous had their stunning array of vintage bridal and occasion wear from the 1930s to the 1960s on show for you to admire.Throughout the evening Natalia Beylis was Djing Rock and Roll in The Jury Room.
SOLAS ART GALLERY - BALLINAMORE
Solas Art Gallery presented a programme featuring traditional music and song, talks, poetry, performance art, and visual art exhibition. The evening also featured the medieval music of Nuada, guitarist Leo Torres, and a talk and demonstration about cartooning by Ann Gilpin.
THE CORNMILL THEATRE - CARRIGALLEN
Leitrim Youth Theatre Carrigallen hosted an open evening for young people interested in joining Leitrim Youth Theatre Company Carrigallen. This was be followed by a preview of an upcoming performance by the youth theatre directed by current members Barry Taylor and Jack Williamson.
WRITTEN WORD WEEKEND - DRUMSHANBO
In Drumshanbo the organisers of Written Word Weekend brought a literary themed event to the town. On Culture night they held a group walk around the town with readings by themselves and guests encouraging members of the public to come out and join them and read their own, or someone else’s, work along the way.
THE SCULPTURE CENTRE - MANORHAMILTON
Creative demonstrations across all the main processes at LSC, as well as a chance to meet local and national practitioners. Exhibition featuring Michelle Browne, LCC Residency Artist. Various artists’ short video screenings from 6pm. Demonstrations from 6.30 -7.30pm: Bronze Foundry pour with Tim Morris. Stone Carving with Jackie McKenna; Letter Cutting with Seamus Dunbar; Ceramics with Ros Cochrane; Screenprinting with Phoebe Dick and Silversmith Open Studio with Soraya Ricalde
THE GLENS CENTRE - MANORHAMILTON
As events at the Leitrim Sculpture Centre draw to a close. At 8pm everyone was invited to the Glens Centre for an informal evening of performances.