Tag Archives: Arts

An Event To ‘Illuminate’ Young People’s Minds At The Island Of Geese On Saturday

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THE Youth Mental Health Awareness Day takes place at the Island of Geese on this Saturday between 1pm and 5pm and is well worth a visit for all the family.

There’ll be music, street theatre, circus skills, printmaking, workshops, information stalls and much more (see programme below). 

The event is part of the Planning for Outdoor Performances (POP) Events series, which has been organised by local authorities throughout the country to promote the arts, unlock creativity and encourage more arts based outdoor performances.

The Tralee event is ‘Illuminate: Empowering Youth through Art’ and is facilitated by Kerry County Council’s Arts Office with local partners Munster Technological University and Music Generation Kerry.

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It will offer young people the opportunity to try various artforms throughout the day while enjoying entertainment by local Kerry artists.

A Tightwire & Mixed Circus Skills Workshop will be hosted by Galway Community Circus, Ireland’s flagship organisation for youth and social circus. These workshops are suitable for all abilities and fitness levels.

You can also enjoy a Street Theatre Show from the Spailpins of Fanzini Productions, a contemporary circus company founded and run by Con Horgan from Tralee.

This new work is an indoors-outdoors experience that brings people on a brief but glorious journey of life’s most exquisite moments – a non-verbal 5 minute show for 5 people at a time.  Suitable for ages 5+.

A Printmaking Workshop by Kate O’Shea and Enya Moore from Kenmare will demonstrate techniques of art, while participants get hands-on experience of making their own print to take home.

The musically inclined will really enjoy an Unusual Instruments Workshop presented by Music Generation Kerry and hosted by Vairis Burcaks featuring Chime bars, Talking drums, Gongs and more.

And there will also be a DJ Workshop from Adam Driver.  There is something for all ages, interests and abilities on the day.

All of the events in this project will endeavour to reduce the impact on the environment. Everyone attending is encouraged to be conscious of this by bringing along their own keep cups, picnics and are asked to recycle their waste in a sustainable and responsible way.

The events team aim to further minimise waste by working with eco-friendly suppliers and vendors.

Workshops/information stalls

1-5pm Information stall Jigsaw Kerry

1-5pm MTU Wellbeing Warriors / Interactive thought wall

1-5pm Printmaking workshop with Kate O’Shea and Enya Moore

1-5pmTightwire and Circus Skills workshop with Galway Community Circus

1-5pm DJ workshop with Adam Driver

1.30- 4.30pm Unusual instrument workshop with Vairis Burcaks

Performances – amphitheatre and grass area

1 & 3pm Spailp – Street theatre from Fanzini Productions (tent in grass area)

1 – 1.30pm Music with Tralee Band Project

1.45 – 2.15pm Music with Kerry Tutor Band

2.30 – 3pm Performance by St. John’s Youth Theatre Listowel

3.15- 3.45pm Performance by Martin Mahon

4 – 4.30pm Music with Kate Dineen

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Details Of Arts Event For Young People At Island Of Geese

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A FREE public arts event will take place early next month in Tralee in the shape of Youth Mental Health Awareness Day at the Island of Geese.

The event on Saturday, March 2 is part of the Planning for Outdoor Performances (POP) Events series, which has been organised by local authorities throughout the country to promote the arts, unlock creativity and encourage more arts based outdoor performances.

The Tralee event is ‘Illuminate: Empowering Youth through Art’ and is facilitated by Kerry County Council’s Arts Office with local partners Munster Technological University and Music Generation Kerry.

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It will offer young people the opportunity to try various artforms throughout the day while enjoying entertainment by local Kerry artists (see full programme below).

A Tightwire & Mixed Circus Skills Workshop will be hosted by Galway Community Circus, Ireland’s flagship organisation for youth and social circus. These workshops are suitable for all abilities and fitness levels.

You can also enjoy a Street Theatre Show from the Spailpins of Fanzini Productions, a contemporary circus company founded and run by Con Horgan from Tralee.

This new work is an indoors-outdoors experience that brings people on a brief but glorious journey of life’s most exquisite moments – a non-verbal 5 minute show for 5 people at a time.  Suitable for ages 5+.

A Printmaking Workshop by Kate O’Shea and Enya Moore from Kenmare will demonstrate techniques of art, while participants get hands-on experience of making their own print to take home.

The musically inclined will really enjoy an Unusual Instruments Workshop presented by Music Generation Kerry and hosted by Vairis Burcaks featuring Chime bars, Talking drums, Gongs and more.

And there will also be a DJ Workshop from Adam Driver.  There is something for all ages, interests and abilities on the day.

Local Promenade coordinator, Ciara O’Mahony from Tralee said: “The aim is to showcase what can be achieved when communities come together to create outdoor arts performances. The event will also hopefully encourage more youths to consider a career in the arts.  All events are free of charge and no booking is required.  We are grateful for the support of  all our partners in making this possible.”

All of the events in this project will endeavour to reduce the impact on the environment. Everyone attending is encouraged to be conscious of this by bringing along their own keep cups, picnics and are asked to recycle their waste in a sustainable and responsible way.

The events team aim to further minimise waste by working with eco-friendly suppliers and vendors.

Workshops/information stalls

1-5pm Information stall Jigsaw Kerry

1-5pm MTU Wellbeing Warriors / Interactive thought wall

1-5pm Printmaking workshop with Kate O’Shea and Enya Moore

1-5pmTightwire and Circus Skills workshop with Galway Community Circus

1-5pm DJ workshop with Adam Driver

1.30- 4.30pm Unusual instrument workshop with Vairis Burcaks

Performances – amphitheatre and grass area

1 & 3pm Spailp – Street theatre from Fanzini Productions (tent in grass area)

1 – 1.30pm Music with Tralee Band Project

1.45 – 2.15pm Music with Kerry Tutor Band

2.30 – 3pm Performance by St. John’s Youth Theatre Listowel

3.15- 3.45pm Performance by Martin Mahon

4 – 4.30pm Music with Kate Dineen

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Local Festivals Invited To Apply To Council For Funding

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KERRY County Council has announced the Festival and Participative Events Programme for Kerry for 2024.

The announcement comes after Fáilte Ireland recently approved an allocation of €75,250 to Kerry County Council under the Festival and Participative Events Programme for this year.

The Programme aims to support festivals and participate events that will drive domestic tourism and help to improve the visitor experience in Kerry.

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To be considered for funding under this programme:

• Festivals must generate a minimum of 500 bed nights for visitors or tourists in paid accommodation.
• Participative events must generate a minimum of 800 bed nights for visitors or tourists in paid accommodation.
• Festivals and participative events must have a minimum project expenditure of €10,000.

The Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jim Finucane, encouraged festivals in Kerry to apply for the funding describing the programme as an important revenue stream for such events which are an integral part of the Kerry tourism offering each year.

The application forms as well as the guidelines for the programme are now available on the Kerry County Council website. Applications must be received on or before 16 February 2024.

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Deadline For Applications For Creative Communities Awards Scheme Looms

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KERRY County Council is encouraging people and groups to get their applications in for Creative Ireland Kerry’s Creative Communities Awards Scheme as there is only four days to deadline.

Applications are being accepted from community groups, arts groups, artists, creative practitioners, venues and festivals etc.

Grants of up to €5,000 are available for communities to work with a creative practitioner on a creative or cultural project which will culminate in a showcase event, launch or talk etc.

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The closing date for receipt of applications by email to arts@kerrycoco.ie is 1pm next Tuesday 28th February.

The guidelines and application form which are available in English and Irish, FAQ’s and the slides from the information session can be found in the Forms/Funding section of the Kerry Arts Office website: https://arts.kerrycoco.ie/

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‘Yard Duets’ Visits Care Homes Around The County

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‘Yard Duets’ performed at Castleisland Day Care centre.

AN interactive dance performance, specially designed for residents in care settings, visited care homes around the county during last week.

‘Yard Duets’ is a Dance Limerick/DL.BRIDGE project, funded by Creative Ireland and Limerick City and County Council in 2021.

As part of Kerry County Council’s dancer in residency co-funded by the Arts Council and Creative Ireland, Catherine Young brought the show to care homes in Kerry last week.

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Yard Duets visited Our Lady of Fatima, Tralee; Castleisland Day Care, Coill na Darach, Killarney; Our Lady of Lourdes, Kilcummin; Ard Chúram, Listowel; Aperee Living, Tralee; Kenmare Nursing Home; Taobh Linn, Kenmare; Áras Mhuire, Listowel and Aperee Ocean View, Camp.

Yard Duets was devised and performed by dance duos Kristyn Fontanella and Laura Lundy, and Rachel Sheil and Sarah Fennell.

Each performance came with bags of energy and plenty of pzazz and was a colourful affair of joyful dances and characterful routines set to a medley of classic music.

“It’s really important that everyone have an opportunity to experience live performance by dance artists,” says Catherine Young. “This show brings great joy and fun with it.”

“We were delighted to have Yard Duets with us under the dancer in residence programme – this was a great opportunity for older people to access free dance performance in a relaxed and fun-filled way,” says Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer with Kerry County Council.

To find out more about events and opportunities with the residencies contact the Arts Office at arts@kerrycoco.ie or visit https://arts.kerrycoco.ie/

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PHOTOS: A Treat For Tralee And Listowel Schoolchildren Before The Holidays

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Presentation Primary pupils enjoying the Bill and Fred show.

PRIMARY schools in Tralee and Listowel received a visit from some fun guests before they broke up for the summer holidays at the end of June.

Elysia McMullen and Luisa Schmitz perform as Bill and Fred – a clown duo who merge dance, clowning, circus and theatre and they were in Kerry recently, bringing their show Bill and Fred’s Adventures to a number of schools.

The performances were facilitated by Kerry County Council’s dancer in residence, Catherine Young. The residency is funded by Kerry County Council and the Arts Council and supported by Creative Ireland Kerry.

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“It’s really important that children have an opportunity to experience live performance by dance artists, as well as also getting a chance to dance and move themselves,” says Catherine Young. “I had seen Bill and Fred perform for a young audience in Limerick and I knew they would bring a show full of fun and energy to Kerry school children.”

The schools visited were Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn and Presentation Primary School in Tralee and Gaelscoil Lios Tuathail in Listowel. Each school was treated to a performance and a dance workshop afterwards.

The Bill and Fred show came to Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn.

“It was engaging, interactive, funny, entertaining and had a little message too which was lovely and meaningful for the children,” says Helena Hennessy, Assistant Principal and Arts Co-ordinator at Presentation Primary, Tralee.

“They loved it. They were talking about it for the rest of the day. They were asking me afterwards when would Bill and Fred be coming back!”

“We were delighted to have Elysia and Luisa with us under the dancer in residence programme – this was a great opportunity for children to access free dance performance and learn about movement in a relaxed and fun-filled way,” says Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer with Kerry County Council. Scroll down for photos…

Presentation Primary pupils enjoying the Bill and Fred show.
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The Bill and Fred show came to Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn.
The Bill and Fred show came to Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn.
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Children at Gaelscoil Lios Tuathail in Listowel enjoying the Bill and Fred show.
Children at Gaelscoil Lios Tuathail in Listowel enjoying the Bill and Fred show.
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Children at Gaelscoil Lios Tuathail in Listowel enjoying the Bill and Fred show.
Children at Gaelscoil Lios Tuathail in Listowel enjoying the Bill and Fred show.
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Presentation Primary pupils enjoying the Bill and Fred show.

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PHOTOS: Kerry College Students Display Talent At Exhibition In Siamsa Tíre

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Student John Michael O’Brien in front of his work with Darragh Houlihan at the opening of the exhibition of work by Creative Arts learners at Kerry College at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

STUDENTS from creative arts courses at Kerry College gathered at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday for the official launch of an exhibition of work.

Kerry College learners on the QQI Level 5 Art, Craft & Design; Animation; Games Design and Digital Design with Visual Communication courses are exhibiting their work until Tuesday, May 10.

Learners from the Music Performance and Music Technology courses were be on hand to entertain and launch their own new music.

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“It’s the culmination of the end of year’s work from a range of courses at Kerry College,” said teacher Mary Kirby.

“It’s a mixture of paintings, sculptures, art design, poster and book cover designs, woodwork and examples of games design,” added Mary. The exhibition is open until next Tuesday and free to the public. Scroll down for photos…

Student Rory O’Connor at the exhibition of work by Creative Arts learners at Kerry College at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Student Evan Corridan with his work at the opening of the exhibition of work by Creative Arts learners at Kerry College at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Student of Games Design, Nicolas Naessens (right) with fellow student Robert Green at the opening of the exhibition of work by Creative Arts learners at Kerry College at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Kerry College music production and performance course students at the opening of the exhibition of work by Creative Arts learners at Kerry College at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Art teacher Mary Kirby, Joanne Roche (teacher) and student Syanne Dowd with her work at the opening of the exhibition of work by Creative Arts learners at Kerry College at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Some of the exhibition of work by Creative Arts learners at Kerry College at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Some of the exhibition of work by Creative Arts learners at Kerry College at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Some of the exhibition of work by Creative Arts learners at Kerry College at Siamsa Tíre on Thursday night. Photo by Dermot Crean

Tralee Woman Appointed To Arts Role In Kerry County Council

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Hannah Pinckheard.

KERRY County Council Arts Services has announce the appointment of Hannah Pinckheard as Assistant Arts Officer.

A former student of Presentation Secondary School Tralee, Hannah went on to complete a degree in Architecture in Cork.

She has a strong interest in visual arts programming and gained experience in this area throughout her career to date.

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After working as an intern in a private commercial gallery in Dublin, she took on the role of Gallery Assistant as part of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Arts Office and later worked with Dublin City Council Culture Company in various roles.

Prior to taking up the role of Assistant Arts Officer for Kerry County Council, Hannah worked for the National Library of Ireland as visitor experience manager for the awarding winning Seamus Heaney: Listen Now Again exhibition.

Her aspiration in her new role is to promote culture in all its forms; to use it as a tool to connect people to place and each other. She is excited to be returning home Kerry, and the opportunity to work alongside Arts Officer, Kate Kennelly, and the team in the Arts Office.

The position of the Assistant Arts Officer is funded jointly by Kerry County Council and the Arts Council for a three-year period, through an arts specialist staff support scheme.

Kerry County Council Opens Application Process for Arts Grants

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THE Kerry County Council Arts Grants application process is now open for projects and activities taking place in 2021.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 1pm Thursday, December 17, 2020. Under the Arts Act 2003, funding is allocated to individuals or groups where activities, projects and undertakings stimulate public interest in the arts, promote knowledge and appreciation of the arts and improve the standards of practice in the arts.

“Funding to support the arts is crucial,” stated Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer at Kerry County Council. “My colleagues at the Council fully recognise that funding the arts is an investment in our communities, our culture, and our ability to communicate creatively at many levels.”

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The Arts Service at Kerry County Council oversees the application and selection process and prioritises spend on arts activities that reflect the following strategic policy areas:

• Youth Arts and Arts in Education initiatives
• Supports to Artists in terms of career and arts practice development, promoting Kerry as a place to both create and show work.
• Strategic Partnerships that will better develop the arts locally.

In accordance with the core values of Kerry County Council’s Arts Strategy 2016 – 2021, priority will be given to festivals, events and activities that seek funding for the paid involvement participation/mentorship/direction of professional artists.  Individual Artist Bursary Awards support the artistic work development of artists based in Kerry. There are four different Bursary categories:

• Artists’ Retreat

• Creative Work Development

• Further Arts Education

• Eamon Kelly Bursary (Killarney Municipal District only)

These bursaries offer support for the artist across a wide range of areas and applications are open to artists with significant track records in their chosen discipline.

There is also a number of Artist in Schools Awards which support schools who wish to give children and young people the opportunity to work with professional artists on a specific project that enhances the curriculum without replacing the work of the curriculum.

Anyone seeking support for arts activities in 2021 is encouraged to send in their applications on time as late applications cannot be accepted.

Application forms are online at www.kerrycoco.ie/home3/arts/arts-forms/ and additional information and support throughout the application process is available by contacting the Arts Office on 066 7183541 or email arts@kerrycoco.ie

Call-Out To Artists To Submit For Kerry Visual Artists’ Showcase

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KERRY County Council is inviting artists to express their interest in being part of the Kerry Visual Artists’ Showcase.

The showcase is a professionally curated annual exhibition, for qualified artists, working across all media and genres within visual arts and who are from, or living in Kerry.

It recognises local talent and provides exposure for visual artists and it opens on Friday, September 18, Culture Night, at the exhibition space in Government Buildings, Killarney.

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This year the showcase will be selected by Catherine Fehily, Head of the Crawford College of Art & Design in Cork. Depending on submissions, artists for next year might also be selected.

Application forms can be found at http://www.kerrycoco.ie/arts/arts-forms/ and are only accepted by emailing arts@kerrycoco.ie.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 4pm on Friday 6th March. The showcase is supported through funding from Kerry County Council and The Arts Council.

New Anthology Of Kerry Poets Launched

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Kerry County Council’s writer in residence Annemarie Ní Churreáin pictured at the launch of ‘Still In The Dreaming’ – an anthology of Kerry poets at Muckross House, Killarney with some of the writers and trustee of Muckross House, seated from left, Kate Kennelly, Kerry Arts Officer, Annemarie Ní Churreáin, John Joe Culloty, Vice-Chairman, Killarney MD and Philomena Hearne. At back, Geraldine Rosney, Faye Boland, Elizabeth Murtough, Kevin Griffin, Lola Scollard, Barbara Derbyshire, Lorraine Carey, Bernadette Ní Riada, Michael Joyce, John McGrath, and Mary Lavery Carrig, Lily Cronin and Denis Reidy. Photo: Don MacMonagle

MUCKROSS House was the beautiful venue for the launch of a stunning new book ‘Still In The Dreaming’ recently.

Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr. John Joe Culloty launched the book, praising the quality of the poems and the dedication of the writers to their craft.

Last June a call-out for submissions to Kerry County Council’s writer in residence Annemarie Ní Churreáin, on social media, newspaper and radio as well as through the Arts Office’s own e-newsletter drew a huge response.

Sixteen poets were selected, and they worked with Annemarie to polish and hone their poems in preparation for publication.

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These poets are Barbara Derbyshire, Bernadette Ní Riada, Conor Cleary, Elizabeth Murtough, Faye Boland, John McGrath, Kevin Griffin, Lola Scollard, Lorraine Carey, Marian Relihan, Mary Lavery Carrig, Michael Joyce, Noel King, Paul Murphy, Philomena Hearne (nee Stack) and Victoria Kennefick.

The workshops took place in Kerry County Museum and Annemarie has now overseen the editing and publication of these poems.

“I chose ‘Still In The Dreaming’ for the title of the book as a tribute to the late John Moriarty,” she explains. “John was a poet who was deeply inspired by nature and he described Kerry’s landscape as one that was still in the dreaming.”

Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer, adds, ‘These new poems all capture in their own way the deep connections of nature and nurture that Kerry people feel for the world and people around them. Each poem is a worthy addition to the treasure that is Kerry literature and the book is something to be proud of.”

The writer in residence programme will recommence in March 2019 and further details will be posted on @KerryCoArts on twitter and facebook and in the e-newsletter which can be subscribed to through Kerry County Council’s website.

Copies of Still In The Dreaming can be bought for a limited time through the Arts Office at Kerry County Council. They will also be available for loan through Kerry Libraries.

Council Invites Applications For Arts Grants Awards

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THE Kerry County Council Arts Grants application process is now open for projects and activities taking place in 2019.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 1pm Thursday, December 13 2018. Under the Arts Act 2003, funding is allocated to individuals or groups where activities, projects and undertakings stimulate public interest in the arts, promote knowledge and appreciation of the arts and improve the standards of practice in the arts.

“Funding to support the arts is crucial,” stated Norma Foley, Cathaoirleach, Kerry County Council, ‘my colleagues at Council fully recognise that funding the arts is an investment in our communities, our culture, and our ability to communicate creatively at many levels.”

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The Arts Service at Kerry County Council oversees the application and selection process and prioritises spend on arts activities that reflect the following strategic policy areas:

• Youth Arts and Arts in Education initiatives
• Supports to Artists in terms of career and arts practice development, promoting Kerry as a place to both create and show work.
• Strategic Partnerships that will better develop the arts locally.

In accordance with the core values of Kerry County Council’s Arts Strategy 2016 – 2021, priority will be given to festivals, events and activities that seek funding for the paid involvement participation/mentorship/direction of professional artists.

Individual Artist Bursary Awards support the artistic work development of artists based in Kerry. There are five different Bursary categories:

1. Artists’ Retreat

2. Purchase of Materials and Equipment

3. Creative Work Development

4. Further Arts Education

5. Eamon Kelly Bursary (Killarney Municipal District only)
These bursaries offer support for the artist across a wide range of areas and applications are open to artists with significant track records in their chosen discipline.

There is also a number of Artist in Schools Awards which support schools who wish to give children and young people the opportunity to work with professional artists on a specific project that enhances the curriculum without replacing the work of the curriculum.

Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer at Kerry County Council encourages anyone seeking support for arts activities in 2019 to send in their applications on time as late applications cannot be accepted.

Application forms are online at www.kerrycoco.ie/home3/arts/arts-forms/ and additional information and support throughout the application process is available by contacting the Arts Office on 066 7183541 or emailarts@kerrycoco.ie

Call For All Creative Kerry People To Enter Competition

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Pictured are fashion designer Helen Steele, popular photographer Damien Broderick and CEO of Tweak.com, Jerry Kennelly at the launch of the annual One4all Design a Gift Card competition. Photograph: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

CREATIVE people in Kerry are being invited to enter a competition which could win them a trip to Barcelona and see their winning entry sold in shops all around the country.

This October will see the One4all Design a Gift Card competition return, and the 2018 judging panel is on the lookout for Kerry’s up and coming creatives, hoping to give them a head start with their career.

Now entering its sixth year, the annual competition gives artists and designers across the country the incredible opportunity to gain national exposure for their work, with the winning design being turned into a gift card and sold in An Post outlets nationwide and online at One4all.ie in 2019.

The One4all Design a Gift Card 2018 judging panel consists of some of Ireland’s top creatives. These include internationally renowned fashion designer and printmaker Helen Steele, popular photographer Damien Broderick, Tralee native and CEO of Tweak.com, Jerry Kennelly and Rachel Delaney, Group marketing manager at One4all.

The judges will be looking for standout artistic talent in all its forms from Kerry, from painting to photography, illustration and more.

This year, One4all is calling on budding designers to create a unique gift card design inspired by the theme of ‘happiness’.

Not only will the winners see their gift card design sold through One4all’s retail network, but they will also win an incredible trip to Barcelona to explore the city and attend IAM Weekend 2019, a forward-thinking design and digital conference – a inspirational event for any creative out there. The top five runners-up will each receive a €100 One4all Gift Card of their design.

The Design a Gift Card competition is open for entries from Wednesday, October 3 and closes on Friday November 16. For further information on how to enter the competition and specific guidelines, visit One4all.ie/design.

Groups In Tralee District Receive €5,700 In Arts Grants And Bursaries

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The National Circus Festival of Ireland (run by Tralee man Con Horgan) was one of the beneficiaries of grants from Kerry County Council.

A NUMBER of groups and organisations in Tralee Municipal District shared €5,700 under the  2018 Arts Grants and Bursaries Scheme at Kerry County Council.

The scheme was heavily subscribed this year with the application process  managed by the Arts Office at Kerry County Council and co-ordinated by Arts Officer, Kate Kennelly, adjudicated on by an expert panel.

“Applications were of a very high calibre, across art forms and reflect a great level of artistic vibrancy across the county”, Kate stated.  ‘The grant is always heavily subscribed to with very strong applications from each corner of the county’.

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In Tralee Municipal District awards under the Arts Act Grant (€5,700) were made to Tralee Art Group (€500), Studio 8-Kerry Contemporary (€500), National Circus Festival of Ireland (€2,500), Kerry Choral Union (€500), Con Curtin Music Festival (€500), Scotia Ensemble (€700), In-sites/On Cheapach Exhibition (€500). Individual Artist Awards in this area went to Cormac Lawlor (€750) for Creative Work Development and to Catherine Young (€1,800) for Further Arts Education.

Recipients of the Arts Act Grants in Listowel Municipal District include Féile Feabhra, Féile Cheoil, Lixnaw (€300), Fís na hÓige Production Lixnaw (€500), Ballydonoghue Bardic Festival (€250), MOYA Festival, Ballybunion. An Artist in Retreat ward of €600 was made to Bartholomew Brosnan and a Creative Work Development Awards were made two Kerry arts professionals Noel McElligott (€1,250) and Lisa Fingleton (€1,000).

In Killarney Municipal District awards were made to the value of €8,550. Recipients include: Handed Down Series & World Fiddle day (€2,000), Spraoi Chiarraí Free Summer Concert Series 2018 (€500), Tureencahill Summerschool (€400), Classical Music Competition 2018 (€350), Kerry Drama Festival & Ivy Leaf Arts Centre (€1,000), Killarney Mountain Festival (€200), Mike Kenny Arts & Music Weekend (€300), Egle Saladziute & St. Patrick’s Parade, Killarney (€300). The Eamon Kelly Bursary was awarded to two recipients Dennis Earlie (€1,000) and Fiona O’Connor (€500). An Artist in Schools Bursary was awarded to Scoil Mhuire agus Naomh Treasa in Currow (€1,000).

Awards to the value of €16,900 were made in South and West Kerry Municipal District under the Arts Act Grant. These included Fleadh Cheoil Chiarraí 2018, Milltown (€1,000), Annascaul Celebrating Singing (€800), Dingle Tradfest (€1,000), Ceolchoirm Bealtaine, Dingle (€1,000), Chamber Music on Valentia (€1,300), Tinteán Ceoil, Cloghane (€500), Umha Aois 2018 An Coireán (€2,000), Dingle Film Festival (€1,350), Engagement Through Art Cahirciveen (€500), The Amergin Solstice Poetry Gathering (€1,800) and Eigse na Brídeoige (€500). Cuisle Chorca Dhuibhne received (€800), Charlie Chaplin Festival (€450), Blackwater Drama Group (€500), K-Fest in Killorglin (€2,500), Kenmare Film Club Season (€300), Ronán O Snodaigh Workshop, Dingle (€600) and Féile na Bealtaine in Dingle (€1,000).

Individual Artist Awards in the South & West Municipal District went to Simon Ó Faoláin for Artist In Retreat (€600), Materials and Equipment Bursaries went to musician Gábor Pèli (€700) and visual artist Rochelle Lucey (€700). A Creative Work Development Bursary was awarded to Samuel Laurence Cunnane (€1,000).

Artists In Schools Bursaries of €1,000 in this area went to Presentation Secondary School, Milltown, Scoil Dar Earca, Ballyhearney and Fybough National School, Castlemaine.

In recommending the arts funding awards, the Mayor of Kerry Councillor John Sheahan stated “These awards support good practice and standards in the arts and help to communicate the very real appreciation of the hard work and dedication of practitioners all over the County. The Elected Members of Kerry County Council know that the arts help keep areas vibrant and are delighted to be able to reward artistic endeavour and the very vital role that it plays in the county’s cultural development”.

SPONSORED: Craft Makers Hosting Number Of Courses And Workshops Next Month

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Craft Shop 1
The Craft Makers Centre on Ashe Street.

A NUMBER of workshops are due to commence at the Craft Makers Centre on Ashe Street next month.

Leaving Certificate Syllabus Course in Art with teacher, artist and designer Rebekah Wall will take place on Tuesday evenings from  October 11 2016 to April 11 2017. It’s €840 per person for the year including all materials, books and notes.

The practical subjects of craft, still life and life drawing will be covered with top tips on improving and gaining marks. Drawing skills such as proportion, perspective, shading and composition will be included.

All practical materials that are required will be provided; including paper, pencils, and paints etc.,

The course is suitable for fifth & sixth year students. Maximum class size is 10. The course is also structured so that it will provide very practical help towards building a portfolio for Art College or the study of architecture at third level. Practical tips on gaining the highest marks possible in the Leaving Certificate will be given.

Beginners Painting Course with Roisín McGuigan will begin this Thursday morning September 29, and run for three more October 6, 13 and 20 from 10.30-12.30pm. €105 per person for the four week course.  Refreshments provided.

An intensive introduction to painting for adults who wish to learn the medium and improve their painting skills. The course will cover landscape composition, colour, and technique. Designed to be relaxing yet informative, Roisín McGuigan is an experienced painting tutor. She has exhibited nationally and internationally and her show ‘Unearthing Place’ can be seen at Craft Makers this month.

A Life Drawing Course with Roisín McGuigan takes place on October 4, 11 and 18 from 7.00-9.30pm €125 for the course.

Working from the life model, this course helps you to improve all aspects of your drawing skills: observation, shading, proportions and composition. An intensive course for intermediate and advanced participants.

Drawing With Pencils-An Introductory Course with Roisín McGuigan Wednesday evenings October 5, 12 and 19 from 7.00-9.00pm €80 per person for the full course.

Designed for beginners and improvers, this course will show you how to draw and shade with pencils covering simple lessons and techniques. Roisín McGuigan is an experienced painting tutor.

‘Unearthing Place’, new works by Roisín McGuigan will open on Thursday, October 13 at 7pm and runs until November 19.

An exhibition of new paintings that evoke territories and places which are unknown yet familiar. Drawing from the boundaries of landscape and referencing topographic representations, the work encourages the viewer to personalise these places through a fundamental instinct to recognise and belong.

A Felting Workshop with Úna Ní Shé will take place on Friday, October 21.

Join Úna as she shares with you the joy of working with felt. Titled the’ Birds and Bees’ workshop, participants can make dry felt butterflies, finished using wet felting methods as well as experimental felt fabrics using the butterfly theme for inspiration.

Úna Ní Shé is one of Ireland’s well known fibre artists. Her work ranges from fine art sculptures to large commission wall-pieces. €20 per person. 10.30-12.30pm. Adults only.

For more information call 066-7120632, email deirdre@craftmakers.ie website www.craftmakers.ie

Council Supports New Arts Slot On Radio Kerry

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Announcing details of the new arts slot on the Saturday Supplement on Radio Kerry – l-r: Kate Kennelly (Arts Officer, Kerry County Council), Frank Lewis (Radio Kerry), Moira Murrell (Chief Executive, Kerry County Council).
Announcing details of the new arts slot on the Saturday Supplement on Radio Kerry – l-r: Kate Kennelly (Arts Officer, Kerry County Council), Frank Lewis (Radio Kerry), Moira Murrell (Chief Executive, Kerry County Council).

KERRY County Council has announced details of a new monthly arts and culture slot which will be broadcast on Radio Kerry once a month.

‘Creative Kingdom’ is a new feature which will be aired on the second Saturday of every month as part of the Saturday Supplement programme with Frank Lewis.

Supported by Kerry County Council, the monthly half-hour broadcast will be a lively mix of news, views and reviews from the arts sector in Kerry and will showcase what is happening in the arts in the county.

“This will be a great opportunity to highlight the creativity, passion and effort of those in the arts in Kerry,” said Kerry County Council Arts Officer, Kate Kennelly.

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“There is a wonderful diversity of individuals and organisations working in the arts community which has benefits for tourism locally and the wider economy. From dance to theatre and from drama to the visual arts, the sector is alive with energy, enthusiasm and creativity,” said Kate Kennelly.

Beginning on Saturday, 10 September, ‘Creative Kingdom’ will be broadcast on the second Saturday of every month from 10.30am to 11am during the Saturday Supplement programme. It will focus on different genres, the people who work behind the scenes in the arts and the most creative people working in the sector in Kerry today.

Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell, said the Council was delighted to fund this new broadcast slot which will give a new and valuable platform to the arts in Kerry. ‘The Council has a key role in promoting the arts in the county. Feedback from the arts community has pointed to the need for a greater presence fore the arts in the media and we are delighted that Radio Kerry has embraced this new venture. I would like to thank Fiona Stack, Frank Lewis and Radio Kerry for their support and assistance,’ she said.

Saturday Supplement presenter, Frank Lewis said: “The arts in Kerry entertain and enhance all of our lives. In this new slot we will continue to promote and celebrate this integral and essential part of who we are.”

Kerry County Council Invites Applications For Arts Grants 2016

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Kerry County Council logoKERRY County Council are inviting applications for Arts Grants for 2016.

Under the Arts Act 2003, funding is allocated where activities, projects and undertakings stimulate public interest in the arts, promote knowledge and appreciation of the arts and improve standards of practice in the arts.

“Funding to support the arts is crucial,” stated Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer, “funding the arts in an investment in our communities, our culture, our ability to communicate creatively at many levels.”

The Arts Service prioritises spend on arts activities that reflect these core values.

Three key strategic areas for prioritisation are:

• Youth Arts and Arts in Education initiatives

• Supports to Artists in terms of career and arts practice development, promoting Kerry as a place to both create and show work.

• Strategic Partnerships that will better develop the arts locally.

The closing date for receipt of application is Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 4pm.

In accordance with the core values of Kerry County Council’s Arts Strategy 2016 – 2021, priority will be given to festivals, events and activities that seek funding for the paid involvement / participation / mentorship / direction of professional artists.

The individual Artist Bursaries support the artistic work development of Artists based in Kerry. There are four different Bursary categories:

1. Artists’ Retreat

2. Purchase of Materials and Equipment

3. Creative Work Development

4. Further Arts Education

These bursaries offer support for the artist across a wide range of areas and applications are open to artists with significant track records in their chosen discipline.

The Artist in Schools Awards support schools who wish to give children the opportunity to work with professional artists on a specific project that enhances the curriculum without replacing the work of the curriculum.

The new, updated application forms are online now at http://www.kerrycoco.ie/en/allservices/arts/forms/ any questions please contact the Arts Office on 066 7183541 or email  arts@kerrycoco.ie

The closing date for receipt of application is Wednesday, February 17,  at 4pm.

Incredible Richard Harris Drawing By Tralee Artist Wins Portrait Competition

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Charlotte Lee's, portrait of Richard Harris. Photo by Gavin O'Connor.
Charlotte Lee’s, portrait of Richard Harris (Click to Enlarge)

AN artist from Tralee has shrugged of national and international competition to win the first ever Richard Harris International Film Festival Portrait Competition.

The portrait by Charlotte Lee from Lahern, took four weeks to complete and features pixelated features of Richard Harris rugged face to signify the late Limerick man’s on and off screen personas.

“I decided to put in the pixels, to make it something different so it wouldn’t be your standard portrait,” said Charlotte Lee talking to us on Friday.

The pencil drawing will now feature as the official logo for the 2016 Richard Harris International  Film Festival.

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The prize can as a huge shock to Charlotte who thought she was not going to win told family and friends not to come to the awards ceremony.

“They had told us if we had won, we would have been informed of it a week beforehand,” she said.

“I got no word I had won, so I told family and friends not to bother, because I thought I was not going to win!” she said.

Charlotte Lee, with the award for Richard Harris International Film Film Festival Portrait Competition.
Charlotte Lee, with the award for Richard Harris International Film Film Festival Portrait Competition.

Charlotte is no stranger to the limelight having featured on the very popular, Sky Arts, programme ‘Portrait Artist of the Year’ this year, which she describes as “‘The Great British Bake Off’, but with paint”.

“Doing it (‘Portrait Artist of the Year’) was savage. It opened huge doors for me. The two competitions are polar opposites because such a short amount of time to complete the work on Portrait Artist of the Year,” she said.

Charlotte is a former student at Gaelcholaiste Chiarraí and Brookfield College. In 2013 she graduated from the Limerick School of Art and Design with a degree in Fine Art Printing and Contemporary Practice.

Since February, Charlotte, who lives in Limerick has been concentrating on a tattoo artist apprenticeship.

For any interested buyers of her work, she plans to put the portrait of Richard Harris up for sale sometime in the new year.

There’s Something Special Planned In The Square For Christmas

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Sure, before you know it we’ll be looking at scenes like this in Denny Street.

YES, yes, we know Halloween isn’t over yet, but Christmas is only eight weeks away and people are already getting ready for it.

The Tralee Chamber Alliance realises this and put up a Facebook post earlier today that they plan on putting on a Christmas market from Thursday, December 17 to Wednesday, December 23, to showcase Tralee as a Winter Wonderland as part of the Christmas Spraoi programme.

Don’t worry, the market in the Square won’t be full of cheap toys and plastic tat though. The Chamber says the market is available to local food producers and local craft makers with the prerequisite that if you haven’t made it, you can’t sell it.

To reserve a stall/pitch at the upcoming event click here to find the application form, details on booking a space and how to pay.

Filmmaker In Residence Keen To Work With Schools And Communities

 

 

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Lisa Fingleton, County Filmmaker in Residence.

KERRY County Council has announced that award winning artist/filmmaker Lisa Fingleton is returning as the County Filmmaker in Residence. This residency is co-funded by the Arts Council.

Lisa Fingleton has over 20 years experience in participatory projects and recently completed an MA in documentary film at Goldsmiths College London.

In May this year, the Irish Film Institute hosted a special retrospective screening of her work entitled “The Power of The Personal Story”. Much of her work deals with socio political and environmental concerns. See www.lisafingleton.com for more information.

Lisa is interested in cultivating the deep-rooted connections between art and farming and is currently working towards a major exhibition of new work at Siamsa Tire due to open October 30.

Over the coming months she is keen to collaborate with schools and communities who are engaged in gardening and self sufficiency projects.

According to Lisa; “I am delighted to be the filmmaker in residence with the county and am really excited to support people to engage with digital filmmaking”.

Kate Kennelly, Kerry County Council Arts Officer, said: “We are delighted to have Lisa Fingleton on this residency. Lisa is a very experienced filmmaker and I would urge everyone with an interest in film-making to get in touch with her during the residency.”

Lisa is also available to provide workshops on all areas of the digital filmmaking process as well as individual and group mentoring to filmmakers and artists interested in moving image.

Please contact the Arts Office at Kerry County Council if you would like to work with Lisa by sending an email to arts@kerrycoco.ie before Friday,  September 4. (Please include, contact name, email/phone number and brief outline of your area of interest/proposal)

Coláiste Launches Book Of Poetry And Prose By Students


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English teacher, Christine Leen with student/ contributor to the book ‘The Next Instalment’, Sahra Sharif Hassan, and Manager of Coláiste Gleann Lí, Mr Richard Lawlor.

COLÁISTE Gleann Lí- Post Primary School in Clash has launched ‘The Next Instalment’, an anthology of poetry and prose, produced by students of the school.

The book, which has been published locally, is a sequel to their earlier anthology of poetry and prose, entitled ‘The Write Stuff’ which was published in 2012.

Both publications were crafted with assistance and guidance of Ms Joanne Roche of the English department.

Speaking at the official launch of ‘The Next Instalment’, Mr Richard Lawlor, Manager of Coláiste Gleann Lí, praised the excellent work of the students and teachers involved.

“This outstanding achievement is very much in keeping with the ethos at Coláiste Gleann Lí, where we strive to facilitate the holistic education and development of each of our students. This is a typical example of our teachers using real-life opportunities to put what is learned in the classroom into practice,” he said.

Copies of ‘The Last Instalment’ will be available at the Coláiste Gleann Lí Open Day, in Clash, on Saturday, October 18 from 10am to 1pm.

Music To Play A Big Part In Upcoming Kerry Film Festival

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UK Indie-pop duo Summer Camp play the soundtrack to ‘Beyond Clueless’ live as the movie is being premiered at the Kerry Film Festival.

A WEEK long feast of cinema in Tralee will kick off this Saturday when the first screenings of the Kerry Film Festival 2014 get under way.

The festival is now in its 15th year and has been an important part of the county’s cultural landscape ever since the beginning.

The first movie to be shown will be on Saturday, with the curtain coming down on the final screening the following Saturday. The Film Festival also runs in other towns and villages in Kerry with Tralee as its hub.

“The festival continues to grow, this year being even bigger and better,” said Neil Brown of the Kerry Film Festival.

In total, 28 screenings of film, short film and documentaries will take place in four venues, with the Brandon Conference Centre and Siamsa Tire, taking the lion’s share of features.

“We’re nearly across the line now. Programmes have been distributed around the county and the feedback from the public so far has been very positive,” said Neil.

‘Music and film’ is one of themes of the festival this year with a number screenings around the county having music to the fore. Tralee venues will feature two performances of live scores at this years festival.

The first being The Cine Theatre Ensemble who will open the festival. Then on the following Friday in Siamsa Tire, London based Indie-pop act ‘Summer Camp’ will perform the soundtrack they wrote for ‘Beyond Clueless’, along with the premiere of the documentary.

“One of the producers of the documentary, Catherine Bray, presented some awards at the festival last year.  She got in contact with us and wanted to give the Irish premiere of ‘Beyond Clueless’,” said Neil.

“Catherine came over and we then formed the idea that since we were focusing on music in film, it would be a good idea to have the band perform the film score live,” said Neil.

All tickets are available from Siamsa Tire, for more information click (HERE)

 

 

 

Talented Mother And Daughter Duo To Launch Books

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THEY say talent runs in the family and this is certainly the case with Joy Agwu and her nine year old daughter Sandra.

The two of them are set to release books at the same time in the County Library on June 21.

Joy originally from Nigeria has been living in Tralee the past 10 years and said she enjoys living in the town where she says the people have been friendly and helpful since she arrived.

The novel titled, ‘I Live By The Gun’ will be her third published book and is set against the backdrop of corruption in modern day Nigeria. In the book Joy is not afraid to shy away from complex issues and tackles them in a manner that is intelligent, perceptive and relevant. (continued below)

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Daughter and mother novelists, Sandra and Joy Agwu. Photo by Gavin O’Connor

Daughter Sandra’s book ‘Mark the Genius’ is a great insight into the mind of a child and how they interact and adjust to the world around them. “It’s about a boy named Mark who helps out in school. If the teachers can’t calm the children down he will do it,” Sandra said.

Sandra is nine now, but finished writing the book when she was eight.

“She didn’t tell me she was writing a book,” said Joy. “One day it was her turn to wash the dishes and I was looking for her, I couldn’t find her so I came to the living room and found her there on the computer. I started giving out because I thought she was playing a game, but when I saw what she had on the screen it turned out she was writing a book.”

“The book was hard, but I wanted to write one like my mom,” said Sandra, who is now working on another book.

Joy said she is studying psychology for a masters in social care, while also working on a new play.

The launch of both books will take place at Tralee Library on Saturday, June 21 at 2:30pm.

Both of these books are available to buy online, in print and e-book editions, from Joy’s official website and other online retailers. Signed copies will be on sale at the launch at a special price.