VISUAL ARTS MUSIC & DANCE ISSUE & FILM THEATRE FREE THE WRITTEN WORD A REVIEW OF THE ARTS IN LAOIS, OFFALY AND WESTMEATH WINTER 2010/2011 13

Internationally renowned artist makes history in Lough Boora Parklands

Set to open in March 2011

Award-winning photographer Tim Durham MidlandsMidland Arts and Culture Magazine | WINTER 2010 Arts andCultureMagazine

5 AWARD Neil Richardson Scoops Top Book Award, A Word Ailish Bracken Catches the Prize for The End WINNER: of The Reel...... Page 3 Tyrellspass author Neil Fidget Feet Flying High. Artist Liz Johnson at from the Richardson beats Ryan Gainstown National School...... Page 4 Tubridy, Fintan O'Toole, Site Donated for Tullamore Arts Centre. Artists Editor Senator Shane Ross, commissioned for Emo National School ...... Page 5 Michael Murphy and Matt Cooper to From Bone to Blossom Launches in Birr. WELCOME to your new look the Argosy non Fiction book award. Film Commission for Westmeath...... Page 6 Midlands Arts and Culture Magazine which has been 9 CHICK LIT First Film Festival goes OFFline ...... Page 7 designed and crafted to do Laois Patronage Award Opens Up New Horizons. justice to the wealth and SUCCESS: Sandra Carr Wonders About an Arts and Creative variety of artistic talents on Mullingar-based Centre for Portarlington ...... Page 8 offer in the Midlands. Gráinne Toher gets Westmeath Author Celebrates Chick Lit Success.. This edition has it all - news, ready for London book ...... Page 9 features, short stories, poetry, signings of her first Arthouse Stradbally...... Page 10 and commentary and that’s novel Comings and Goings. just for starters. MEM Players Celebrate Long History. Halloween Gets Spooky with TADS ...... Page 12 People unfamiliar with the 10 ARTIST STUDIOS: The Art of it All ...... Page 13 depth of Arts and Culture in the Stradbally Courthouse is to open as Midlands are likely to be Multi-award winning Laois poet Ann Egan looks surprised at the amount of a library and artists studio in March back at her year as Writer- in-Residence with Laois international awards and 2011 County Council ...... Page 14 accolades snapped up of late The Buddha of Ballyhuppahaun Gives Readers by poets, authors and film- 15 JOHN WHELAN: the Hippy Hippy Shakes ...... Page 15 makers in the region. Former journalist John Whelan goes Midlands Arts and Culture Magazine Speaks to Arts and Culture envelope us native as Johnny Renko in new Offaly Filmmaker Paddy Slattery about The all the time but sometimes we book brought to life in County Laois. Moment ...... Page 15 fail to recognise what is all EveryonE Brings Artists and Travelling Community around us or embrace what is 16 FACE TO Together in Book with a Difference ...... Page 19 on offer. Sculpture in the Parklands...... Page 20 FACE: Midlands In the Midlands Arts and Culture Arts and Culture From Laois to Ljubljana with artist Patricia Magazine we offer a snapshot Magazine goes behind Bennett ...... Page 22 of what is being created and the camera to speak Making Memories at Belmont Mill...... Page 23 available in the region – and with County Offaly film- believe that there really is Talks, Walks and Forks by Rosalind Fanning – an something for everyone to maker Paddy Slattery about his new Emotional Journey to The Tyrone Guthrie Centre, participate in or simply enjoy. film The Moment and the moment Annaghmakerrig ...... Page 24 that changed his life forever. Midlands Arts and Culture Magazine Talks to It is also worth noting that the Photographer Tim Durham about his latest project Arts Officers in Laois, Offaly ...... Page 25 and Westmeath have initiated COVER STORY and participate in a number of Dublin Culture Guru Urges Midlands to Emulate projects and schemes all 20 SCULPTURE IN Westmeath Success as first Ireland Culture Night devised to bring out the artist 2011 Nears ...... Page 28 THE PARKLANDS: in you and offer practical Internationally Renowned Artist Looking at the building blocks of Offaly. Young advice, guidance and financial Makes History in Lough Boora people are getting the chance to act up....Page 30 assistance.

A lookParklands. inside Meet the Midlands Arts and Culture Magazine So, while former journalist John Team...... Page 31 Whelan brings out his inner hippy in his book The Buddha of Ballyhuppahaun (page 15) YOUR LOCAL ARTS OFFICERS perhaps The Midlands Arts and Culture Magazine will go some way to bring out the inner artist in you.

County Offaly County Westmeath County Laois WHO: Sinead O'Reilly, WHO: Catherine Kelly WHO: Muireann Ní Chonaill WHERE: Offaly County Council, WHERE: Westmeath County Council WHERE: Laois County Council, Angela Madden Charleville Road, Tullamore County Buildings, Mullingar Portlaoise, Co Laois Editor CONTACT: Telephone 057 9357400 CONTACT: Telephone 044 9332140 CONTACT: Tel: 057 8674342/44 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.offaly.ie/arts www.westmeathcoco.ie/arts www.laois.ie/arts 2 Philosophy in University College Dublin and now works as a creative writing Tyrellspass Author teacher and editor. He is also a playwright and two of Briefs his plays, Through the Dark Clouds Shining and From the Shannon to the Scoops Top Award Somme are inspired by stories from LAOIS NATIVE his book on the First World War. WINS MAJOR TYRELLSPASS author Neil Neil is also a member of the Reserve Defence Forces and his FILM AWARDS Richardson has beaten off family have a long military tradition HIS AND Hers - a film directed stiff competition from the stretching back over 150 years. His great-grandfather’s experiences in the by Portarlington native Ken likes of Ryan Tubridy, Fintan trenches inspired this collection of Wardrop and last year’s winner O'Toole, Senator Shane Ross, Irish veterans’ stories. of the Laois County Council Michael Murphy and Matt Patronage Award - has received rave reviews and has become Cooper to scoop the coveted What the darling of the international Argosy non Fiction book some film festival circuit where it has awards in December. picked up numerous awards. of the Some of the accolades its has His book on the first World War, A papers snapped up include The Coward if I Return, A Hero if I Fall Cinematography Award at the had been highly acclaimed in local said… Sundance Film Festival and the papers in the Midlands, in national Audience Award at the Dublin newspapers and in specialist ”exceptional new publication” Film Festival. His & Hers is a publications alike before this latest Westmeath Independent cinematic mosaic that tells the accolade. “a stunning piece of research'” tale of a 90 year-old love story Speaking to the Midlands Arts and through the collective voice of Culture Magazine Neil said: “It was Munster Express 70 ladies at different stages in amazing to be nominated let alone ”this very rich text will be read with win. I am delighted because to have Neil Richardson their lives. This film was interest by all those seeking to launched in Portarlington in the been nominated up against who I was understand the impact of the war on summer in the Cinemobile in in the media industry was amazing the stories told in the book eminated Ireland and the Irish’’ and to win is phenomenal so still from the Midlands. www.warbooksreview.com The Peoples Carpark, recovering from the shock. The Irish Post explained that his Portarlington. Check “The other five are very well book examines stories about bravery, ”a moving collection of stories about out www.hisandhers.ie known. I am not known in those family sacrafice, lucky escapes and Irishmen who fought in that war, circles so I didn't think I would win.” tragic ends. backed up by photos, diaries and Neil said of his book that the best way In many ways A Coward if I Return, documents that bring us closer to to understand the Irishmen who fought A Hero if I Fall “documents the life these men than any book I have read ARTIST in the First World War was to cycle of the war through the eyes of before” Sunday Independent OPPORTUNITIES remember them, to finally acknow- the Irish men who fought it,” FOR RECENT news on Artist ledge what they went through and ”a remarkable collection of stories” according to the Longford Leader. Bursaries, Residencies and allow their stories to be told. The Kingdom Neil who made Tyrellspass his PerCent for Art Schemes in He also said that a vast amount of home many years ago studied County Offaly please see www.offaly.ie/arts

FILM LOCATIONS The End of the Reel SOUGHT IN OFFALY OFFALY County Council is Catches Top Film Prize looking for all sorts of filming locations in the county to add to its database. So, if you own FILMOFFALY has announced Noreen, went on to scoop Best Short a house, land, forest, business, Film at the Galway Film Fleadh so this factory or school that you that the 2010 FilmOffaly/ year's production will be eagerly would not mind being used in Filmbase sponsored prize for anticipated. a future film please contact Ailish Bracken The film will be made on location in [email protected] new and emerging filmmakers Birr and Kilcormac over the coming has been won by Ailish winter months. Chairperson of Savage Eye: Series Two for RTE and is FilmOffaly, Councillor Molly Buckley, Bracken of Blinder Films for currently on location with a new said: “We are delighted with the feature, Citadel. PUBLIC ART PANEL her script The End of the Reel. response and the outcome of the FilmOffaly operates under the aegis second year of the FilmOffaly award. of Offaly County Council and works in SUBMISSIONS OFFALY Local Authorities (Offaly This year's competition attracted more We know that we have to be proactive partnership with Filmbase, a support than 100 entries, with the winner in encouraging projects of this type to organisation for the independent film County Council, Tullamore, Birr selected after a rigorous short-listing the county and it is a source of great and video sector in Ireland. and Edenderry Town Councils) and interview process. The End of the satisfaction for us to see Offaly as the The award scheme is designed to invites artists such as visual Reel is a touching comedy/drama with setting for the creativity of such encourage and support the work of artists, musicians, writers, talented artists. emerging, talented filmmakers. real warmth, depicting the emotional filmmakers, dance artists and “We look forward to working with The winner receives €8,000 towards lengths a lonely old man will go to in drama practitioners to be order to reconnect with his dead wife. the production team over the winter, the cost of bringing the winning script selected onto a panel for pot- Ailish explained: “The story germin- and to ensuring that everyone to the screen which must be made in ated from an old rumour I heard that associated with this exciting project County Offaly. ential public arts commissions. was started many years ago in rural has a positive experience of working in Production costs are also assisted For further information see Ireland that if a patron died in a Offaly.” through the provision of free location www.offaly.ie/arts cinema the management would pay for Writer and Director of The End of insurance, a significant reduction on their funeral. the Reel, Ailish, has had a busy year. editing and equipment and a premiere “I am interested in the combination To date she has worked on Come on at Tullamore Omniplex. Photographer Tim Durham Eileen and Sensation - two new Irish of this storytelling tradition and of our interviewed SEE PAGE 25 preoccupation with the macabre.” features which premiered earlier this For further information visit Last year's FilmOffaly award winner, year in Galway - is working on the www.filmoffaly.ie

3 Midland Arts and Culture Magazine | WINTER 2010/2011 Pupils work with Artist Liz Johnson to bring St Colmcille to life at Gainstown National School “A UNIQUE and lasting Kelly, added: “Gainstown has got the best value for money from a legacy” was how Westmeath programme like this. Some schools Arts Officer Catherine Kelly use the money to buy a ready-made described two mosaic art piece of art. The importance of bringing in an artist is that children works created by artist Liz are given the opportunity to Johnson at the official launch understand how art is made.” Mrs Antoinette Shaw, the School of the St Colmcille School, Principal said: “Liz is a talented Gainstown, PerCent for Art visionary artist who, while working with the children, has provided them project. with a treasured memory of their school days. The children also learned In June 2009 the St Colmcille School about team work and their individual Board of Management commissioned pieces have been built up into a Liz Johnson, Visual Artist, to design, masterpiece creating a lasting make and install two large-scale contribution to the school.” mosaics for the entrance foyer of the Teachers at the school noted: “The newly extended school building. The children really enjoyed the whole theme for the mosaics was based on process and they will remember it. the life story of St Colmcille. They loved that something of theirs The school selected two walls in will always be here. The artist had the main entrance foyer as sites for prepared well before commencing the the artwork, the first site being a wall project and therefore had thought of opposite the main entrance and the all that was needed for the children to second site an adjacent feature satisfactorily take part.” curved wall. Liz developed designs to In the evaluation review The St reflect the dimensions of the walls Colmcille School Arts Committee said and, in particular, to complement the that they were very proud of this architectural features of the space. project. “The children of our school As part of the project Liz also enjoy, appreciate and feel great undertook an Artist’s Residency at the ownership of the mosaic artwork in school which involved working with all their school. We are very pleased with 214 pupils aged from five to 12 years the artist we chose who brought our old which included design workshops vision to reality with such talent and and practical mosaic-making workshops. attention to detail of all other aspects Liz and her lasting legacy Westmeath Arts Officer, Catherine of the project.” to St Colmcille School.

Festival. All these appearances have Westmeath-based led to the Westmeath dance troupe securing bookings around the world FIDGET FEET DANCE CO. from South Africa to Spain and Iceland - to name but a few. Fidget Feet are once again working in association with Westmeath County Live the High Life Council to bring art to life for all the family. FIDGET FEET, founded in 2000 by choreographer Chantal McCormick A spokesperson for Fidget Feet and musician Jym Daly, is now Ireland’s foremost Aerial Dance Theatre said: “We are delighted to continue Company. Originally from Donegal Fidget Feet is now based near Rathowen our relationship with the Westmeath in County Westmeath and is taking to the high life in its latest spectacular. County Council as they have commissioned the company to The Company creates spectacular This aerial dance piece set in modern perform A Fairies Tale in the indoor and outdoor work and has day is centered on two people trapped spectacular setting of Tullynally Castle become renowned internationally as a in the very often chaotic world of and Gardens. creative organisation that stretches business with constant meetings, “This beautiful and magical family the boundaries between several arts emails, mobile phones and deadlines. show will be performed in the gardens forms combining aerial skills with Dressed in corporate suits the two of the castle so join us for this very contemporary circus, creating theatre performers represent people who special show and find out who or what fused with aerial dance, music and video initially are passionate about reaching is hiding out in some of the best art while also creating spellbinding the top of the profession but something known children's stories of all time.” contemporary circus suspended from changes along the way and they realise This show has already been cranes, trees, buildings and boats! there is more to life and throughout performed in parks throughout North Its most recent work is a stunning the piece they find a way to work UK to more than 5000 parents and new show entitled Hang On commiss- together in harmony. This is a very children and was performed in Ireland ioned by Westmeath County Council raw, physical piece of work that is as part of The Eargail Festival when with support from Longford-based both beautiful and moving. tickets sold out in advance of the Shawbrook and The Backstage The company has just recently show. This is one of Fidget Feet’s fun, Theatre as well as Dance Ireland in returned from Australia where they feel good and colourful show suitable Dublin. The show is unique to Ireland performed Hang On at the Freemantle for schools, families and anyone with as it uses aerial dance trapeze along- Arts Festival just outside Perth. Prior a heart. side contemporary circus and dance to that the group presented the piece together with live music which is perf- at the FiraTàrrega Festival in Spain ormed on stage throughout the show. and in the Project Theatre, Dublin as For more information check out part of the 2010 ABSOLUT Fringe www.fidgetfeet.com

4 Site donated Briefs for Tullamore Community OFFALY DESIGNER Arts Centre DATABASE THE ARTS Office of Offaly County IT HAS been revealed that Council is currently compiling a database of designers in Offaly for Tullamore Town Council the purposes of informing designers has donated a site to in regard to current and future opportunities, seminars and Tullamore Community Arts exhibitions that may further the Centre Limited to develop development of their design. For the much-anticipated Arts An artist’s more see www.offaly.ie/arts impression of how Centre for the town. the new arts centre may look at its canal-side location. WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL

The site in Tullamore is well times, but the team behind authorities and the arts and and a cafe as well as a ARTS GRANTS 2011 placed at Kilbride Plaza, the project is committed and business community of number of multipurpose THE 2011 funding deadline for adjacent to the Heritage driven to make it a reality.” Tullamore. The company has breakout rooms, which can Westmeath County Council Arts Centre and alongside the She went on to say that currently €2m through the be used for workshops, Grants is February 25, 2011. Grand Canal. Sinead the word “community” was ACCESS II scheme, which rehearsals, and meetings. Westmeath County Council operates O’Reilly, Offaly Arts Officer, at the heart of this project: was obtained by Offaly Currently a brief is being three arts grants schemes. said: “This announcement is “It is being developed by County Council in 2007, and prepared for an architectural long awaited by the people and for the people of an enthusiastic funding design competition to 1: Individual Artists of Tullamore who have Tullamore and surrounding raising drive is now celebrate the county’s new Bursaries campaigned tirelessly for an areas, and its success will underway in Tullamore to Arts Centre. This fund provides funding to arts centre for the past 10 rely heavily on community meet the capital short fall individual professional artists based years. use and support, now and required to complete the To keep abreast of the in Westmeath who earn a proportion into the future." long awaited project. development and to get of their annual income through “We are conscious that The proposed centre involved in some of the their artistic endeavours. Westmeath we are progressing this The company driving the will house an auditorium fundraising initiatives see County Council will offer bursaries, development in financially project is a partnership comprising around 250 facebook.com/tullamore each year, in respect of the profess- and politically challenging between the local seats a dedicated gallery communityartscentre ional development of individual professional artists practicing in any of the artistic disciplines outlined in the County Arts plan. 2: Arts in Context Residency Scheme Arts commissioned for Emo National School The Arts in Context Residency scheme provides specific project THE PRINCIPAL, staff and Board of Management of Emo National School, County Laois, have announced that visual artist, funding to artists to enable them to Caroline Conway and composer Dr Greg Caffrey have been awarded the PerCent for Art Commission for the creation of new work with any school or community artworks for the new school building. The PerCent for Art Commission is part of the Department of Education & Science, group for arts projects across PerCent for Art scheme. disciplines. Funding issued by Westmeath County Council will go The commission fund has been split with amongst other activities to the school These pieces will be closely related directly to pay the artist’s fees and € Caroline receiving 16,000 for the community. but each with its own character, perhaps the school or group must supply creation and installation of her artwork - a She will be working with the school five or six or more. and materials required for the carved low relief woodcut, painted, inked children on developing themes and Being pedagogic in nature, each project. This scheme is to encourage and sealed that will work over two levels collected ideas for the final piece through designed to broaden the musical meaningful collaboration between a internally. Greg is to receive €6,000 for a series of workshops. experience of the young people towards selected group of individuals and an the creation of a musical composition and Caroline has recently developed her an appreciation of a contemporary music artist working on a particular project school anthem. Both Caroline and Greg practice as a relief printmaker having sound world, while at the same time over a particular duration of time and will be working directly with the children initially studied architecture before being technically realistic. Greg noted to allow the group an opportunity to and teachers over the coming months. returning to Art College in the 1980’s. from his visits to the school the rich local engage with an artist directly on a “It is very exciting for Emo NS to be Since her graduation she has worked as a history and would also like to develop this specific project. This scheme gives associated with Caroline and Greg and to professional artist primarily with large- concept within the work. Greg’s proposal employment to an artist working with be involved in the conception of the final scale woodcuts and low relief carved further includes a performance and a a group over a given period and it pieces,” stated the Board of woodblock pieces. Caroline also comes recording of the final pieces. allows the group to gain specific skills and expertise in the area of the arts. Management. to this project with a vast experience of Greg was born in Belfast and studied It is intended that the artworks will be working with children and youth groups on music at Queen’s University, Belfast. In 3: Arts Act Grants completed for April/May 2011. other public art commissions and from 2002, he completed his PhD in Westmeath County Council offers “We very much look forward to seeing her involvement in the Artists in Schools composition under Piers Hellawell and grant aid to community, voluntary or what both Caroline and Greg will create programme. James Clarke. He has received awards amateur arts groups or organis- for us here at Emo NS, the extended Caroline has already begun her and his compositions have been ations, which will stimulate public school and local community,” it added. research and has created a webpage to performed throughout Europe and the US. interest in the arts, promote the allow the children, their families, teachers He performs and has received knowledge, appreciation and practice Why Caroline was a Winner and anyone who is interested to follow commissions from many performers and of the arts or assist in improving the AFTER an open competition, two stage the project on www.emonsart.weekly.com ensembles as well as from RTE and BBC standards of the arts. In this Act the selection process, Caroline was awarded Radio 3. Greg lectures in Music and arts are defined as painting, the commission for her project proposal Why Greg was in Tune with Emo Music Technology at the South Eastern sculpture, architecture, music, film, Places we love to be, things we love to FOLLOWING a limited competition Regional College. drama, dance, literature, design in do, which looks very much at the local assisted by the Contemporary Music industry and the fine arts and applied natural environment of Emo, the special Centre Ireland and their Composers in arts generally. character of the village married with the Schools programme, Greg was selected For further information and to listen to schools vibrant atmosphere and the for his very ambitious and detailed samples of Greg’s work go to For further information see www.westmeathcoco/arts.ie importance of music, sport and art proposal to write a series of short pieces. www.gregcaffrey.com

5 From Bone to Blossom Launches in Birr

WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL DEVELOPS FILM COMMISSION

WESTMEATH County Council is hoping it will be a case of lights, camera, and action in the county as it strives to develop a film commission.

The County Council is quick to point Seahorse Sky, pen and ink out that there are a variety of locat- drawing by Emma Barone. ions throughout Westmeath which are just waiting for a production crew to start shooting and is urging film-makers to give Westmeath the POEMS by Eileen Casey, Pen and is also supported by South Dublin exhibitions to date, the most recent in once over when seeking a film Ink Drawings by Emma Barone, County Council. The cover images The Watergate Gallery, Kilkenny. location which has it all. Ocean Sweep 1 and Ocean Sweep 11 “Whether it’s the rolling hills of with an Introduction by Grace are also by Barone. Casey, twice short- north Westmeath, the beautiful lake Wells come together in new listed for a Sunday lands, the flowing River Shannon or publication From Bone to ABOUT THE ARTISTS Tribune Hennessy the architectural heritage of some Award (fiction and Blossom, which was recently of Westmeath's protected BOTH artists have previously shown poetry), is currently structures there is no doubt that launched at Birr Library. work in Arás an Chontae, Tullamore reading for the the county offers an immense (December 18, 2010) and are quickly establishing themselves Master of variety of choices,” explained Arts in their individual practices. Philosophy (Creative Officer, Catherine Kelly. Writing), Trinity Situated in the heart of Ireland, Eileen Casey and Emma Barone who Barone’s work has College, Dublin. Her Westmeath can boast a unique were the recipients of County Offaly’s been featured in debut poetry landscape, a good road and rail Support for Artist’s Scheme, 2010, several magazines collection Drinking the Colour Blue infrastructure and plenty of have seen their collaboration grow into enthusiasm for hosting film a series of images (pen and ink such as The Irish (New Island) was published in 2008. productions. The county is easily drawings) and poems which contain Arts Review, Senior Spit and Clay won the 2010 Green accessible from all parts of Ireland many connecting themes based around Times, House and Book Festival Award, Los Angeles with the eastern part of the county bone and blossom – and hence From Home, Midland (poetry category). Assisted by Culture within the commuter belt of Dublin Bone to Blossom was born. Arts, Midland Ireland, She is among the visiting and the western parts bordering the Tribune and The writers scheduled for the Eastern River Shannon. Although the images are monochrome, Sunday Independent, Kentucky University’s (MFA Creative The county is fast gaining recog- writer Grace Wells notes in her among others. She Writing) Winter Residency Programme, nition within the film industry and in introduction: “It is interesting to see has enjoyed seven successful solo Lexington, Kentucky. August 2010 The Lotus Eaters by how both artists use colour within their Alexandra McGuinness was shot in work. Often colour enters the pen and Westmeath on location in ink drawings with the same discretion Turbotstown House, Coole and other that Casey sews it into her poems. White fences make locations in the north of the county. Both artists know the value in holding The Lotus Eaters - set amongst back. Sometimes Casey offers us shy good neighbours the limitless privilege of the bright glimpses - a prick of blood on a finger; young things of contemporary a charcoal smudge; lemon ice-cream. I’m painting the fences white, shed too, London - follows Alice, an ex model Then, like Barone’s trees, she gives us white as a gumdrop or a wedding shoe. and struggling actress who finds pages of black and white; we are absorb- herself unable to afford the lifestyle ed in mood and interior contemplation.” When that’s done I’ll float in a summer palace that her friends furiously pursue. canopied by pale-leaved whitebeam trees, Spending her time dodging bailiffs The nature of home and environment in she struggles to make sense of a lie on a blanket with my ice coloured cat a fragmented, contemporary landscape life that she has become numb to. eat cake, be cooled by spigots of light. is explored, together with the nature of To find out more visit memory itself. Barone has ‘long been www.lotuseatersmovie.com. I’ll read about Antarctica while butterflies fascinated by the shape trees adopt, ripen like berries, ignore warning telegrams particularly on the west coast of If you are you are considering pipped by a blackbird Westmeath as a location for your Ireland. For Casey ‘it is an engagement with the personal of emotional and three tiers up at least. next film production the County Anyone interested in Council invites you to contact historical experience archived in the checking out the book I’ll be whitening out lawnmowers, chainsaws, Westmeath Arts Office or check out world of trees; experience which ultimately becomes universal’. can call into Birr barking feuds, a neighbourhood’s graffiti of sound. its new website Library, County Offaly. www.westmeathcoco.ie/ The publication is designed by Arts By Eileen Casey from Bone to Blossom filmcommission for information Organisation Altents, South Dublin and and assistance.

6 Midland Arts and Culture Magazine | WINTER 2010/2011 Briefs LAOIS HITS THE RIGHT NOTE APPLICATIONS for Music Network/U2/Ireland Funds for music education are to be invited at the start of year. In the meantime anyone interested in applying is free to contact Laois County Council Arts Office to find out more and receive guidance. Led by The Arts Office in Laois County Council, a partnership has been formed with Laois VEC and Laois Partnership Ltd, which will act as a Local Music Education Partner (LMEP) for Laois. The call for applications for funding will be in January 2011 and there are stringent guidelines in place as to how an LMEP can access funds. Some rules: Funding will only be granted for long-term sustainable IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA: music education programmes - one- Carla Mooney (left) and her team, off projects will not be considered. winners of the first Offaly Film Festival Individuals/ schools/music groups award for The Sandeman Man cannot apply independently – all with members of OFFline. applications must go through the LMEP. Fifty per cent matching funding is required – some of which may be ‘in kind’. The funding is primarily to be used for music tuition but capital OFFline Film Festival spending for instruments will be considered. Funding will not be given for existing provision. If you have any ideas for developing proves a BLOCKBUSTER a long-term music programme for your group/school or have any queries please contact Music Co- ordinator Nuala Kelly, Laois County PORTARLINGTON, County Offaly, Four applications came from Offaly- whose brother is actor Aidan Quinn - Council on 057 867 4345 or email [email protected] woman Carla Mooney and her based teams while other teams still has relations living in Birr and was travelled from as far afield as Sligo, thrilled when asked to attend a team with their film The Clonmel, Dublin and Galway. Question and Answer session following Sandeman Man have been Local residents looked on with great the screening of her coming-of-age MASTERCLASS announced as the winners of the interest as the various teams made drama 32A. The screening was very their way around the heritage town and well attended by locals and students MIDLAND Masterclasses, an inaugural Offaly Film Festival, surrounding countryside in search of from visiting schools alike – thanks to initiative run by the Arts Services in OFFline. that perfect shot. the presence of the film on this year's Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath is now in its third year. The scheme Some residents – not content with Leaving Certificate English syllabus. was developed in response to the The first OFFline, which took place from merely watching from the sidelines – Four different workshops were also professional needs of visual artists, November 18 to 21 in Birr, offered the mucked in and filled various cast and held during the festival. Industry musical enthusiasts, dancers, film lover a special and varied crew roles for some of the visiting professionals facilitated the sessions writers and performers right across experience in the form of three exciting teams. Local businesses also ensured with editing, scriptwriting, directing and the Midlands. Running from August strands – Screenings, Workshops and the festival's success by allowing their DSLR movie making being the subjects to October, the programme includes a Filmmaking Competition. premises to be used as film sets for up for discussion. masterclasses in Sculpture, The Short Film Making Competition, some of the productions. Given the success of this year's Portraiture, Dance, Music, Performance, Photography and Web which is the first of its kind for the A wide array of International and festival, OFFline is here to stay. Midlands, attracted more than a dozen design. Contact the Arts Office on Irish films was also screened over the 057 8674342/44. applications for the coveted prize of weekend. One of the highlights of the For more information visit €1,000 and a guaranteed slot at the weekend was the visit of director www.offlinefilmfestival.com or join the 2011 Galway Film Fleadh. Marian Quinn to the festival. Marian – festival on facebook.com/offlinefilm WESTMEATH PLAN FOR ARTS

WESTMEATH County Council by Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Portarlington in January 2011 creative writing classes for PRESTIGIOUS launched its second arts Duffy, and included leading which are being hosted by venues as diverse as the Irish plan earlier this year – Westmeath HONOUR FOR poets Elaine Feinstein and Portarlington Community Writers' Centre, Dublin City Arts Plan 2010-2016. The plan sets Sudeep Sen decided that it Development Association - Council, various County Councils PORTARLINGTON out Westmeath’s policy for was the Midland’s Jean who Arts and Heritage Group. and in Mountjoy, Limerick and promoting and developing the arts POET the Midlands Prisons. She was should scoop the accolade in the county over the next six PORTARLINGTON poet Jean Writer-in-Residence for County with her poem Merman. ABOUT JEAN O’BRIEN years. The development process O’Brien has won of the most Jean was thrilled with her JEAN O'Brien is a Dubliner now Laois in 2005. She was last highlighted the significant process respected international literary win. “I am proud and delighted living in Portarlington. Her work year's recipient of the Fish made to date and provides a awards for poetry. The to be bringing such an award is widely published in magazines International Poetry Award. Also framework within which Westmeath prestigious Arvon International back to Ireland. It is an honour and journals. She has published in 2008 she was commissioned County Council will continue to Poetry Competition in London to have your poem stand out three collections of poetry, The to write a poem for the Oxfam develop an integrated, effective and attracted thousands of entries from so many thousands of Shadow Keeper (Salmon, 1997) Calendar. Fiona Sampson writing responsive arts programme. from more than 43 countries your peers and to receive his Dangerous Dresses (Bradshaw in the Irish Times described her The local authority recognises the including the Philippines, New type of recognition.” Books, 2005) and Lovely Legs poetry as: "…effortless writing, positive contribution of the arts to Zealand, Zimbabwe and the Budding writers will be (Salmon, 2009). She read for a graceful and exact as any the ongoing economic, social and United States of America. pleased to hear that Jean is to M.Phil in Creative Writing from pirouette in its insight". cultural development of the County. But, the judging panel chaired take creative writing classes in Trinity College and facilitates To download a copy of the plan visit www.westmeathcoco.ie/arts 7 Midland Arts and Culture Magazine | WINTER 2010/2011 Laois Patronage Award Opens Up New Horizons PATRICK Fitzpatrick who is currently in his second year of a Masters in Fine Art Research in Print at Limerick School of Art and Design has said that receiving the Laois Patronage Award has “opened up new horizons”.

“The Laois Patronage Award is allowing me to develop my work further into areas that without the financial help it would not The Lady and the Lark, Portumna Forest Park, Co. Galway have gone, and in all honesty by Patrick Fitzpatrick opened up new horizons, even being able to travel to see the Dunamaise Arts Centre. and Natures place in us. different parts of the Landscape Called Memory Matters the show Patrick said that nature is the realm concerns the role of memory, of the infinite, that it can be a way of is great,” remembrance and forgetting and communication with an immemorial enthused Patrick. features drawings, photography and history. “It is a breathing landscape to sound installation. where Nature reveals our ephemeral On a practical note Patrick added that Growing in stature, Patrick was also aspects of being.” the award had given him time to one of eight artists shortlisted for The His work is varied and includes consider his work and where it is Gallery of Photography Artists Award drawing, prints, photography and video going. “I have purchased a Nikon Showcase Exhibition, which took place where each in its own way explores camera, a video camera and sound on December 2. On top of that Patrick and opens up, develops, answers and Patrick Fitzpatrick recording equipment which have all also held a solo exhibition at the offers up new questions to be asked opened up a new artistic field, as it Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge in about his experience in Nature. were, to explore the Landscape in November. Most of all, Patrick is grateful for “It was wonderful to receive the Laois filmatic terms and experience, which “I also have joined the Limerick the opportunities such an award has Patronage Award this year. It still is a is really exciting,” he explained. Printmakers Studio, which offers a afforded him. “I am looking forward delightful surprise and more He went on to say that the continuation of my print and artistic to being able to continue my work importantly to have my peer’s affirm encouragement from the Laois work when I leave college,” from the support of The Laois positively my work has given me a Patronage Award armed him with the His artistic work over the last four Patronage Arts Award and to use this wonderful boost of confidence and extra confidence to apply to have years and which he is continuing in his opportunity offered towards a future encouragement. exhibitions. As a result, Patrick is to Masters concerns Landscape and that otherwise would have taken a lot have a joint show with Evelyn Glynn at Memory: exploring our place in Nature longer and so thank you.”

Arts and Creative Centre OLDC FUNDING THE ARTS for Portarlington? BUDDING filmmakers, storywriters and poets who need funding for Sandra Carr from the Portarlington Community Centre writes that there is support their projects are urged to contact Offaly Local Development Company from the public as well as artists for an Arts and Creative Centre in Portarlington. (OLDC) who may be able to help with some of the costs associated FOR MANY years, local artists and the AHG. This meeting set out the there is a potential market for a viable with seeing your script on the big residents have expressed a desire to vision for the PACC and looked at how arts and creative centre in screen. develop more amenities for artists in effective consultation could be Portarlington. The consultation Birr Film Festival, received Portarlington. Earlier last year achieved. A number of community showed that the public perceive many funding by OLDC towards some Portarlington Community Development consultations were held to gather the benefits, not just for artists but also association (PCDA) established an views and comments of a range of for the community in general. of the marketing costs associated arts and heritage sub-committee to individuals ranging from community The public community facilities in with the festival and for the progress this concept. groups to artists working and living in Portarlington have lagged behind purchase of some specialised The vision for the arts centre is to Portarlington. those of other towns and there was a camera equipment for the event. create a space where artists are In addition to the community sense in the consultations that an Offaly Local Development enabled to be creative and to realise consultations a brief questionnaire arts and community centre would be Company (OLDC) is a state-funded their creative potential. The centre was designed and circulated to those warmly received by both the artistic organisation that delivers a range would hold classes for students and organisations and individuals in community and the target audiences of programmes and supports to the community and would be self- contact with the PCDA who may have in the community. people, communities and busi- sustaining. an interest in supporting the develop- Local artists, in particular, would nesses in County Offaly. These We have completed an initial ment of an arts and creative centre. welcome such a development based programmes aim to make Offaly a feasibility study which will look at the The feasibility study showed a on their first hand knowledge of the better place to live by enhancing potential benefits and viability of an solid desire on the part of the comm- lack of facilities which enable artists community life, combating dis- arts and creative centre in the area. unity and regional arts development create work and interact with the From this analysis the steering agencies to explore in greater detail community. advantage and social exclusion committee selected the redevelop- the possibilities for the development We would welcome comments or and supporting the development ment of the existing site of the Port- of the PACC. There is good evidence ideas that you may have on the of enterprise in the county. arlington community centre to incorporate that there would be good community project, or if you require additional an arts and creative centre. support for such a development. information please do not hesitate to To see if you qualify for funding The feasibility study began in June It was clear from the consultations contact [email protected] in contact 057 9352467 or email 2010 with a facilitated meeting with and the research process to date that the Portarlington Community Centre. [email protected]

8 Briefs KINDERMUSIK PROGRAMME

KINDERMUSIK Programme is a partnership initiative between Westmeath and Offaly County Council and both VECs for young children to experience music with their parents. It is an innovative, introductory music outreach programme specifically designed for pre-school children. The project is aimed at a variety of parent/child groups and the end performances are shared with the entire community. The project runs in Athlone, Mullingar, Kinnegad, Daingean, Kilcormac and Clara and is currently facilitated by Noel O’Farrell. For further information see www.westmeathcoco.ie/arts or www.offaly.ie/arts

CHICK LIT CHARMS THE PUBLIC

Briege Madden talks to writer and overnight success Gráinne Toher who unveiled MIDLAND YOUTH her first book at the launch of Culture Night in Dublin Castle over the summer and ORCHESTRA who is already scribbling down words for a sequel due out in 2011/2012. THE MIDLANDS Youth Orchestra, based in Kinnegad, provides an GRÁINNE Toher, who has lived in Speaking about her new book Gráinne opportunity for young people from Mullingar for two years only unveiled revealed: "My new book is, again, various ensembles across the her first chick lit novel Comings and inspired by popular culture and events Midlands to perform together under conductor and director Vincent Goings in the summer but has already going on around me. I'd say we are Hunt. The initiative has proved a captured the imagination at home and looking at another year or year and huge success with the orchestra abroad as she packs her bags to head a half before it hits the shelves. I have playing numerous concerts in for London and book signings in a new set of characters and they are various locations throughout the Waterstones in the New Year. starting to take shape and take on a midlands as well as the National life of their own, I'm having loads of Concert Hall in Dublin. The Lir And, not one to put the pen down fun with it. Youth Orchestra is the Westmeath Grainne has already been Orchestra of the Midlands Youth commissioned for book two and is “I showed some of the chapters to my Orchestra. Both projects are already working on a sequel. husband Michael (Ahearne) and my supported by Westmeath, Laois mum Mary (Toher) and they got a few and Offaly County Councils and the Gráinne told Midlands Arts and Culture laughs. It touches on serious things VECs. For further information see Magazine: "The launch with the again like the other book but with www.westmeathcoco.ie/arts Mullingar Scribblers as part of the www.laois.ie/arts loads of humour and lets face it we Westmeath Culture Night in the www.offaly.ie/arts can all use a laugh these days." Annebrook Hotel was fantastic! We had a great crowd and a great night.” When asked if she felt more pressure writing this second book Gráinne TAKING TO Comings and Goings has been Ilac Library, Tuam Library, Mullingar responded by saying: "Not yet! The described as a 'great little read' by her THE STAGE Library, Boyne Writers Group, first book was such an adventure, plus friends and colleagues. But acclaim Scribblers Writers Group, Mullingar the reaction and subsequent success has also been independent and LAOIS Youth Theatre are currently Book Club Meet Up and the Centre for was such a surprise that I am just re-enroling members for the next widespread with Keith Finnegan Creative Arts in Dublin - to name only a trying to approach the second one the term. New members are also from Galway Bay FM describing it as few. She is now also a regular on air same way – do a bit of it every day if I welcome to join the different groups “a lovely little story, with something for having been interviewed on Phoenix FM can, enjoy the creative process and let in the county and these include: everyone” and The Meath Chronicle Portlaoise, Portarlington, and Galway Bay FM. She said: "The go of the outcome! claiming, “Gráinne Toher belongs to a Mountrath, Stradbally and reaction has been fantastic. Most new breed of confident women writers “Throughout the whole thing, I've Rathdowney. For more information people see it as a cheerful bright who write about modern life as they discovered anything is possible - contact 057 8674342/41. book with a pink cover in these gloomy see it”. literally! Like me, they [my friends and times. It’s a good news story in bad family] think it’s all a bit mad really In recent months Gráinne has been news times. People are responding Westmeath Culture Night 2010 but they enjoyed the book and keep busy with book signings and very well and the publisher has SEE PAGE 28 asking me how the second one is readings in places and for groups as reported the sales as consistent and going." diverse as Blanchardstown Library, very good." 9 Midland Arts and Culture Magazine | WINTER 2010/2011

Pictured are staff of Laois County Council, Arts Council, NCAD and CCOI at the unveiling of the plans

SET TO OPEN DOORS IN MARCH

THE ARTHOUSE Stradbally is due to draw back the curtains in March following sills, surrounds, pedimented door cases and funding from Laois County Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture and sash windows are restored to their former crafted elegance. Sport. The refurbishment and development of the Arthouse Studio and Library has cost €1.5 million. Grant aid of €440,000 was awarded through the Access Arts Officer Muireann Ní Chonaill explained: “The Arthouse studios represent an important Programme from the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The balance of resource to add to the strong Arts Programme €1.06 million has been invested by Laois County Council. and strategies already present in the county, under the direction of Laois County Council. The initiative will be of real value to the ongoing Arts A grand unveiling of plans for the Arthouse “The creation of this new Programme, the community and the visual arts Studios, Stradbaly took place in mid November in and design sector in Ireland. Stradbally Hall where guests on the day included residency programme is also representatives from Laois County Council, The important to ensure that artists “It will also represent an important pathway for Arts Council, the National College of Art and artists from outside Ireland to make a valuable Design and the Crafts Council of Ireland. are able to remain in the region contribution to widening and deepening public experiences and direct involvement in the arts.” Guest speaker, Ms Pat Moylan, Chairperson as well as attracting outside of the Arts Council described the plans as artists to come and participate “ambitious and exciting”. She said: “The possibilities are endless. The arts are for us. in the vibrant cultural life of the It’s who we are. It’s our culture. Arthouse is surrounding area.” another jewel in Laois’s crown that will twinkle 52 weeks of the year.” a commissioned PerCent for Art wall mounted Professor Declan McGonagle, Director NCAD, artwork. stressed the importance of the Arthouse. “This is a serious, well conceived, strategic project… Spaces in the complex will be available for use by a very imaginative partnership. The economy is local community groups and the library, decorated broken in Ireland at the moment, not the culture. in attractive and appealing colours, has special It’s the culture which will sustain us.” areas for children to read and familiarise themselves with its treasures. This development includes the refurbishment and extension of Stradbally Courthouse to provide a Despite the refurbishment and modernisation, state of the art community library, artists’ studios the Arthouse retains all its original features. and living accommodation, an exhibition gallery, a The detached late-Georgian building, its double- pitched, hipped roof, limestone coping, plinths, rehearsal space, a kiln, and a garden space with Pictured is Chairwoman of the Arts Council, Pat Moylan 10 County Manager, Mr Peter Carey stated: “Laois is a county very proud of its history and Stradbally has history in abundance. Stradbally (An tSráidbhaile: Town with One Street) is set in a spectacular location of natural beauty and is just over an hour from Dublin - a hub of activity as far back as 600AD when it was called Mon-au- Bealing, Colman Uí Laoise, Columcille’s disciple, established his monastery here.”

He added that the luminaries of Peter Burrows Kelly, Canon John O’Hanlon, Cecil Day Lewis and Kevin O’Higgins were all from Stradbally or its environs.”

Information on the Studio Award and Schemes and for the PerCent for Art Commission attached “Arthouse is another jewel in Laois’ crown to the development can be downloaded from the website www.laois.ie that will twinkle 52 weeks of the year.”

The new gallery Working in partnership to ensure success LAOIS County Council has forged a number of key partnerships to ensure the success of this new enterprise and that every support and assistance will be given to artists and crafts- people through mentoring, programming and exhibition opportunities. These partnerships include working with the National College of Art and Design where a bursary is available to a graduate from the NCAD to the value of €10,000. The Craftsperson Studio Scheme is being set up in association with the Crafts Council of Ireland where mentoring and business support will be given to the successful candidate to grow his or her enterprise. The remaining studios are available to professional artists, local, national and international. A number of development agencies will also form an integral part of this project including, the County Enterprise Board and FÁS.

Project welcomed in Laois and Beyond NEWS of the ambitious development has also proved a welcome resource for those outside The outside of Stradbally Courthouse where the new arthouse is set to open the county. Noel Kelly of Visual Artists Ireland (VAI) enthused: “VAI welcomes the news of the new studio programme as it is critical that as many new residency programmes as possible are established in areas such as Stradbally, and in the Midlands in particular, because of the central role that residents play as guides and role models for the arts in local areas. “The creation of this new residency programme is also important to ensure that artists are able to remain in the region as well as attracting outside artists to come and participate in the vibrant cultural life of the surrounding area.”

A proud tradition in Stradbally STRADBALLY COURTHOUSE is home to the Cosby family for more than 400 years and is host to the annual Stradbally Steam Rally and the Electric Picnic, which is widely accepted as the most innovative and popular music festival in the national cultural calendar. It is also home to McKeon Stone, the limestone yard known to sculptors nationally and internationally.

A look at the gardens outside the new arthouse.11 TADS Halloween Party with a difference

Cast of Widows Paradise CHARLEVILLE Forest Castle, a TADS’ members Marguerite Cahill stark edifice standing silently in and Paul Farrell were also performed its wooded estate, populated by in other rooms. TREADING THE BOARDS: ghosts, much visited by tourists Two guides in period costume and now…frequented by…actors! were on hand to help with the tours of the castle and, in a demonstration When it comes to any old building, of their diverse talents, one of these MEM Players take rumours of haunting abound, but guides treated those in attendance Charleville has recently been haunted to an exhibition of Middle Eastern by a different breed of spectre – dance later in the evening. centre stage in Tullamore Amateur Drama Society Not only was the event a showcase (TADS) which held a spookfest there for the diverse talent of TADS last Halloween. members and the beauty and Co. Westmeath “It was mainly to raise awareness elegance of the castle, it was also a of TADS in the town,” said Denise reunion for those TADS members Keoghan, Chairperson. “We had had SINCE MEM Players was set Rathowen playwright, Jimmy Keary - from the 80s, 90s and even the so- a successful run with An Evening of called naughties who had lost touch up in 1997 by a group of Where There is a Will, Up the Garden Path, Mother Knows Best, Here Funny Conversations in Hugh Lynch’s with the group. amateur drama enthusiasts Comes the Bride and Fortunes & last May and we have a core group of A slideshow of past dramatic from the Milltown, Emper Misfortunes. Last year was the first new, enthusiastic members. Halloween endeavours, old programmes and and Moyvore areas of Co year the players benefited from Paul was close when we decided to do photos from rehearsals was Curley’s experience and knowledge of something new and it was a natural displayed throughout the night. Westmeath the group has amateur drama when he produced the decision to base our next production A presentation was made to former Sam Cree Three Act Comedy Cupid become a regular feature of in the Castle.” Chairpersons Mary Dunne and the performance calendar in Wore Skirts. In 2010, the group had another Fionnuala Corrigan in recognition of the county. successful production by Paul with Guests at the party were their past achievements in the another Three Act Comedy by Sam met by the screams of a pioneer years of the group. Fionnuala But, the history of the group predates Cree, Widow’s Paradise. Widows’ coven of Shakespearean was recognised for her sterling work its official launch as it was born out of Paradise is set on a Friday evening in in the lead up to the allocation of the the Milltown Drama Group which was September in the 1960s in a caravan. witches at the door. new Tullamore Arts Centre site. a very successful amateur drama The story centres around a group of “This event was a credit to TADS,” group in the 1970s. It took part in five women who go to a caravan park A stream of sheikhs, vampires, one guest enthused. “It was very well many drama festivals at the time and for a weekend break where their ghosts, pirates, witches, Cleopatra, put together and everyone enjoyed won numerous awards, most notably, intention to have a quiet weekend Cruella deVille, Snow White, Minnie themselves. The costumes were very in 1976, the Coole Drama Festival alone is upset by the arrival of three Mouse and one distinguished man with the Three Act Comedy Troubled men who are on a fishing trip. A good and the plays and poetry were wearing a ducal coronet all ascended Batchelors by A J Stanley. Following a passing traveller calls in when his car excellent.” break in the 1980s and 1990s, the breaks down and the local farmer also the broad staircase to the ballroom It is hoped that this event has group was re-invented as the MEM pays a visit. There are no shortage of on the first floor mezzanine where paved the way for many similar Players by some of original members disagreements and misunderstandings, most of the action was taking place. events in the future and that with the of the Miltown Drama Group and some all providing hilarious consequences. Tickets for paranormal tours of the new Arts Centre in the offing more newcomers. “This has been a new direction for our castle, which is allegedly haunted, people will become members and The group plays a crucial role in set design team, who have put all of their were distributed throughout the night. patrons of TADS and help speed the encouraging interest from the youth of expertise together to produce a fantastic The music, drinks, food and dancing group to its next ‘scene-change’. the area in the art form. Drama is set,” explained the MEM Players. took place in the majestic ballroom introduced to the children in the local But, MEM Players really is a team TADS would like to express its where the spectacular ceiling, large National School with weekly visits effort because as well as cast thanks to the Findlater Wine and from Mullingar based drama teacher members each production has a fireplaces and tall gilt-framed mirrors Spirit Group, the Tullamore Dew Olive Whelan. They are further professional back room team lent an air of antique elegance and Heritage Centre, Eugene Kelly’s and encouraged as teenagers through the comprising of hairdresser, makeup baroque decay to the affair. Hugh Lynch’s for their generous help local Foroige Group. Also, one of the artist, costume designers, lighting and There were sketches, scenes from and sponsorship. group’s members produces a novelty sound technicians, stage designers popular movies, poetry and dance. act and recitation for the Scor na nÓg and stage hands. Seanchaí John Gaffey thrilled the Adults wishing to join TADS or competition each year. Some members Members have participated in various guests to spooky tales by the fire. needing information on any of its are secondary school students who drama workshops, some of which were Two original playlets, Weak Tea and activities should contact Susan are being encouraged to get involved held exclusively for MEM Players and TOADS, written and directed by McDonnell on 089 4365266. initially backstage with a view to intro- others which involve members from ducing them to the cast in the future. other amateur drama groups. Each year, MEM Players stage a Last year two members of the group production over three nights and, in received a bursary from Westmeath earlier years, productions were staged County Council to take part in a in the old parish hall. Now the group Drama League of Ireland Summer has a larger and more modern venue School week in Limerick where they in the new Milltown Community Centre, gained valuable insights which they just a 15 minute drive from Mullingar then shared with the rest of the group. and a mile from the village of Preparations are now underway for the Rathconrath on the Ballymahon Road next production scheduled for Spring beside the local GAA football pitch. 2011. New members and anyone with Recent productions from the MEM an interest in amateur drama and Players include My Wife’s Family by would like to get involved either on Hal Stephens & Harry B Linton, as stage or behind the scenes are invited well as a number of plays by to contact any member of the group.

12 SPOOKY: Members from TADS dressed to impress. CULTURE VULTURES: Athlone trio The Golden Sisters were on song at the very first Westmeath Culture Night. See pages 28 and 29 to find out how Westmeath is leading the way for Ireland Culture Night 2011. ART PAGE 14 Multi-Award winning Laois poet Ann Egan looks back at her year as Writer-in -Residence with Laois County Council PAGE 16 Midlands Arts and Culture Magazine speaks to Offaly Filmmaker Paddy Slattery about The Moment PAGE 20 Sculpture in the Parklands PAGE 25 Midlands Arts and Culture Magazine Talks to Photographer Tim Durham PAGE 28 Dublin Culture Guru Urges Midlands to Emulate Westmeath Success as first Ireland Culture Night 2011 Nears

13 Midland Arts and Culture Magazine | WINTER 2010/2011

About Ann Egan...

Ann who has an MA in History and a She has held several writing BA in Languages has a plethora of residencies, edited 14 books, awards under her belt. Her awards edited The Midlands Arts and include: The American Ireland Fund, Culture Magazine and co-edited The Annaghmakerrig Prize, Writers’ The Great Book of Maynooth. Week Listowel Poetry Prizes and The Wren Women was dramatised RTÉ Radio 75 Years. by Writers’ Week Listowel. Her books are Landing the Sea Her work has been broadcast on QUITE A STORY: (Bradshaw Books), The Wren The cover from the 2010 RTÉ Radio 1 and on local radio Women (The Black Mountain Press) Laois Anthology with cover stations. She is widely published at painting commissioned and Brigit of Kildare (Kildare Library home and abroad. from Laois artist, Niall and Arts Services). Fitzpatrick. Laois Echoes with Fionn MacCumhaill

Multi-award winning Laois poet Ann Egan looks back at her year as Writer-in-Residence with Laois County Council.

I HAVE just spent a magical year as Laois Arts Office. In December, residency and to demand, the Arts Laois Anthology. A special and Laois Writer-in-Residence. I was Muireann Ní Chonaill and Bridie Office invited me to develop the idea stunning cover painting was delighted when Laois Arts Officer, Keenan, Assistant Arts Officer had of the writer in the community commissioned from Laois artist, Muireann Ní Chonaill offered me the an evening of commemoration and further. Laois’s midland setting has Niall Fitzpatrick. residency as it was a great joy for me celebration organised in Áras an conferred on it a rich heritage of Over the summer, I selected, to travel my home-county’s ways Chontae with special guest, Pat folklore and a multiplicity of traditions. edited, collated and blended in 130 and work alongside its people of Moylan, Chairperson of the Arts My plan for the second part of my interactive writings of hundreds of six generations. Council, sharing the stage with the residency, entitled Filíochta Laoise, writers of all ages. The residency began with a two writers. was based on an idea of a I wrote The Book of Elba –a months’ stint in November and Members of Laois School of Music, multidisciplinary project of poetry, creative writing handbook – to meld December 2009. I submitted my under the tutelage of its Co-ordinator, stories, songs and meditations of six the creativity into a coherent story. themed plan of, Laois A Sense of Nuala Kelly, performed seasonal generations. The final stage of my residency Place and a Time of Christmas, songs. It was a spellbinding night. I chose the story of Fionn was working alongside the Arts which received full approval and Owing to the success of the MacCumhaill – he had spent his Office to showcase our writers in the wonderful support. infancy and early boyhood in Laois - to much acclaimed, Leaves 2010 I travelled to schools, primary and carry and unite the strands of my idea. Literary Festival. John Kirwan’s secondary, to RehabCare Portlaoise, “Every writer Between February and May, I beautiful poetry collection, A Laois to adult groups and young people’s travelled to 23 schools, primary and Meditation was launched, as was the groups in libraries and in Áras an dreams of having secondary for three one-hour visits, 2010 Laois Anthology, Laois Echoes Chontae giving readings and their writings in five libraries, adult groups and young with Fionn MacCumhaill. facilitating creative writing. groups in Árus an Chontae. I told Jennifer Johnston, Anthony Cronin, In return I received original and a book. The Arts stories of Fionn MacCumhaill, chose Michael Harding, Michael Coady, honest stories and poems that were Office brought themes, related them to Peter Cunningham and myself read a powerful commemoration of contemporary life, facilitated during the festival accompanied by homeplace and an evocative celebration that dream to workshops. Soon I had collected 900 Nuala Kelly, Triona Marshall and of Christmas memories – whether the unique writing pieces – poems, Vivienne Graham and hosted by writer was six or 86! fruition with its stories, monologues, benedictions Seamus Hosey, Muireann Ní Chonaill I also edited and prepared for commitment to and meditations. and Bridie Keenan. publication the poems of Every writer dreams of having their In Mountmellick Library a very Portarlington poet, John Kirwan. publish the 2010 writings in a book. The Arts Office special reading by young writers before I believe achievements must be brought that dream to fruition with its a packed audience was the high acknowledged and so also does Laois Anthology.” commitment to publish the 2010 point of this residency for me. M

14 John Whelan (middle) with friends.

HIPPY, HIPPY, SHAKE: The cover of Buddha of Ballyhuppahaun where John Whelan explores his inner hippy.

Slovenia at the height of the Balkan War you have an unusual opportunity “And while not DON’T WORRY in this surreal setting to ponder the everyone can live the meaning of life. life of a hippy full on, The things that struck me most I do believe we all about the Rainbow Travellers are their gentleness, generosity, resourcefulness, have an inner hippy” BE HIPPY their sense of responsibility and produced and printed abroad this community. As I was leaving the book is designed by Gillian Reidy's Former journalist John Whelan goes native as Johnny gathering in Slovenia, I said to one Penhouse Design in Ratheniska, friend called Martin that I was Renko in new book brought to life in County Laois. printed by Martin Connolly's Print heading back to the real world and he HAVING cut my teeth as a teenage I came up with the title back at that Central in Portlaoise, edited by Darren replied: “I don't know where you are journalist in the Leinster Express and European Rainbow Gathering near O’Loughlin, with drawings by Gemma going, but this is the real world.” a practising member of the fourth Rosenallis and the following year I Guihan. There is also an audio book Another interesting aspect of the estate for over 30 years ever since, went to Slovenia to attend the version narrated by Nick Anton, all book is that it’s independently published old habits die hard. While I have gathering in 1994 and again live with based in County Laois. to the highest production values and earnestly set about learning new the Rainbow Travellers. The Buddha of Ballyhuppahaun – A best practice in environmental standards tricks such as surfing and yoga this When you are living in a tepee with New Age Fable by Johnny Renko is here in Ireland. At a time when so old dog still barks or at the very least perfect strangers on the side of a available in all good bookshops, many books by Irish authors are being harks back for relevance. mountain in the Slieve Blooms or priced €15. M And while not everyone can live the life of a hippy full on, I do believe we ARTIST IN RESIDENCE AND PUPILS FROM MOUNT TEMPLE all have an inner hippy – singing at the top of your voice in the shower, skinny NATIONAL SCHOOL MIX THINGS UP WITH GLEE dipping, picking hazel nuts and black berries from the hedgerows all qualify WHAT do you get when you mix 200 expression thus developing their budding song which they wish to perform and the you – and from that hippy voice inside enthusiastic voices and bodies with an self-confidence. joy and the verve with which the your head, heart, belly or soul we all Artist in Residence? You get a class For the older classes, first through to respective classes, including the boys, have loads to learn if we only listened... showcase like no other says Susanne sixth, we are focusing on a mix of have thrown themselves into singing and Hogan, Artist in Residence – Mount improvisational scene work to develop an dancing their pieces has been fantastic Inspired by the arrival of the Temple National School, Co. Westmeath. understanding of stagecraft and to watch. Rainbow Travellers to the Slieve When asked to work with an entire character. Each scene a group explores We have incorporated all styles of Bloom Mountains in the summer of school for one day per week for six weeks encourages them to think on their feet dance from Jazz, Irish, Hip Hop, 1993, The Buddha of Ballyhuppahaun the first thing to consider is how best to and learn, in a very organic, hands-on Breakdancing and Ballet as well as is strongly influenced by the satirical optimise fun and learning, with a overall way, the art of the Theatre. Contemporary and even some acrobatic classics Gulliver’s Travels and Animal performance objective. As an artist I As each group gets to put their own and ribbon work with the students always endeavour to create something individual spin on the scene they are drawing on their own repertoire of moves Farm and also draws on the parables that is visually wonderful. As a dramatist given, the children have the opportunity to along with the pieces we have and philosophy of Zen Flesh, Zen and a teacher there are performance and explore their creativity, their self- choreographed. Bones. Most recently at the Dublin learning objectives that must be met. expression, their own understanding of a I have been working in theatre and launch of the book by the artist Mick Finally, as a child at heart, the element of topic and so therefore claim ownership of performance for 20 years now both on O’Dea in the Kevin Kavanagh Gallery, fun is, of course, the most crucial part of what they subsequently present to the and off the stage, always broadening my a colleague likened it to The Crock of the process. group. This has led to scenes where a horizons and keeping everything fresh For our work every week, my classes washing machine refuses to wash or a through the exploration of new ideas and Gold by James Stephens. and I have drawn on the tradition of bards cat disrupts the family meal with amusing by crossing disciplines to create a new For his part Mick O’Dea was struck and storytellers. The junior and senior results and, most importantly, garners approach to the work that I do as both an by the book’s capacity to turn the infants are working on the oral tradition complete engagement and support both artist and a teacher. This freshness of parochial into the universal (after of storytelling with iconic children’s tales. from the performers and the audience. ideas imbibes all the work with youth with Patrick Kavanagh). The junior class is examining the As well as acting, the classes have a sense of fun. It allows for the I have always wanted to write this American classic Goodnight Moon by been working on a song piece each, much spontaneous flow of creatvity and insists Margaret Wise Brown and the senior class in the vein of Glee. The Glee approach to upon turning it into performance. For the book and tell this story. It's been is presenting The Gruffalo by Julia music and movement came about as a children at Mt Temple this has meant that kicking around inside my head for 17 Donaldson – unequivocally a childhood way to broaden the concepts of each class is new, fun, unexpected and years. When I lost my job in favourite. In working with storytelling the performance and demystify dance as most definitely never ever boring! mainstream journalism I finally got younger classes gain an introduction into something that is only for girls! M the time and space to knuckle down, the basics of performance and Each group chose collectively their own stop talking about it and finally do it.

15 Midland Arts and Culture Magazine | WINTER 2010/2011

“I’m certain I would not have the good fortune to live out my dreams as a filmmaker, or even as a singer-songwriter, if not for that car accident.” Face-to Face- Face-to-Face with award-winning County Offaly Filmmaker, PADDY SLATTERY

Mark McCauley, Director of Photography for The Moment, Actress, Maureen O'Donovan (wife holding dying mans hand) and Eamon Rohan (dying man in bed). Eamon was in notable shows like Fr Ted, Ballykissangel and The Clinic.

16 Paddy Slattery may have won numerous awards and accolades from Clones to South Africa for his WHAT PADDY new film The Moment but the first thing he tells Midlands Arts and SAYS ABOUT Culture Magazine’s Briege Madden is that he not good at interviews. “I PADDY... always feel like I’ve just got caught sleeping at the back of class by the PADDY fell in love with the teacher, then asked to write the art of Filmmaking and Music answer of the question on the during an uncertain time in blackboard!” his life when he was restricted When did you become interested in to a bed for almost a year films? following a serious accident. I guess, as far back into my childhood as I can remember; I loved He suffered a severe spinal the temporary licence to escape into cord injury and subsequently my imagination and film, more than the natural road to follow. anything else, gave me that remains Quadriplegic. opportunity. It was films like ET, Willy “The songwriting Tell me about your latest film The Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, The came from laying in Moment. How did it come about Now finding vast amounts of Snowman, Ben Hur and so many and where did you get your inspiration from for it? free time on his hands, he other classics that just blew my mind a hospital bed for dedicated his imagination and when I’d go to bed that night I’d This film is about the final 10 find myself back in that land of make over a year, listening minutes in an old man’s life and towards the most obvious believe. I’ve always had a vivid to manufactured pop before he passes we witness how his form of escapism... film and imagine too which helped. undying love for his wife becomes his music, and, as they say... ‘the on the radio against final motivation. I’m always inspired by stories of someone who may be rest is history’ or, in this Is that always what you wanted to do? case, a History in the making. To be honest, filmmaking was not my will, coupled with on their deathbed but defy all physical something I would have ever the growing desire limitations to see a particular person considered as a career option. For one more time. Being inspired by greats of starters, I left school very early and to vent my own I also believe that death, in the the film world, such as David physical sense, in not the end but a figured my future would involve Lean, Stanley Kubrick, Sergio frustration” process of renewal. And there is too working on a building site so that’s Leone, PT Anderson and many what I pursued. I did love the physical much evidence in my life and the world around me to suggest others, Paddy now feels it's work and ability to express myself once took for granted. Essentially, I otherwise. Therefore, The Moment, his time to take a courageous creatively through carpentry and discovered the most valuable painting etc but I found myself albeit a sad one, is a moment that step towards emulating his blessing a person could ever hope to should be celebrated. becoming bored very quickly. Inevit- find, which is myself. heroes and aspires to making ably, my only motivation was the pay- his own film print on the cheque on Friday which is not entirely Where did the filming take place? A man with many talents – tell me During the summer of last year, world of entertainment. bad, but never affords you the time about your singing career to discover your true calling in life. we scouted for ideal hospital wards Well, the singing came naturally I to shoot in and many gave us suppose, as I come from a big family “I want to make films that Read about your accident on your permission to do so. Ironically, we of singers. I think the first time it settled for the village hall in will evoke and inspire. Films website – how has this changed became a necessity in my life was that will not only entertain your outlook on life? Clonbullogue, where I live. The old when my diaphragm collapsed from window design and lighting you, but leave a lasting I’m not so sure the accident my spinal chord injury. My changed my perspective on life, but it conditions were perfect. impression.” physiotherapist asked me if I could Thankfully, Tullamore General Hospital certainly changed the direction. In sing, and if so, I should sing for my fact, if not for the ‘accident’ (which allowed us to use their furniture and life, otherwise I will end up on a unused equipment as props. by the way, I don’t believe in) I’m a ventilating machine for the rest of my Tell me a little about the team. firm believer that becoming life. I replied to her with the first verse We cast Eamon Rohan (Father physically disabled was destined to of We are the Champions by Queen! “I think it’s difficult Ted, The Clinic) as our dying man in a be. Of course it was, otherwise I The song writing came from laying role that required great patience and wouldn’t be writing this… Anyways, in a hospital bed for over a year, to gauge success sensitivity as well as an ability to test sorry, I’m straying off point. I tend to listening to manufactured pop on the one’s physical boundaries, which stray. Sometimes I need to keep my radio against my will, coupled with in this industry Eamon achieved in the highest mind on a leash. the growing desire to vent my own performing degree. Not only is his But to answer your question… I’m frustration. Hence my goal to write though because, portrayal convincing but remarkably certain I would not have the good better lyrics than the garbage we just like the music evocative also. fortune to live out my dreams as a hear ninety-nine per cent of the time Our supporting cast were Claire filmmaker, or even as a singer- on our radios. I don’t mean any industry, there’s a lot Hilary who played a young affectionate songwriter, if not for that car accident. disrespect but the anatomy of a song nurse who allows her emotions to One thing I did learn from being is not that complicated and I figured of politics involved and invade her professional duties, paralysed is that my physical if these flash-in-the-pan boy bands the best films are Mairin O' Donovan as a loving wife restriction plays a very slight role in could have so much social influence, and Daniel J Dunne as Paddy, the my life and through the ability to then why can’t I? Of course, that was not always the ones man with the yarn and the worst register every possible human emotion before I understood the politics of the timing in the world. through the power of my imagination, music industry… In all seriousness, I that come away I’m left with a newfound appreciation never considered a music career but for the finer things in life – things I I love singing so much that it felt like with the awards.”

17 Midland Arts and Culture Magazine | WINTER 2010/2011

Production-wise, we were fortunate I think it’s difficult to gauge to have a great cinematographer, success in this industry though Mark McCauley, who captured the because, just like the music industry, most beautiful and ethereal imagery there’s a lot of politics involved and PADDY’S with the latest RED One Camera the best films are not always the Technology, Dave McCune, who ones that come away with the awards. composed an original score for the I think what we achieved from CV IN BRIEF film and the many others who practically a zero budget and a skeleton volunteered to work on it. Of course, crew, compared to films being funded my family, by default, made up half of up to €100,000, can be regarded as the production crew. Thank God their a success so in that respect, I’m over belief in me is as strong as my belief the moon with what we have achieved. Occupation: Writer: in the script. Without that, there I think at this stage, I could be Filmmaking: Writer/Director/Producer Feature length screenplay The Broken would be no film. dangerous with a budget that big. Music: Law of Attraction (In development) Actually, come to think of it, our Producer/Singer/Songwriter Feature length screenplay In Vision government could be dangerous with (www.myspace.com/paddyslatterymusic) (In development) “Each morning a budget that big! Other: Director/Producer: Lecturer/Life-coach (Mental Health & TV series The Art Factor when I open my Does your work have recurring Well-being, Road Safety, Disability Awareness, (2010 Pre-production) themes etc? Film, Music) Awards: Yes. Everything I do comes from Work to date: The Moment eyes I say to the heart. That’s what all my work Writer/Co-Producer/Performer: Winner of Best International Short has in common. I’m still relatively Album of original music Stand & Film 2010 in South Africa myself: ‘I, not new to the filmmaking business, but Deliver (2006) Second Place and Honourable I love what I do and would never Writer/Director: Mention at Clones Film Festival consider it work. As long as I feel that 2010 events, have the Music video for Head Over Heels (2007) way, I will continue to do it. I also feel Official Selection at nine Writer/Director/Producer: that anyone who works or expresses International film festivals so far Two act stage play Good Heavens (2008) power to make themselves through different forms of The Boy Who Flew: Debut short film Out of Tune (2009) media have a certain moral responsibility Shortlisted for Scanbitz Award, Short film The Moment (2010) me happy or so I like to instill a positive message Francie Award, Audience Award here and there in the hope that I may Writer/Producer: 2009 Short film The Boy, Who Flew! in some way, have a positive Out of Tune: unhappy today.” (2009 Shortlisted Clones Film Festival) influence on other peoples lives. Selected from 250 Irish Short Films Director/Producer: to screen for Launch of UCTV 2009 Short documentary My Life, with Me You seem very positive – how do you Other Hobbies & Interests: in it! (2010 post-production) Critical acclaim has been huge. stay so positive? Cinema, astrology, astronomy, I understand The Moment has been Well without sounding too cheesy, meditation, art, poker, conversation, screening all around the world. I’m blessed with a loving family. During travel, nature, poetry, food, living... We only sent out this film into the an uncertain period of my life, I also world recently but I’m shocked at discovered a deeper level of love for how well it’s being received when you myself and now feel that I should consider the subject matter. never hold myself in any less regard. It’s barely out the door yet it has As a result of that, I can live my life already screened at Film Festivals in without fear of a future that does not Offaly, Dublin, Monaghan, Derry, New yet exist. Or as Groucho Marx might York and South Africa where we won say: “Each morning when I open my the Best International Short Film award eyes I say to myself: ‘I, not events, and took Second Place in Clones. have the power to make me happy or These are festivals I could have only unhappy today. I can choose which it imagined having our film shown, so shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow it’s been a dream come true. hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it’.” Were you surprised at the success of film? For further information about I was and continue to be, but the Paddy or his company SAD Mantra feedback from audiences and Productions see judging panels have been great. www.paddyslattery.com M

18 THE EXQUISITE COLAB – FOUR WESTMEATH ARTISTS OPERATING AS A COLLECTIVE FOR THE PURPOSE OF COLLABORATION – HAVE UNDERTAKEN THE EveryonE PROJECT, AN INTERACTION BETWEEN THE COLAB, THE GRANGE WOMEN’S TRAVELLERS GROUP AND INDIVIDUALS FROM THE MULLINGAR TRAVELLING COMMUNITY.

ABOVE Paul Roy (Tyrellspass), Ann Wingfield (Moate) and Celine Sheridan (Mullingar) A LOOK AT COLAB presenting their exhibition in the Market House, Mullingar during Westmeath Culture Night. EveryonE brings artists and Travelling Missing from pic is Lesley Wingfield. Community together in book with a difference

THE EVERYONE Project embraces memory, of the individual, the reality is that in relation collaborators, to moments of interaction pieces together over several months from reflection and inclusion examining the to the overall formation of the person the and thus observation is framed, (like the the artists of the CoLab in meetings, individual experience of each contributor but majority of experiences are relatively similar. portraiture photographs within as snippets conversations and workshops with the in a manner that makes the collective To this end EveryonE is intended as of existence in a modern society). women from the Grange and members of experience and recollection a singular whole EveryonE, in its literal sense, is about the wider travelling community, as well as – in other words a collaborative Everyone – while the backgrounds, the individual and collective works. documentation of how experience creates lives of all the collaborators diverge, It is a snapshot of people without identity within a society. In essence, it experiences overlap, the attitudes to judgment and an artwork in book form, suggests that while everyone – from progress the aspirations intertwine, and hardbound, elegant and honest. whatever social background – has their desire for the identity of the single ego is as For further information see own individual experiences that ultimately important as the collective identity of the www.facebook.com/exquistitecolab M we all share similar experiences. whole. As a result, the project it is not a All of these experiences, reactions, document about the relative differences memories and observations have been between the individuals on a social basis gathered by the four CoLab artists into a but rather about inclusiveness and the idea book, a book not just of words and opinion that ultimately everything that everyone corralled into paragraphs, but of the wisps experiences, the individual nuances of daily of memory and threads of life, the hand- life and the memories that reflect the wrought words of a poet or the honest voice formation of the personality, are all pure collaboration, where all contributions of the matriarch, the measured drawing, the common across the spectrum of society. become part of the overall project identity; casual sketch, prints, photographs, tiny In other words, while superficially they where all recollection and reflection are artifacts of each life which have been may appear to have an obvious social equally valid. The artists react to their own molded into a single, significant book. relevance in terms of identifying the status experience, to the experience of the The CoLab gathered these individual

A HEALTHY INTEREST IN ART

ANAM Beo is a Charitable Company run by process led film artist, within the Anam Beo artists, providing participant led creative facilitator’s community. workshops in the health sector that Within each centre Michael provided the empower people and encourage them to Anam Beo facilitators and the centres’ become involved in creativity. The artistic participants with creative short film/animation aspirations and achievements of Anam Beo workshops and much to the delight of the participants through the organisation’s Art participants the centres have also created in Health project are a valued and visible short films of their own. part of Offaly. Alongside demonstrating his previous Anam Beo endeavours to raise the work he guided Anam Beo with the launch of profile of its participants and to increase the website www.anambeo.com. opportunities for audiences to experience During his time in Offaly Michael created their artwork. his own piece of film work The Fall of the ON CAMERA: Kate Daly and Peggy It is through a ‘hands on’ approach that Leaf that is part of a collection. ON CAMERA: Kate Daly and Peggy Nagle from the IWA being interviewed Anam Beo creates access to the Arts within Both this film and the Anam Beo website Although the film draws attention to for the Fall of the Leaf. the community and presently Anam Beo was launched last May in Birr Theatre and many beliefs, which are slowly disappearing, works with four day care centres where it is Arts Centre and was then shown during the work does not attempt to service be a rich feeding ground for his work for obvious that this continuous art intervention Bealtaine in Offaly Libraries County wide. nostalgia; instead, Fortune sees the work many years. has resulted in participants demonstrating Michael’s film work focuses on recording as much a celebration of the people relating He has produced many folklore notable increases in confidence, mobility customs, superstitions and beliefs throughout the accounts, as it is the stories being collections on film throughout Ireland in the and wellbeing. County Offaly with video footage recorded relayed. The use of the film helps further past 10 years and these collections are Anam Beo is keen to develop further, being produced into a collection of folklore. bring the stories to life as the accent and housed in various public and private network and engage with more participants, Recorded in HSE care centres in Clara, manners of the people recorded play as collections nationally and internationally. In reaching out to develop new partnerships Tullamore, Birr, Edenderry and the IWA in much an important role as the story they recent years he has presented these to and sponsorship for care settings. Ballinagar between January and April this are telling. various Folklore Departments including The The Fall of the Leaf year, the 25 minute film features recordings About the film-maker Folklore Departments of Memorial AT THE beginning of 2010 Anam Beo of various people speaking about beliefs FORTUNE grew up in a family immersed University, Newfoundland and University received The Arts Council Commissions and superstitions which range from walking in story, superstition and belief on the coast College Cork. Award to place artist Michael Fortune, a in the May dew to not throwing out ashes on a Monday. of Wexford and this subject has proved to M

19 Midland Arts and Culture Magazine | WINTER 2010/2011

Sculpture in

Internationally renowned artist makes history in Lough Boora Parklands John K Grande, Writer in Residence, has a chat with Alfio Bonanno, Artist in Residence, at Sculpture in the Parklands 2010.

JG: Alfio, it’s great to meet up with energies towards… Initiatives like to the beginning as a human being. It nature. Can you tell me how you you and to see this new initiative From Earth to Sky for Sculpture in is a universal thing. I am working with arrived at the original concept? where sculpture works with nature as the Parklands at Lough Boora, County the forest and with a respect for what AB: Working with site specific works a total integration. Art in nature can Offaly establish links with history and has been here. Of course, the first in different cultures in different open up new dialogues. What we call the local community. How did you step was this bogwood as the raw landscapes I found it was very public art is too narrow a definition arrive at the concept for the piece? material. I liked the idea and there is important to do structures that for an art that engages a public. Public AB: I was really excited when I took a a lot of it here. I found the material involve people – to create a space art can become so generic and sterile. trip into the boglands and looked at but how do you work with it? Looking that invites you, out of curiosity, to An art that engages community in nature this black landscape. I saw piles and for a site, something has to catch enter into is the way I work. I have has an exciting and engaging dynamic. piles of bogwood just sticking up. your feeling. Normally it is my body been making structures, works that AB: Taking art out to the community This was my language. I felt very that has to react to it; I feel it as a invite you to participate. I am not is the point; take it out there, to a humble and excited at the same physical sensation. Walking along interested in sculptures that are just village, a remote community, where time. Humans were living in this area the path in the Parklands we reached visual. This is physical. It is big something is going to happen with it. up to 10,000 years ago and so there a small lake that had been dammed. because the landscape requires a Way out you get a response, is an energy in working with this And the running water went into a certain size – we have to get people collaboration and there is a shared ancient peat wood material. Those hole and made a beautiful sound. I in here. So the scale also involves meaning. When you are gone, these pieces of wood carry a memory of caught onto that. Why look for certain issues of safety. The workshops people participate, look after it, and the ancient forest if you can plug into another site, when this first feeling at Bord na Móna have been fantastic they make it live. that. Just think what it will tell you. was just right for me? This was enough, building this huge steel structure and so I stopped there and went with it. JG: So this is a different kind of art, The peat lands and bogwood, the they are creative, good at the work both in terms of realisation and Mesolithic site nearby all represent a JG: Sculpture in the Parklands creates they do. This was a group effort that conception that you are directing your time frame where I feel my connection this link between human culture and

20 important. They tell you where you go with a project. The landscape, the area, the materials will tell you what you can do. JG: What you have done is really quite brilliant. For 21st century “Humans were living in this area up to 10,000 sculpture this is really quite a radical step you have taken, finding this years ago and so there is an energy in working common thread that brings us, through an artwork, into contact with with this ancient peat wood material.” ancient living history. PostModernism was all about breaking links, having no connection to any past. Here you have a work that reconnects ecology to human culture. AB: The size connects to human scale. Sculpture is also like a physical space connection between the human body and the environment. For me, it is the feeling and the intuition that this is right. Because I am a human I am connecting to other humans, to my past, to my ancestors, to the land. It is part of my life. I have a thread there connecting me to that – that, for me, is the most important thing and whatever happens afterwards with the art world and post- modernism I am not interested! See www.sculptureintheparklands.com

M the Parklands is part of it, I can't do this alone and the tree roots to frame the water as landscape at sunrise, sunset and the participation of all these people it enters, visually it is exciting and will through the day it changes. helping me gives it energy. stimulate a lot of associations. AB: When the sun hits the outer JG: And part of the energy is this JG: There is also this sense of the walls of bogwood, and sends active water coming in from the physics and weight of matter and the shadows into the stone within, landscape in the form of a stream – way time wears on matter. The it creates beautiful shadows water as an active element in a physics of matter is more radical as well. When you have the contemporary work of sculpture. than any ideology that could have sun, you have shadow and come up in the last century or two, AB: The water is moving and the this will change all the avant gardism and so on. sound is there; it is creating life and time, unexpected things is life. I am so happy I orchestrated AB: The respect for the materials is will happen. essential. I dialogue with the Orchestrating how the materials. If you respect the materials wood is installed is that you work with, they will work with very important. “I respect the you. If you look at the surface of this Connecting wood there is so much texture – it is the outside materials I use and just there. It is this wood from this with stones believe collaboration bog. It is not to cut up and burn. This that will lead wood needs respect. That is the way you into the area with materials is I feel about it. is also important. important. They tell JG: With the open space up top, it Site is important. I respect the you where you go may have a James Turrell-like feel for the way the light works within and materials I use and with a project.” without your sculpture. The sky is like believe collaboration a lamp that ignites the whole with materials is

21 Pictured at the Ljubljana Summer Festival is artist From Laois to Patricia Bennett Ljubljana

LAOIS-based artist Patricia Bennett was one of only eight artists from around the world invited to participate in this year’s International Fine Arts Colony at the Ljubljana Summer Festival, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

The Festival, in its fifty-eighth year, The Colony is organised to to the sounds of musicians Festival Organiser, Tomo Vran, is one of the premier arts events in encourage cooperation between the rehearsing. I drew inspiration from Selector, the Irish Embassy and Europe and The International Fine artists themselves and integration this, but also from the fact that we Michael Burke for his initial Arts Colony in its twelfth year is a within the festival as a whole. The worked outdoors, so the natural invitation and support. firm fixture in the international Arts festival is set in an urban surroundings – trees, river, light – “Now that I am back at Grenan calendar. This year, eight visual environment – in and around the were also a source. Mill I have time to truly reflect on the artists were invited – four from grounds of Ljubljana Castle – in the “As a result, I believe we were experience and to utilise what I Slovenia and four internationals centre of Ljubljana. The Colony able to realise the aims of the learned there to enrich my own from Italy, Malta, Bulgaria and Ireland. takes place at a time when the city festival organisers – to express our work,” said Patrica. The Colony is an ongoing project, breathes artistic creation, not just love for painting as a sincere Patricia is currently engaged in a which represents a chronicle of 12 visual, but also musical and literary, expression of our inner and creative two-year study at the Grenan Mill summers in Ljubljana. Each year the in a bid to foster a cross-pollination search – and to express ourselves Craft School in Thomastown, participating artists donate a piece of ideas. in the ‘language’ of music and Kilkenny, where she is upskilling in of their work to the permanent The artists were asked to literature, as well as our own – the all aspects of the visual arts. M exhibition which now totals more produce work, which reflected this visual arts” than 120 works – half from integration of the visual and other The week concluded with the Slovenian artists, half from the art. So, in addition, to being given all opening of the Festival exhibition by international contingent. the facilities required to produce Tomo Vran, the selector and their pieces they were invited to attended by classical musician and attend performances of ballet Festival Director, Darko Brlek, local (Maurice Béjart), opera (Tchaikovsky) dignitaries, including the Mayor of “We were invited and the Munich Philharmonic Ljubljana and representatives from and encouraged Orchestra. They also went on boat The Irish Embassy. trips on the Ljubljanica River and The artists set up a group called to experience were invited to socialise with other Colony 10 which is planning to everything that festival participants. collaborate in the coming months was happening “We were invited and encouraged and host a joint exhibition in 2011 to experience everything that was or early 2012. around us.” happening around us,” said Patricia. “I would like to take this “While we worked we were exposed opportunity to thank Darko Brlek,

22 Midland Arts and Culture Magazine | WINTER 2010/2011 Belmont Mill Artists’ Studios Celebrate Success

Sandy Lloyd owner of Belmont Mill looks “Well, we could back at 2010: not have made a THIS year has passed so quickly and we have had some better decision. wonderful artists on the bursary programme. Their length of stay From the moment was reduced to eight weeks we arrived the sun which enabled us to offer two more artists the chance to shone, and we come to Belmont. were able to paint I was delighted to see a piece by Laura Fitzgerald hanging in outside for most the Douglas Hyde as part of the permanent collection bought by of that beautiful Trinity College – a resident here October.” in 2008. Emily Archer, who was a resident here in 2009, had a solo exhibition The Post Room Project as Artist in Residence at Brian Bourke working at Belmont Mill the Waterford Healing Art Trust. Antonio Castro, with us in June and July 2010, is having a solo show in London in December and he will be starting our programme of Art on Show at Belmont in July 2011. To extend our calendar of events we hosted a series of Belmont Mill three talks given by art historians Jay Murphy Writes of her memories of painting at Belmont Mill with Brian Bourke from the National Gallery in Dublin. They were such a great BECAUSE our son Malachy lives able to paint outside for most of that My interest was sparked by another success that we hope to present on a boat on the Shannon, we have beautiful October. trip on Malachy’s boat, from Limerick a further series of three next become increasingly familiar and Brian chose to work from the back to Banagher, where we had the year covering different artists enamoured with the Midlands. fourth floor of the old mill, looking dramatic experience of passing through represented in the gallery. On a boat journey from Banagher down on the mature trees that grow Ardnacrusha, and I am also doing a A highlight of the year was to Tullamore, Brian was in its grounds. As the work progressed large series on this subject. the presence of Brian Bourke and Jay Murphy who rented a he found himself returning to the Since our return to the studio in impressed by Belmont Lock and studio for the month of October the surrounding landscape so the subject of the legendary manbird Galway, we have been working from and were to be seen everyday, next time we visited the area by Sweeney about whom we had both the material we produced in the mill. perched somewhere on the site car we stopped to explore and conducted a series of work in the Brian is already well on the way to painting in the glorious sunny visited Belmont Mill where we eighties. In the last week of our stay he completing a magnificent triptych of days. Brian very generously gave a talk about his Sweeney met Tom Dolan for the first time. gave a lecture on the subject, three large oils on canvas. Instead of series of work to an audience illustrated by his previous Sweeney Sweeney, what we see in the sky are of artists and art lovers.” We had been working on a book series, and surrounded by the new these amazing model aeroplanes For more information visit of 50 years’ of Brian's work and were work which seemed about to be which were also a feature of our visit. www.belmontmill.com about to forge ahead into a summer visited by Sweeney. I am combining the two subjects of major exhibitions to launch it. We My subject matter was the hydro- for a solo exhibition in Norman Villa knew that we would need a change electric turbine, which used to be run Gallery in Galway next year. of working environment when all this by the Perry family and now by Pine, It was a pleasure to meet and was over, so we booked a studio for who kindly allowed me to place work alongside the artists in the the entire month of October. Tom was myself in precarious viewing sites of other studios, but best of all was to extremely helpful and recommended the turbine if I promised not to fall in get to know the Dolan family who were that we stay in the lovely gate lodge and drown! so gracious and helpful throughout. of Lisderg House, which is just I am as interested in the rusting The work they have done on the mill across the road from the mill. old machinery as I am in the new, as is a huge achievement and of Well, we could not have made a my overall theme is always about enormous value to the area. better decision. From the moment we how nature reclaims our creations M arrived the sun shone, and we were when we cease to maintain them.

Right: Sluice Gate by Jay Murphy 23 Midland Arts and Culture Magazine | WINTER 2010/2011

side lawns and Autumn-tinted shrubs and trees. Back down we went, via the grand main stairs, to where around the long pine dining table in front of a flaming stove, smiling faces of different ages and accents introduced themselves. Two sweet, courteous, older gentlemen fussed around making sure I had a plateful of the good Sunday lunch, and that it was hot. Apart from being made to feel instantly welcomed, and at ease, my first positive memories will always include the sight of the meringue mountain-topped trifles. After lunch, the chart was checked again and with his gentle ceremony, Phelim, 'husband of the director' Talks,walks showed me to Studio Three in the courtyard. After a brisk, stretching walk in the dusk, I decanted my little car of all its assorted bags. After all the unpacking between room and studio, by 7pm I was ravenous. It and forks was everyone's time for fridge- raiding, and the enjoyment of listening and getting to know the writers, First impressions and lasting intentions for a two-week bursary at The Tyrone dancers, poets, painters, performers... Guthrie Centre, Annaghmakerrig With all my good intentions wired “Sliding back the for getting straight into story-writing TWO IS my lucky number. At 2.22pm who had found their distinguished and illustrating, on Monday morning on the Sunday, my 21-year-old Honda ways to this artists’ retreat: ‘They glass doors the full after breakfast, I dressed for a good came to rest in the car park at the must have had copies of the treasure walk instead. But, just to check I had Tyrone Guthrie Centre. A gentle map’, thought my dipping spirits, ‘for aroma of divine not imagined it, I went first to the friend, who had been here to do her am I not a mere poseur from Offaly?’ cooking and merry studio. Up two steps, opened the paintings, had told me, ‘It will change But it was thanks to a wee black dog, unlocked door and tears welled up in your life’. a ginger cat, and the man who opened chatter burst out. I my eyes. The emotion of being here My journey had begun in brilliant his door, that close to an hour later I at last was overcoming me. I turned sunshine but as if in symbolic did at last pull up at the low, metal had found the life on the battered radio, retuned to lyric shrouding of the prediction, a gates. Ah! those low, white and black within!” fm and Holst’s Bringer of Jollity filled deepening mist had settled down metal gates, with the very small, the space. I forgot ‘work’ and danced upon the roads and countryside. It discrete sign, that I’d obviously pop of stone under tyres, and then and twirled around the huge, bright heightened my excitement. bypassed several times: those un- the Victorian house appeared all room with tears bouncing off my With no wrong turns, my progress openable gates, and the sinking Gothicky up on its rise; points and second-hand wax jacket. went surprisingly well, until Newbliss feeling that a TD could have slipped textured sienna emerging from the M – here I knew I'd need local directions. the truth out. white cloud. by Rosalind Fanning At a garage shop it was with Newbliss I rang the bell. It remained so quiet But all other humans had retreated Oblige that the local TD, with a but for the dripping trees. Then, in from the artists’ retreat. Stillness. shaving cut to his right ear, gave me barely five minutes, a white car This old bell didn’t call anyone across the number of left turns and sharp appeared and pulled over as if to the oriental rugs in the grand hallway. bends to take, in a pleasant chat over welcome me. ‘I know the magic Should I curl up under the rugs in my his shopping basket. As I thanked him code’, she said. But that was mere car and wait? But then it seemed he added cheerily, ‘I hope the gates luck, for the departing artist and I logical to walk around the building to won't be locked when you get there.’ would not meet again. A drive edged glimpse through windows. At the first Once off the main road, following a by old woods and a fork, with stone corner sweet aromas of food cooking sign for Annaghmakerrig Lake, I drove outbuildings to the right. Creak and revived hope. Through the steamy back and forth on forest roads, past kitchen glass I waved to a chef and farms and scatterings of dwellings he waved back but dived behind his with no humans, nor lake in sight. “But it was thanks to pots. Suddenly, a bearded young Outside the houses and cottages all a wee black dog, a man came to my rescue. Sliding back the dogs made eye contact in a the glass doors the full aroma of friendly manner and a nod of ‘You ginger cat, and the divine cooking and merry chatter look like the new lost artist’. Such man who opened his burst out. I had found the life within! was their apparent thought that in With the nicest ease, he introduced half a blink I nearly stopped to ask door, that close to an himself, leaving his lunch to check them for directions. hour later I did at the room list in the kitchen. He took According to the brochure that me upstairs and along creaking good soul had lent me, Heaney, last pull up at the corridors filled with artworks and Enright and Tóibín as well as McCabe, antiques, to my lovely room – mine for Banotti and Byrne were among those low, metal gates.” the next two weeks – overlooking the

24 Briege Madden catches up with award-winning Killucan photographer Tim Durham and got a snapshot into his new project on Westmeath Social Housing – as well as some tea and carrot cake.

FRAMED

WITH the budget like a dreary As we warmed up for the big County Westmeath in February scare photographer Tim away black cloud hovering over us all, interview sipping coffee, eating 1995 – but there were those who and, on the contrary, he admits carrot cake and putting the state raised eyebrows about his choice that he draws quite a lot of it’s almost impossible not to of the country in order, Tim of address. He told me how he inspiration from the Midlands and have a discussion about the recollected when he was first had met someone in Mullingar its “undiscovered gems”. In fact, economy with virtual strangers exposed to the idea that the who said: “Do you not know that he believes that the Midlands trudging down the street, or at Midlands was a donut! Ireland is like a donut… culturally spawns original creativity – Tim, who was born in England, everyone gravitates towards the perhaps because of its the local shop and my first came over to Ireland on St edges and you have just moved to geographical position rather than meeting with Tim Durham didn’t Patrick’s Day 1990 and the hole in the middle.” in spite of it – and gives him room break with this new tradition. eventually settled in Killucan, However, this warning didn’t to breath artistically.

25 Midland Arts and Culture Magazine | WINTER 2010/2011

The 47-year-old explained: “I do completed in March 2011, it would The respected travel photo- see council housing – both like living in the Midlands… I seem that he will be drawing even grapher explained that he wants to the residents and outsiders.” wouldn’t particularly want to live in more inspiration from the Midlands photograph the houses towards This is Tim’s second PerCent for the west. I don’t particularly want a – past and present. the end of the winter with as few Art Scheme. In 2008, he was sea view and I think the reason for Currently Tim, as part of the leaves on the trees as possible to commissioned by Meath County that is I don’t want people always PerCent for Arts Scheme, has be consistent in his photography Council following the refurbishment saying ‘isn’t it absolutely fantastic been commissioned by Westmeath approach. of Kells Town Hall and asked to here, isn’t it an amazing view, County Council to produce a piece “I don’t particularly want people explore the connection between aren’t the mountains lovely’. You of work on the history of Westmeath to notice the difference in the the Book of Kells and the island of have that fantastic seascape and County Council housing. weather or season. I want them to Iona in Scotland. that ever changing sky but while For the project he intends to notice the difference in the In fact, Tim has had an those are always very nice things I photograph the exterior of council houses.” interest in photographing working think it can be hard to find yourself houses within Westmeath (excluding Although still in the conceptual environments for some time and in often in those places or often it’s Athlone) and then do a series of stage Tim did say that physically 2006 he gained access to the hard to find the things to look at interviews with people connected the end product could either be offices of The Irish Times in the without being directed by others. to county council social housing. a book or a portfolio of pictures. last month they produced “It is easier for me to find my “I have started the project,” said “I don’t have a complete sort of the paper from D’Olier Street. own pace here in the Midlands and Tim. “I have done maybe 10 picture of how it will be in the end Following this, in 2008–2009 he find what it is that interests interviews with people and at but that it will be revealing of went on to photograph the active me here.” present am sort of taking a break council housing and the people working environment of Tara Mines And with his new project, to be from it.” who lived there and how people

Chefchaouen, Morocco. Tim Durham ©

26 Mines in Navan and more recently, in 2009, Tim photograph- ed at Shackleton Mills, a former flourmill in Lucan. In each case he was very particularly interested in the work environment. Tim somehow finds the time to teach photography to Transition Year Students, in Outreach Centres and to artists to enable them to record their own work with the equipment they have for websites and catalogues as well as photographing the work of artists whether its paintings, drawings or sculptures. But, looking ahead Tim is eager to remain thought provoking and is not one who will be taking things easy any time soon. He admits Shackleton Mill Tim Durham © that getting older can sometimes mean people play it safe but he is determined to take chances. “I'm “I would like to work faster, more homes and workplaces. I plan on 47 now and I’m very aware that freely and on smaller projects that doing much more of this.” with age, generally, people take don’t necessarily end in an exhibition fewer risks and become more but rather a limited edition For further information and to conservative in their thinking. I’d portfolio box or hand made book.” check out Tim’s work see like to keep taking a good few risks “In recent years I’ve been www.timdurham.ie every year. fortunate to photograph in peoples M

A SNAPSHOT OF TIM’S CV

Bubbles Corporate Collections: W5, Belfast Fuji Ireland Head Office, The Multi Coloured World Glasnevin, Dublin Of Soap Films Wyeth Biopharmaceutical Campus, BA Festival, Trinity College, Dublin Grange Castle, Dublin Soap Opera Awards: Draíocht Arts Centre, Westmeath County Council Blanchardstown, Dublin Equipment Grant Group Exhibitions: Achill Heinrich Böll Association Bubble Westmeath County Council Bursary Science Gallery, Dublin 2 to the Tyrone Guthrie Centre Arts Council Travel Award Heartland Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, Co. Kildare Born: 1963 London Platform 1 Travel Photography: Mullingar Arts Centre, 1989 – 1999 Co. Westmeath Freelance travel photography in Public Commissions: Africa, Europe and North America Per Cent for Art, Westmeath County Solo Exhibitions: Council, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath 650-1575: Images Of A Mine Per Cent for Art, Kells Town Solstice Arts Centre, Navan, Council, Co. Meath Co. Meath Westmeath County Council, Perfect-Imperfect Mullingar, Co. Westmeath Solstice Arts Centre, Navan, Co. Meath Public Collections: Fingal County Council, Civic Offices, Soap Opera Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 Institute of Physics, Portland Place, London Science Gallery, Trinity College, Dublin 2

Above right: On October 24th 2006 the last edition of the Irish Times was issued from their D’Olier Street offices. Tim’s photographic project records the old building in the last six weeks up to the move.

27 Midland Arts and Culture Magazine | WINTER 2010/2011

Face-to-Face: Bartle D’arcy, General Manager, Belvedere House ensured the historic building played a part in Energetic Participation: Jessica Clarke of Energy Plus Westmeath Culture Night and School of Dance, Mullingar, performed at the Market offered a free tour of the Square in Mullingar during Wesmeath Culture Night. famous estate. Pic: Briege Madden Westmeath The hallmark for Culture Night in the Midlands

Managing Director of the Dermot McLaughlin told the creating communities.” “I expect to see Westmeath at Midlands Arts and Culture Magazine: He added: “I hope that the kind of the forefront of this!" enthused Mr Temple Bar Cultural Trust – “Westmeath Culture Night really leadership and confidence that McLaughlin. the organisation behind captured the spirit of the Culture Westmeath showed this year will Night and it blazed a new cultural become the hallmark for Culture Night Westmeath’s first ever Culture Night, Culture Night – is looking trail in people’s imaginations. From not just in Westmeath, but also in the which was held on September 24, forward to Ireland Culture looking at the media coverage and Midlands generally. surpassed all expectations. Catherine impact, it is clear that Culture Night and Kelly, Westmeath County Council Arts Night 2011 and hopes the Westmeath make a perfect match! “2011 is a really important year in Officer, said: “The very first Culture success of Westmeath the development of Culture Night Night to be held in Westmeath in “The range of events and the and our goal is to work with all our September went brilliantly. We had Culture Night will become broad sense of inclusion and shared partners to create Ireland Culture more events than most other counties the “hallmark” for the involvement leading up to Westmeath Night so that the island of Ireland is despite this being our first year, which Culture Night reminded us of the role buzzing with culture and welcoming to really highlighted the vast wealth of Midlands. that culture plays in defining us and in everyone.” talent Westmeath has to offer.”

28 She added: “I would like to thank everyone involved in making Westmeath CULTURE NIGHT Culture Night such a success, all those who organised an event and SHOWCASED everybody that helped in anyway. “It just proves that when a county, ALL-IRELAND town or village unites together anything can be achieved.” TALENT! In the end there were close to 100 events taking place throughout the Athlone trio The Golden Sisters, who county including dancing, family fun, appeared on the All-Ireland Talent music, poetry, lectures, art, drama - show last year, hit all the right notes and all for free. on September 24 when they Grainne Togher, a member of the performed in Athlone's Dean Crowe Mullingar Scribblers read excerpts from her new novel Comings and Theatre during Westmeath Culture Goings, All Ireland Talent stars The Night 2010. The Coosan sisters Golden Sister were on song in Athlone Shauna 17, Clíodhna 15 and Aishling and artists throughout the county 12 represented the east on the talent showcased their works. show and were one of Bláthnaid Ní Mayor Mick Dollard launches Westmeath Culture Night 2010. In fact it would seem that only Chofaigh acts. The girls are the Dublin surpassed Westmeath’s daughters of Barry and Sharon impressive lineup – despite this being the county’s inaugural event. Golden from Hillquarter. Events began at 10am on September 24 and finished in the early hours in locations across the county including Mullingar, Kinnegad, Castlepollard, Killare, Delvin, Fore, Athlone, Moate and Ballynacargy. While this was the first time Culture Night was held in Westmeath the event has been running since 2006 in other counties around Ireland including Dublin which saw more than 150,000 people attend some 120 venues last year. The event is an initiative of the A Moment in Time: Student Temple Bar Cultural Trust and is part Kevin Glennon from sponsored by the Department of St Finian's College Mullingar Tourism, Culture and Sport and with his Back to the Future Westmeath County Council. M Time Capsules. Pic Briege Madden. See www.westmeathcoco.ie/culturenight

Sneek-A-Peek: The Golden Sisters l-r Shauna, Aishling and Clíodhna. Pic Briege Madden.

LOCAL SCHOOLS MAKE HISTORY

ONE WESTMEATH student interred would be dug up again in 100 years. more than 25 time capsules during The contents of the time capsules Culture Night after urging all schools from some 25 schools included throughout the county to take part in everything from photos, prayers, and making history! Kevin Glennon from a book of autographs to Tesco Club Pictured at the launch in St Finian’s College Mullingar captured Cards and student stories. The time Dublin Castle are Briege the essence of life in Westmeath capsules were buried at Belvedere Madden, Gráinne Toher, schools in 2010 by giving schools the House after a short ceremony.The Paul Roy, Anna Duffy, opportunity to gather various artifacts, girls are the daughters of Barry and Guy Wingfield-Horan, Ann which were then buried with the plan they Sharon Golden from Hillquarter. Wingfield, Angela Madden and Catherine Kelly.

Hitting the Headlines: Catherine Kelly, Westmeath Arts Officer meets GAA legend Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh at the national launch of Culture Night in Dublin Castle. 29 Midland Arts and Culture Magazine | WINTER 2010/2011 Looking at the building blocks of Offaly - Architecture Centre set to open May 2011

PLANS are underway to develop a temporary architecture centre in Offaly that is expected to open in May 2011 following the Young council securing funding from the Arts Council and people the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. are getting Offaly County Council explained that the chance the temporary architecture centre will likely be housed in an empty shop unit in Tullamore. Here three to act up! exhibitions will be held focusing on Offaly built heritage and protected structures, contemporary design Model of the Bocconi Project, Milan by Grafton Architects (winner of World Building TWO YOUTH theatre practice with a talk by Yvonne Award 2009) of which Tullamore native Yvonne Farrell is a key partner. Farrell, a Tullamore native and projects will get planning offices of Offaly County Now with the down turn in the founder member of Grafton Council. economy and in construction, we underway in the New Architectures and a public response have an opportunity to reflect on to the observing of places and “Our aim is to create an awareness this and how we want our Year in County Offaly spaces around us. and debate about our built environment to grow with us in the in the towns of environment, to take the time to future.” Rachel McKenna, Senior Executive observe, reflect and appreciate Tullamore and Birr. Architect with Offaly County Council what is around us. The speed of For further information on the said: “This is an exciting project how our built environment increased project keep an eye on local press The project will give young people and a collaboration between in the last decade was phenonmenal. and www.offaly.ie closer to the time aged 14–21 the opportunity to learn architectural, arts, heritage and or contact 057 9357400. about acting, improvisation, devel- oping characters, devising scripts and learning about stage craft.

Despite lots of opportunity for young people to get involved in musical productions around the Athlone Art & Heritage Ltd. county, to date there has been invites applications for the position of very little opportunity to learn about stage or screen acting.

The youth theatre projects will be Arts & Heritage Manager facilitated by a group of committed initially for a period of 3 years. theatre professionals in Offaly, including Anne Moloney, Macdara Deery, Angela Ryan, Fiona Breen The Company was established by Athlone Town Council and the and Eddie Alford, who have role of the Manager will be to manage, operate and promote professional training and exper- art, heritage and tourism facilities such as the Athlone Art ience in all aspects of theatre development, from acting to Gallery and the Castle Visitor Centre. directing to developing productions.

Further particulars and application forms are available from the One has already begun in Banagher under the stewardship of Anne undersigned and on www.athloneudc.ie/arts and the closing Moloney. date for the receipt of applications is January 11th 2011. It is anticipated that the three ‘satellite’ youth theatre teams will Athlone Art & Heritage Ltd. come together for an annual Civic Centre production under the auspices of Church Street Offaly Youth Theatre, which will be Athlone affiliated with the National Association of Youth Theatre.

30 MidlandsArts andCultureMagazine

Tempus Media and Brosna Press, using their combined expertise in journalism, marketing, design, print and production have created a new-look Midlands Arts and Culture Magazine.

TEMPUS MEDIA BROSNA PRESS There's never a wrong time to do the right thing Creative Design and Print Tempus Media was established at the height of Located in the heart of the midlands, Brosna the recession in September 2009 as the Press has been providing a nationwide client- founders saw an opening for a top quality, good base with creative, high quality design and print value media company in a challenging for over 50 years. Its Irish Print Award acknow- marketplace for business and Government. ledges the company’s commitment to the Midlands-based Tempus Media specialises in pursuit of excellence in print and creativity in five key areas - Publishing/Copywriting, Public design. Clients in the arts sector include: Relations, Media Training, Lobbying, and RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, RTÉ Concert Business Crisis Management. Orchestra, Music Network, Music for Galway, New Ross Piano Festival, County Council Arts Offices, Dunamaise Theatre, Birr Theatre & Arts Editor: ANGELA MADDEN Centre, Tuar Ard Arts Centre. Brosna Press operate their design studio and print facility Angela has more than 15 years' experience in from a state-of-the-art 12,000 sq ft facility in the publishing industry as a Journalist, Foreign Ferbane, Co. Offaly. Correspondent, Editor, Group Editor and General Manager for trade, local and national press in Creative Director: DIARMUID GUINAN Ireland and the UK. Angela has excellent local knowledge as she was previously Editor of the Senior Designer: ANN QUINLAN Athlone Voice and has an enviable list of Production Manager: CIARAN GUINAN contacts throughout the country, built up during Creative Director Diarmuid Guinan holds a her time as Group Editor for 13 River Media Bachelor of Design, Visual Communications newspaper titles. She also has a wealth of and has more than 18 years professional experience launching new publications experience in graphic design and printing. responsible for content, layout and templates He manages a highly creative and experienced having brought a number of new River Media design team including Ann Quinlan, BDes, titles to market in 2007. Senior Designer, Andrew Moore, BDes, Senior Designer and the highly experienced Mary Egan. Deputy Editor: BRIEGE MADDEN Managing Director Ciaran Guinan holds a Briege is a trained journalist who has worked for Diploma in Print Management and has more local newspapers for close to four years. After than 25 years professional experience in the attaining her BA Creative Writing & Media print industry. The production staff at Brosna Studies degree she started her career at The Press are all highly skilled press operators and Athlone Voice before taking up a more senior print finishing specialists. role at the Cavan Post. She joined Tempus Media in April this year as Business [email protected] • Tel: 090 6454327 Development Manager and is the lead [email protected] • Tel: 090 6454327 consultant on a number of important Public Relations contracts. Briege is also an avid poet, short story writer and artist.

For further information contact: [email protected] • 086 7732023 [email protected] • 086 0737227 Meet the team

ARTS OFFICE CONTACTS

Have Muireann Ní Chonaill, Arts Officer Laois County Council, Portlaoise your story Tel: 057 8674342/44 [email protected] covered… www.laois.ie/arts Sinead O’Reilly, Arts Officer If you have a story or news Offaly County Council, Charleville Road, Tullamore relating to the arts in the Tel: 057 9357400 Midlands that you would like [email protected] www.offaly.ie/arts to see covered in Midlands Arts and Culture Magazine, Catherine Kelly, Arts Officer Westmeath County Council County contact your local Arts Officer Buildings, Mullingar (details opposite). Tel: 044 9332140 [email protected] www.westmeathcoco.ie/arts 31 MidlandsArtsandCultureMagazine…take a fresh look

MidlandsArts andCultureMagazine PUBLISHED FOR THE ARTS OFFICES OF LAOIS, OFFALY & WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCILS A REVIEW OF THE ARTS IN LAOIS, OFFALY AND WESTMEATH BY TEMPUS MEDIA • DESIGNED & PRINTED BY BROSNA PRESS