Telling future stories through national collections and the role of artists in the process. This programme on the Castlebar Greenway & at the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, viewable from early 2022, draws inspiration from the National Folklife Collection and showcases work by artists exploring these themes.
AIBRÉAN 28th and 30th April
In AIBRÉAN, this liminal space between spring and summer, we will come together on two days, the first April 28th to celebrate the Art of the Word on the Greenway, the second on April 30th to once again celebrate the changing seasons and the embrace of summer. These days at the end of April mark the halfway point between the spring equinox and summer solstice, mirroring the Scottish Latha Bealltainn and Manx Laa Boaltinn/Boaldyn.
Thursday April 28th from 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Commencing at National Museum of Ireland - Country Life, we celebrate the Art of the Word and Poetry Day Ireland, taking to the Western Greenway for a poetry trail which will feature some of Mayo’s finest minstrels and poets.
Take the walk, stop along the way and return to the museum with us for a complimentary hot drinks and a poetic grand finale.
Bealtaine Eve, Saturday April 30th from 8.30pm to 11.00pm
Join us as we gather to celebrate the arrival of Bealtaine and the beginning of summer. With it comes the light, growth, abundant hedgerows and the May morning dew. Work created during the three FOLKLIFE residencies will be presented over the course of the evening.
Taking Bealtaine and The National Museum of Ireland – Country Life collection as their themes, artists in residence Jane Cassidy and Breda Burns worked with Mayo Artsquad to explore ancestral knowledge, human connection with natural cycles and traditions from our past.
These new collaborative works together with a commissioned work by artists John Conway will be revealed on the evening following performances by Mayo Youth Choir led by Eriko Uehara Hopkinson and the critically acclaimed folk band, Landless. Hear Ruth Clinton, Meabh Meir, Sinead Lynch and Lily Power perform seasonal unaccompanied traditional songs.
For further information and updates, visit: https://www.mayo.ie/arts/folklife2022
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On Sunday, 30th January, the first part of this programme took place at NMI - Country Life.
'Imbolc' referenced the spirit and traditions around St. Brigid and the coming of Spring.
Brigid’s Blessings - Beannachtaí Bríde | Mags Duffy
For further information please visit Mayo Arts Service.