Kilkenny will be the venue for an action-packed schedule of world-class talent in music, theatre, craft, dance and literature for this year’s Kilkenny Arts Festival, which runs from August 5 to 14.
“I’m absolutely delighted with the line-up, and the public reaction has been very positive so far,” said festival CEO, Damien Downes, speaking to the Kilkenny Advertiser.
“This year’s literature programme is one of the best we’ve ever had, but also in theatre and music. Despite continuous cuts, we have managed to keep standards high.”
Literature this year features Paul Muldoon, TC Boyle, and Tobias Wolf, with the much-anticipated Hubert Butler Lecture to be delivered by economist, Morgan Kelly.
Music – wired, classical, and contemporary – presents variety from James Vincent McMorrow to the Irish Baroque Orchestra, with Resurgam through Gemma Hayes, Mongolian Bluegrass, Chinese Flutes, Allesandro Taverna and Agnes Obell.
The core venues remain the same. There is St Canice’s Cathedral, the Watergate, the Parade Tower and the Set Theatre. But there are also some new additions – the Hole in The Wall and the Muniment room in St Mary’s Hall, as well as others. There will also be one performance, by a visual artist, using the newly renovated Kilkenny Courthouse.
Established in 1974, the Kilkenny Arts Festival is now in its 38th year – making it the oldest multi-disciplinary festival in Ireland. This will be CEO Damien Downes’ fourth year in charge, and it is also his final year, as he prepares to take up an academic post at the National College of Art and Design.
So far this year – while it is still early days – demand is good. The festival bucked the trend during the immediate onset of the recession, and its organisers are hoping that this trend will continue.
“In 2008, our numbers were actually up, and also by a small amount in 2009,” said Mr Downes.
“I’ve spoken to some of the people involved in the heritage buildings and the popular tourist destinations, and they’re pretty pleased with tourism numbers so far this year. Hopefully we’ll continue to get the same footfall as in previous years.”
There is no doubt that the arts festival week is of huge importance to Kilkenny as a region.
“The arts festival, Cat Laughs, Rhythm and Roots – these are integral to the economic fabric of Kilkenny, and represent a fantastic investment for the State in terms of support for the arts,” Mr Downes said.
“I’d just like to thank the sponsors and the supporters of the festival, there are so many people. I’d like to single out the Crafts Council of Ireland – we will have a special emphasis on craft at this year’s festival.”
Tickets are available online from now, while the main public box office will open on High Street, opposite the Book Centre on July 11.“We have about 200 volunteers every year, and many will return again year after year – they probably know the ins and outs of the festival better than I at this stage,” said Mr Downes.
“But we’re still always looking for new people. There’s still room for more junior and senior volunteers – all are welcome, just log onto the website www.kilkennyarts.ie ”
