A theme of Building and the Community connects five architecture events in this year’s Westport Arts festival, welcoming members of the public to exhibitions, talks, and workshops to enjoy the third dimension of this visual art form.
An Architecture and Tourism exhibition sees local architects explore the enormous potential of architectural ideas to attract visitors to a place; highlighting that now is the time to design for the future. Opening night is Wednesday September 28 at 7pm in Westport Library. All are welcome.
A workshop called Draw Together invites young and old to ‘draw streets the way we want them to look’, at the Octagon on Saturday October 1 from 12 noon to 4pm, with music by Mr Whippy.
On Tuesday October 4, architect/lecturer Orla Murphy presents a fascinating talk on how we inhabit the contemporary Irish town; based on research emerging from the Kevin Kieran award 2009-11. This event is kindly supported by the Arts Council/OPW and will take place in the Wyatt Hotel at 7pm.
Those interested in architectural conservation may enjoy a Tour and Talk of the beautiful Holy Trinity Church. This event takes place at 1pm on Wednesday October 5.
Finally, a moveable feast entitled Ice-Cream Architecture offers workshops from the back of a converted ice-cream van, inviting participants to work with straw-bales, willow, hessian and other materials to make architectural creations at the Octagon, October 8 from 12 noon to 4pm.
For further information, see www.westportartsfestival.com and Blink, the visual arts programme.