Culture Night – One night for All took place on Friday, September 20th throughout Ireland. It promised something for all ages and interests and certainly delivered here in Kerry.
The Arts Office of Kerry County Council, co-funded by the Arts Council and Creative Ireland, co-ordinated over 50 free cultural events at 45 locations across the county.
The favourable weather added to the electric atmosphere ensuring record numbers enjoyed a diverse range of cultural offerings that included music, dance, storytelling, visual arts, historical talks, street spectacle, circus art, fashion and theatre late into the night.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the artists who participated in this year’s events that celebrated Kerry’s arts and culture.
Kerry’s Rich Cultural Heritage
Culture Night again showcased Kerry’s rich cultural heritage. Proving Kerry to be not only a scenic destination but a cultural centre.’ acknowledged Cllr. Breandán Fitzgerald, Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council
“Culture Night is a night like no other. It gives us the opportunity to enjoy a moment where we can truly celebrate and appreciate what Kerry has to offer in terms of arts, culture and creativity. I’d like to thank our artists, arts venues, community groups and organisations that made this year’s Culture Night so special,” said Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer for Kerry County Council.
Scartaglen Heritage Centre
There were sparks too on stage at the Scartaglen Heritage Centre where young and gifted musicians entertained, gelled, played and sang with abandon and talent that seemed beyond their ages – and all under the guidance of fear a’ tí John Walsh.
Kerry County Council was represented there by its assistant arts officer, Hannah Pinckheard and by Cllr. Fionnán Fitzgerald, Cathaoirleach an Bhardasaigh Oileán Chiarraí agus Corca Dhuibhne.
A Vibrancy Around Kerry
Ms. Pinckheard thanked all event organisers on behalf of herself and the team in the arts office for their continued support, ingenuity, and enthusiasm.
“Preparation for Culture Night begins many months in advance of the night itself – so thank you to all who came out to take part in the night.
“There was a real vibrancy around Kerry on the night which would not exist without the community support and artists’ work throughout the year,” she said.
Oíche Speisialta I gCiarraí
Le cupla focal in a theanga dhúchais, thairg Cllr. Fionnán Fitzgerald míle buíochas do gach éinne a bhí ag an Ionad Chultúrtha Scairteach an Ghlinne chun ár seinnteoirí óga a cheiliúradh ar an oíche speisialta i gCiarraí agus timpeall na tíre.
Cllr. Fitzgerald then said that there is a long and well-documented tradition of music, song, storytelling and celebration of culture in the area of Scartaglin, Castleisland and Sliabh Luachra. Events such as World Fiddle Day, the Patrick O’Keeffe Traditional Music Festival, activities in Tureencahill, Gneeveguilla and many others do a huge amount in the area to give young people the opportunity to become part of this tradition.
“I salute and thank everyone that makes this possible – too many to mention. There are over 50 events happening in many venues across the country tonight.
Showcase our Living Culture
“These events showcase our living culture in Kerry, people can enjoy music, dance, storytelling, visual arts, historical talks, street spectacle, circus art, fashion, theatre and much more.
“The arts office in Kerry County Council co-ordinates Culture Night each year, it is a large part of the work by the council’s arts service and it is only made possible by the wonderful enthusiasm and support of each venue host, each participating artist and community group, by family and
friends showing up to support, to celebrate the creativity, the language and all things artistic that make Kerry such a special place to live in and to visit.
Reflecting Who We Are
“Our artists and arts venues need support year-round, as they are the foundation for the arts in the local setting and are very important community assets.
“The arts communicate who we are, help us to celebrate, commemorate and to reflect on who we are. They are part of our DNA in Kerry.
“I thank the arts office, grants section, finance section and all the staff at Kerry County Council who support centres such as here in Scartaglen, Tureencahill and others around the county.
“Without this support a night like tonight simply would not be possible.
Keep in Touch with Arts and Culrure
“Without further ado, I wish you all a wonderful night and urge you to keep in touch with arts and cultural events throughout the year.
“Welcome to Culture Night 2024 and thank you all for being here,” Cllr. Fitzgerald said in conclusion.
Culture Night is brought to you by each September by Kerry County Council, the Arts Council of Ireland, Creative Ireland, and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
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