President Michael D. Higgins to open Tullamore's new arts centre

Tullamore's Esker Arts Director, Sean Walsh outlined that “Esker Arts will be a gathering place for everybody with an interest in the arts, whether as makers and collaborators or viewers and listeners, and will be a safe and inclusive space to enjoy the wonders of creativity. Our official opening is just the start of a long-term journey which we will embark on together. We are honoured that President Higgins is part of our artistic journey together.”

Speaking at the engagement, President Higgins confirmed that “I am delighted to officially open this superb new community facility for Tullamore, Esker Arts.
It has been a privilege for me that throughout my public life, I have had the opportunity of highlighting and valuing the importance of the arts and culture as a source of enrichment in the day-to-day lives of communities. It is so often through our encounters with literature, drama, music and art that we come to understand the human condition, resonate with each other, finding our perceptions challenged, clarified or enhanced.

It is through the design and provision of community spaces such as this one that we continue to ignite and celebrate creativity amongst our citizens as we embed the arts into the physical design of our areas, into the calendar of a community’s year, and into the experience of our citizens. The commitment here in Esker Arts to a wide range of diverse arts programming and activity for local and wider communities with which to engage is so evident. I have no doubt that Esker Arts will play an important role in the provision of the cultural space that we so dearly need in Ireland as we continue our journey of building an inclusive, equitable, sustainable republic, one that places a high value on artists and cultural practitioners and the participation of the arts by all of its citizens.”

Anna Marie Delaney, Chief Executive with Offaly County Council paid tribute to all those involved confirming that “Esker Arts is the culmination of many years of work by Offaly County Council, Tullamore Community Arts Centre CLG and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media” and applauding the wonderful support received from the local community. “We are honoured that President Higgins extends his support to our artistic community in Offaly and beyond. Esker Arts will collaborate with the existing cultural infrastructure within the county, particularly Birr Theatre and Arts Centre, to develop initiatives, share resources, increase audiences and participation and raise the profile of Offaly nationally. We should also acknowledge the vital role played by Kenny Lyons Architects, MJ Turley and Associates and FVG construction – their dedication to this project and working in partnership with our own staff ensured we are all here today to celebrate this wonderful occasion” concluded Ms Delaney.

Internationally recognised, locally based artist, Michelle O’Donnell of Glasshammer Studios, has created a special glass plaque, based on the casting of an actual Esker from County Offaly, which President Higgins will officially unveil as part of the opening ceremony. Michelle’s work is internationally commissioned as her work speaks to the head and appeals to the heart.

Conor Brady, Chair of Esker Arts Board outlined that “Esker Arts will support programming that is consistent, accessible, inclusive, stimulating, and of a high standard. Our team recognise the importance of promoting a creative space, as it is within such a space that we evolve, grow and ensure Esker Arts is known locally, regionally and nationally.”

Artistic Director Sean Walsh confirmed President Higgins and invited guests will experience a stunning programme of entertainment at the official opening. Tullamore's Cormac Lally, who is one of Ireland’s top spoken word artists and performance poets, will perform and guests will also enjoy a unique collaboration of music from internationally known artists and Tullamore natives Dónal Lunny and Tolü  Makay, with choral accompaniment provided by local children from Music Generation Offaly.