Offaly's unique landscape celebrated at last weekend's 'Festival of Change'

This endeavour was supported by the Arts Council's Invitation to Collaboration Scheme.

The festival presented a diverse and stimulating agenda of activities and gatherings, delving into the influence that art, both tangible and intangible, could exert on communities and locations, encompassing social, economic, and cultural dimensions.

The festival was connected to two distinct sites across the counties: the Tir Saile Sculpture Trail in Mayo and the Lough Boora Sculpture Park in Offaly.

In Offaly, the festival commenced at Tullamore's Esker Arts on the morning of Friday, 5th April, with ‘Tionól’, a gathering of selected individuals, groups, and artists who would present their expansive or concise conceptions regarding the potential held by 'art in the landscape' to an intrigued audience. Artists and community groups were invited to be part of the audience and witness the blue-sky thinking with regards to running art projects.

This led into an informal networking session called the 'Conversation Café,' providing a platform to further develop ideas from the ‘Tionól’ or introduce new concepts in a casual and laid-back setting amidst a lunch provided by Wild Plates Catering.

Throughout the day, a variety of discussions and activities ensued, including an illustrated discourse by photographer and filmmaker Tim Smith, accompanied by Hardeep Singh Sahota, with whom he has collaborated for the past decade.

Together, they had interwoven words, visuals, music, dance, and "found sounds" to delve into the lives of local communities in the North of England and how this had transpired into their recent endeavours in County Offaly. Ruairí O’ Shea, an established folk artist hailing from Offaly wound the afternoon down with a soulful performance designed to reflect the themes of the day.

The evening witnessed the unveiling of 'Midland: Mother Myth Memory,' an exhibition by the esteemed artist Rita Duffy, by Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick.

The official opening was followed by a Bhangra Ceili. Comhaltas groups, set dancers, belly dancers – all types of dancers either novices or more established were invited to this fun event – the first of its kind in the Midlands, which produced an evening of colour and cultural exchange.

On Saturday, 6th April, Storm Kathleen led to the postponement of some events. Details will be announced via Offaly Arts and Esker Arts in due course of the date for rescheduled events. Hardeep Singh Sahota hosted a Bhangra Dance workshop in Esker Arts before the festival culminated with 'Rhythm of Light,' an exhibition premiere and commission showcase by Hardeep Singh Sahota.

The exhibitions continue at Esker Arts up to May 25^th, 2024, and are open to the public free of charge during opening hours.