Walls of Tullamore Gaol drenched in light as history of colourful building explored

THE façade of Tullamore Gaol at Kilcruttin Business Park was drenched in spectacular light and colour as Birr visual artist Caroline Conway projected her fascinating animation depicting the history of the mysterious building at well attended events last weekend.
The work entitled  Behind These Walls  was steeped in known and unearthed stories surrounding the building, from the individuals who were incarcerated there up to its industrial usage.
This event is one of many events that will take place in the county between now and the end of April as part of Spectacular Vernacular-  In the Open | Faoin Spéir.
Spectacular Vernacular-  In the Open | Faoin Spéir – Offaly, funded by the Arts Council of Ireland, is a collaborative partnership led by Offaly County Council’s Arts Office with Birr Theatre and Arts Centre and Birr Festivals Collective. The aim is to develop an exciting and innovative curated programme of outdoor events, to take place in Birr, Lough Boora, in conjunction with the Sculpture Park and Tullamore, in anticipation of the opening of the new Arts Centre for the town next year.  In the Open | Faoin Spéir – Offaly  generates a sustained and curated programme of multidisciplinary, inclusive arts activity in public or open spaces in towns and communities around Ireland until April 2022. 
Events will take place between the towns of Birr, Tullamore, and Lough Boora Parklands, Spectacular Vernacular is a series of outdoor events, workshops, performances, and happenings that focus on developing new creative networks and unique opportunities for artists to engage with our community.
The aim is to develop the exciting and innovative curated programme of outdoor events, taking place throughout Co. Offaly, in anticipation of the opening of the new Arts Centre for the town next year. In the Open | Faoin Spéir – Offaly will generate a sustained and curated programme of multidisciplinary, inclusive arts activity in public or open spaces in towns and communities around Ireland until April 2022.
Spectacular Vernacular examines the traditions of Offaly and its rural arcadia through the lens of the contemporary practitioners who live there or artists and culturalists whose practice may be historically associated with the locale.   
The In The Open Offaly programme is out now, featuring over 15 online and open air events for you to enjoy, from narratives of historical significance, photographic and collaborative art exhibitions, book launches, drive-in movies, installations, window exhibitions, street art, music workshops in the park, bog walks and sculpture workshops and as special finale, a performance ‘Soundscapes of Nature’ presented by Birr Festival of Music.
For full programme of all upcoming workshops, projects and events visit -  intheopenoffaly.ie/events  or  offaly.ie/eng/Services/Arts- and-Culture/
If you would like to get involved or volunteer have any questions regarding this project email us at  museumofeveryone@gmail.com.