ARCHIVE: Culture Night 2025

Esker Arts had an incredibly busy and vibrant Culture Night on Friday 19th September. There was so much on offer for lovers of arts and culture and it was great to be supported in such large numbers by the local community.

A programme launch photoshoot was held in the Croghan Gallery earlier that month.

4pm - 8pm: PLATFORM 25: Art@'YOU'th

This exhibition was a celebration of work, from a 'creative journey' taken by learners completing a QQI level 3 Art & Design Module in Tullamore Community Training Centre, during the academic year of 2024 - 25. It is a pilot programme looking towards a very promising future, with spellbinding creativity on display and incredible artistic endeavour.

Students were on hand throughout the evening to discuss with visitors their work.

4pm: "The Rabbit, the Dark and the Biscuit Tin" Storytelling Workshop - Varvara Vorobei

This workshop combined fun activities with learning to help children engage with stories in meaningful ways.

After creating stories, children drew pictures that went along with the plot. This allowed them to connect written and visual creativity.

5pm - 9pm: Open Studio - Margo McNulty

Artist in residence at Esker Arts, Margo McNulty held an open studio as part of the Culture Night celebrations at Esker Arts.
The public were encouraged to come along and see work in development and completed pieces by the artist in her studio space.

6pm: The Art of Seated Movement

Donlon Dance Company produced a show in which chairs became more than objects in this striking contemporary dance piece. Through fluid movement and powerful stillness, dancers navigated themes of support, isolation, and connection. 

6.30pm: Reading from Conor Brady

Tullamore man Conor Brady is probably best known as a long-serving editor of The Irish Times. But he is also the author of a series of successful Victorian crime novels featuring Detective Joe Swallow of the Dublin Metropolitan Police. The Joe Swallow novels delve into the politics and society of Ireland as the Land War reaches its peak and Charles Stewart Parnell strives to achieve Home Rule from Ireland. Conor read from the Joe Swallow novels on Culture Night 2025 at the Esker Arts.

7pm: Solutions for the Border

Originally developed in 2019 at the height of the Brexit negotiations, Solutions for the Border is a piece of performance art by Lee Hamill in which he explores an alternate history that saw former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher repartition the border in Ireland and ghettoise West Belfast. Based on genuine proposals that were presented to Thatcher in the 1980s, audiences were invited to attend the announcement of Thatcher’s plans.

Solutions for the Border presented a dystopic potential history of further deterioration of the situation in the North of Ireland during the 80s. Drawing from ideas of Brechtian Theatre, Lee Hamill performed as Margaret Thatcher, eerily capturing her voice and mannerisms. Following the presentation of her plans, the audience had an opportunity to question Thatcher and engage with her proposals. 

7.30pm: Dairy Babes

Dir: Patrick Fogerty, Ireland, 2025, 7 mins

The Bonnie and Clyde of 80s Ireland - when Moo kills her father, herself and her boyfriend Bull, go on the run.

A story that blends the familiar rhythms of rural Irish life with something darker, stranger – almost mythic. The film draws inspiration from the classic tale of Bonnie and Clyde, but places it in the heart of the Irish countryside, where isolation can give rise to both dreams and danger. At its core, Dairy Babes is a dark comedy – a story about two true lovers searching for freedom.

The film screening was followed by a Q&A with the creators of the film.

8pm: Midlands Rocks!

Music Generation Offaly held Midland Rocks Youth Music Festival as part of that year’s Culture Night celebrations — a vibrant evening of creativity, community, and live performance.

It was a unique opportunity for emerging talent to take the stage, share their voice, and shine in a supportive, welcoming atmosphere. Whether they were an experienced performer or stepping up for the first time, this event was all about celebrating youth, music, and self-expression.

Culture Night is brought to you by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the Creative Ireland Programme in partnership with Offaly County Council.

Photography: Paul Moore Photography