Culture Night Programme at Esker Arts

Esker Arts is delighted to announce a programme of events for this year's Culture Night on Friday 19th September. This year's Culture Night marks Esker Arts third since opening in 2023, and this year we have an offering of many wonderful local artists to entertain you for the evening. All events are free to attend but may require booking.

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.

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

This exhibition is 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 will be on hand throughout the evening to discuss with visitors their work.

No booking required.

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

Age 6+

Storytelling workshops for children are a fantastic way to spark creativity, improve communication skills, and develop a love for literature. These workshop will combine fun activities with learning to help children engage with stories in meaningful ways.

After creating stories, children will draw pictures that go along with the plot. This allows them to connect written and visual creativity.

Book Here

5pm - 9pm: Open Studio - Margo McNulty

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

No booking required.

6pm: The Art of Seated Movement

Donlon Dance Company

Chairs become more than objects in this striking contemporary dance piece — they become partners, obstacles, and symbols. Through fluid movement and powerful stillness, dancers navigate themes of support, isolation, and connection. Join us for an evocative performance where every seat tells a story.

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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 will read from the Joe Swallow novels on Culture Night 2025 at the Esker Arts.

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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 are invited to attend the announcement of Thatcher’s plans.

Solutions for the Border presents 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 performs as Margaret Thatcher, eerily capturing her voice and mannerisms. Following the presentation of her plans, the audience will have an opportunity to question Thatcher and engage with her proposals. 

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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 will be followed by a Q&A with the creators of the film.

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8pm: Midlands Rocks!

Calling all young singers and musicians! Join us for the launch of theMusic Generation Offaly | Midland Rocks Youth Music Festival as part of this year’s Culture Night celebrations — a vibrant evening of creativity, community, and live performance.

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

To register to perform please see here

Book Here