By Barry Coughlan
The Kinsale Arts weekend is almost upon us, with residents and visitors alike hoping the innovation of past years continues.
It is an event that captures the imagination inspired by Irish folklore across platforms of song, music, poetry, theatre, literature, dance and comedy.
So, between July 6 and 9, the weekend will take the idea of shape shifting and skin shedding to inspire artists to explore themes from a female experience, from the perspective of women’s ever-changing roles in society and the creative interpretation of these issues through the arts.
The Kinsale Arts Weekend draws a crowd and audiences have grown to expect a festival of wonder. It’s an event that likes to push boundaries, surprise and delight, presenting art as never seen before.
This year the festival is bringing shining lights and rising stars to the varied stages across the town. Headline acts for the 2023 festival include renowned singer song writer Lisa Hannigan, writer Manchán Magan, author and poet, Francesca Bell, world famous designer Joseph Walsh, and dance, comedy and circus group, Swarm.
With over 40 events, exhibitions, workshops, talks and performances the program truly has something for everyone, and with daily free events it is also designed to suit every pocket.
Whether it is to want to learn the art of lino printing, go on a journey with a super model who purchases a polar bear coat, eavesdrop on a chat between a pirate and her 21st century pal or immerse yourself in psychedelic punk, Kinsale is the place to be this July.
The festival aims to showcase emerging talent across all genres and will feature a number of master classes in the arts.
The program is designed to allow audiences to dip a toe in or fully submerge themselves. Each day is programed to allow some free time between timetabled events to explore the town, including the important world famous hospitality.
Whether visitors are after an award winning culinary experience or a perfect fish and chips on the pier wall it’s all to be found in Kinsale.
Chairperson of Kinsale Arts Weekend, Anna Mulcahy says; “We are thrilled to be delivering an inspiring program this year. The selkie theme gives the festival a unique experience and connection across all the acts. Connection is key to what we do here in Kinsale, we want to connect audiences to the art, emerging arts to the more experienced and everyone to our beautiful location.
“We are so proud of what we have achieved this year, this festival is a collective from the businesses that support us, the volunteers, artists and of course the Arts Council.”
Visit www.kinsaleartsweekend.com for more information.