Communities in Tipperary join forces to celebrate Bealtaine 2016
Age & Opportunity is delighted to announce an exciting line-up of County Tipperary-based events which will take place during the month of May as part of Bealtaine 2016, Ireland’s annual festival of creativity as we age. Now in its 21st year, Bealtaine continues to be embraced by the Tipperary community with many arts and cultural events organised by local libraries, arts centres, care settings, galleries, active retirement groups and community groups across the county.
Last year, over 125,000 people across Ireland participated in Bealtaine, making it one of the most important cultural events in the national arts calendar. This year, the festival commemorates 100 years since the birth of modern Ireland by exploring the theme of Ireland’s Iconic First Citizens. With over 600 events taking place across the country including a mix of musical, visual arts, literature and theatre, there is definitely something for everyone in Bealtaine 2016.
Highlights from Bealtaine 2016 in Tipperary include:
- On the 14th May, at Damer House in Roscrea; artist Andrew Pike will open a retrospective exhibition of paintings, drawing and an animated Film Going to War over a Banana Truck. Andrew Pike is one of the founding artists of Kilkenny Collective for Art Talent (KCAT) and lives in Camphill Community in Callan. ‘I look at the world in a different way’ says Andrew ‘I’ve always been a non-conformer’. Andrew, originally from Birr County Offaly, emigrated with his parents to New Zealand in 1949. After 22 years Andrew and his parents returned to live in Ireland 1971. In 1999 KCAT was founded. KCAT aims to create a new situation, an environment in which artists and students from different backgrounds and abilities can work and create together and in which life-long learning is an opportunity for everyone. This is just one of over 90 events that will be held during Bealtaine around the county.
- Another firm highlight will be the unveiling of two portraits of Tipperary-based writers Marjorie Quarton and Michael Coady, both giants of literature and champions of the arts and creativity in Tipperary. The launch of the portraits which were commissioned by the Tipperary Arts Office will be at The Source Arts Centre & Library in Thurles on Thursday 28th April at 3pm and Marjorie and Michael read from their works and to celebrate Bealtaine’s 21st Birthday.
- In addition, Aras Mhuire Day Care Centre will present a live performance by renowned singer Nora Butler on the 24th May at Aras Mhuire Day Care Centre. For bookings and more information please contact Anne Hassett, +353 (067) 33177.
- For more information about Tipperary’s Bealtaine programme please visit: tipperarycoco.ie or visit: http://bealtaine.com/
bealtaine-2016/programme/ listing/Tipperary
Speaking today, Karen Smyth, CEO of Age & Opportunity said, “Yet again we are thrilled by the passion and commitment that the Tipperary community brings to Bealtaine this year. With more events taking place across the country than ever before, we are delighted that the festival continues to grow from strength to strength both in Tipperary and nationwide. It is with the support of our local partners that Bealtaine 2016 can successfully deliver its mission which is to support our older artists and to provide more opportunities for people of all ages to come together to celebrate the arts and become creative.”
For more information please go to www.bealtaine.com
