VISUAL Turns 15: Celebrating the Energy of a Creative Teen
Birthday celebrations planned for Culture Night as VISUAL marks 15 years in Carlow
VISUAL is celebrating its 15th birthday—a milestone that marks its transformation into a sprightly, fun-loving teenager. Like any teenager, VISUAL is full of energy, constantly growing and learning, with a sense of rebellion that keeps it fresh and exciting. Fifteen years after this iconic glass and concrete building put Carlow on the international arts map, VISUAL is set to celebrate its coming of age on Culture Night.
On Friday, September 20th, the people of Carlow are invited to join the festivities alongside renowned author Colm Tóibín as VISUAL launches a new season packed with art, music, theatre, cinema, and more. The party starts at 7:30pm with an official launch ceremony featuring Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council Fergal Browne, VISUAL Board Chairperson Kathleen Holohan, and VISUAL CEO and Artistic Director Emma Lucy O’Brien. Two major exhibitions will be unveiled on the night to captivate audiences, with music, food by Lennon’s @VISUAL, and the kind of lively atmosphere you’d expect from a good party.
Speaking ahead of the event, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council Fergal Browne expressed his pride in VISUAL's journey: “I am incredibly proud of how VISUAL has evolved over the past 15 years into a place of creativity and inspiration in Carlow. It’s a space where people of all ages can explore their imaginations and see the possibilities of arts and culture. VISUAL has also become a symbol of inclusivity and diversity in our community, representing the very best of what Carlow has to offer.”
VISUAL CEO and Artistic Director Emma Lucy O’Brien described the milestone as an “exciting time” in the centre's development. “For the past 15 years, VISUAL has been a place of creativity, fostering artistic expression and sparking meaningful conversations. This celebration is a testament to the incredible collaborations and partnerships that have sustained us,” she said.
Looking ahead, Emma Lucy O’Brien added, “As we celebrate 15 years of VISUAL, we also look to the future with excitement. Carlow is changing, and we can feel the positive energy in the air. We can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.”
Acclaimed author and Arts Council Laureate for Irish Fiction, Colm Tóibín, will attend on the night and bring his literary insights to the visual arts with Quietly Dispelling the Dark. This carefully curated exhibition features works by 18 artists, united by the theme of dark abstraction, offering a profound exploration of the Arts Council of Ireland's Collection.
Exploring Displacement Through Art
In the Main Gallery, renowned American artist Amie Siegel presents Asterisms, a striking moving-image work displayed on a star-shaped screen. This powerful installation delves into themes of geological and social displacement, creating an immersive experience that will resonate deeply with viewers.
Big Sing Takes Centre Stage
As the night unfolds, the energy will rise with a Big Sing event at 9pm, where the community is invited to join the Dublin Gospel Choir in a rousing performance of John Farnham’s anthem, "You're the Voice". This communal celebration will raise the roof as we mark 15 years of VISUAL.
Imagining the future: Art and Ideas
We are inviting the public to visit our galleries this season and create a birthday card for VISUAL sharing your hopes for the future of this extraordinary place of creativity for people, art and ideas. Our party on Culture Night will extend into the late hours, with gallery access available until 11pm, ensuring everyone has the chance to join in the festivities.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, VISUAL will continue bringing light to the darker months with our upcoming Samhain Festival. This Halloween-themed event will infuse VISUAL with Celtic energy and offer something for all ages, further enriching our community's cultural landscape.
About VISUAL
VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art is a leading cultural venue in Carlow, offering a diverse programme of exhibitions, performances, and events. For 15 years, VISUAL has been a space where art and ideas come together, creating a vibrant community for artists and audiences alike.
Note to Editors
More information from www.visualcarlow.ie
To arrange interviews, please contact: Eimear Ní Bhraonáin: Phone: 086-0200016 Email: eimear@eimear.ie
IMAGE DETAILS: Emma Martin of United Fall's, Night Dances featuring young dancers from Carlow's Dance Republic. Emma is an artist in residence at VISUAL, Carlow. Night Dances comes to Carlow in 2025. Photo By Ste Murray
VISUAL is celebrating its 15th birthday—a milestone that marks its transformation into a sprightly, fun-loving teenager. Like any teenager, VISUAL is full of energy, constantly growing and learning, with a sense of rebellion that keeps it fresh and exciting. Fifteen years after this iconic glass and concrete building put Carlow on the international arts map, VISUAL is set to celebrate its coming of age on Culture Night.
On Friday, September 20th, the people of Carlow are invited to join the festivities alongside renowned author Colm Tóibín as VISUAL launches a new season packed with art, music, theatre, cinema, and more. The party starts at 7:30pm with an official launch ceremony featuring Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council Fergal Browne, VISUAL Board Chairperson Kathleen Holohan, and VISUAL CEO and Artistic Director Emma Lucy O’Brien. Two major exhibitions will be unveiled on the night to captivate audiences, with music, food by Lennon’s @VISUAL, and the kind of lively atmosphere you’d expect from a good party.
Speaking ahead of the event, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council Fergal Browne expressed his pride in VISUAL's journey: “I am incredibly proud of how VISUAL has evolved over the past 15 years into a place of creativity and inspiration in Carlow. It’s a space where people of all ages can explore their imaginations and see the possibilities of arts and culture. VISUAL has also become a symbol of inclusivity and diversity in our community, representing the very best of what Carlow has to offer.”
VISUAL CEO and Artistic Director Emma Lucy O’Brien described the milestone as an “exciting time” in the centre's development. “For the past 15 years, VISUAL has been a place of creativity, fostering artistic expression and sparking meaningful conversations. This celebration is a testament to the incredible collaborations and partnerships that have sustained us,” she said.
Looking ahead, Emma Lucy O’Brien added, “As we celebrate 15 years of VISUAL, we also look to the future with excitement. Carlow is changing, and we can feel the positive energy in the air. We can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.”
Acclaimed author and Arts Council Laureate for Irish Fiction, Colm Tóibín, will attend on the night and bring his literary insights to the visual arts with Quietly Dispelling the Dark. This carefully curated exhibition features works by 18 artists, united by the theme of dark abstraction, offering a profound exploration of the Arts Council of Ireland's Collection.
Exploring Displacement Through Art
In the Main Gallery, renowned American artist Amie Siegel presents Asterisms, a striking moving-image work displayed on a star-shaped screen. This powerful installation delves into themes of geological and social displacement, creating an immersive experience that will resonate deeply with viewers.
Big Sing Takes Centre Stage
As the night unfolds, the energy will rise with a Big Sing event at 9pm, where the community is invited to join the Dublin Gospel Choir in a rousing performance of John Farnham’s anthem, "You're the Voice". This communal celebration will raise the roof as we mark 15 years of VISUAL.
Imagining the future: Art and Ideas
We are inviting the public to visit our galleries this season and create a birthday card for VISUAL sharing your hopes for the future of this extraordinary place of creativity for people, art and ideas. Our party on Culture Night will extend into the late hours, with gallery access available until 11pm, ensuring everyone has the chance to join in the festivities.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, VISUAL will continue bringing light to the darker months with our upcoming Samhain Festival. This Halloween-themed event will infuse VISUAL with Celtic energy and offer something for all ages, further enriching our community's cultural landscape.
About VISUAL
VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art is a leading cultural venue in Carlow, offering a diverse programme of exhibitions, performances, and events. For 15 years, VISUAL has been a space where art and ideas come together, creating a vibrant community for artists and audiences alike.
Note to Editors
More information from www.visualcarlow.ie
To arrange interviews, please contact: Eimear Ní Bhraonáin: Phone: 086-0200016 Email: eimear@eimear.ie
IMAGE DETAILS: Emma Martin of United Fall's, Night Dances featuring young dancers from Carlow's Dance Republic. Emma is an artist in residence at VISUAL, Carlow. Night Dances comes to Carlow in 2025. Photo By Ste Murray