January 2017
NB Theatre presents: Creaking
Combining humour and pathos, Creaking examines the everyday challenges and pressures on the mental health of older people in Irish society through the eyes of 79 year-old indomitable Rita. Presented as a staged reading, Creaking is a unique movement documentary for theatre that combines original text, with an improvised vocal score.This immersive theatre event will be followed by a post-show discussion with the director, writer and members of the cast. Written by Noelle Brown co-created by Oonagh Murphy & Noelle…
Find out more »February 2017
Free Artist Talk with Ceara Conway
Throughout 2017 "This Must Be The Place" will present artist talks free of charge and open to the public in McKenna Gallery at Riverbank Arts Centre. Our artist talks will be tailored to people who are new to contemporary art as well as those who have experience with contemporary art. So treat yourself! It is always enjoyable and rewarding to listen to an artist talk about their artwork, the art process they engage with and their thinking about art. These…
Find out more »Michael Harding – Talking to Strangers
Due to popular demand we've added a second date for Michael Harding. Michael Harding is one of Ireland's most distinctive writers and storytellers and his recent memoirs Staring at Lakes and Hanging with the Elephant have touched a chord with audiences throughout the country. Now he returns to Riverbank with his latest book, Talking to Strangers and to ruminate on his life over the past 18 months, playing the Bull McCabe on stage in Dublin, struggling with self-doubt, faith, and…
Find out more »Michael Harding: Talking to Strangers
Michael Harding is one of Ireland's most distinctive writers and storytellers and his recent memoirs Staring at Lakes and Hanging with the Elephant have touched a chord with audiences throughout the country. Now he returns to Riverbank with his latest book, Talking to Strangers and to ruminate on his life over the past 18 months, playing the Bull McCabe on stage in Dublin, struggling with self-doubt, faith, and psychotherapy, and the chaos of building an extension to his home near…
Find out more »May 2017
Artist Talk with Emer O’ Boyle
Throughout 2017 The Creative Well will present artist talks free of charge and open to the public in McKenna Gallery at Riverbank Arts Centre. Our artist talks will be tailored to people who are new to contemporary art as well as those who have experience with contemporary art. So treat yourself! It is always enjoyable and rewarding to listen to an artist talk about their artwork, the art process they engage with and their thinking about art. These talks are…
Find out more »An Evening with Diarmuid Gavin
Diarmuid Gavin presents an evening of fun in the beds and borders, taking you on a romp through his adventures in the wonderful world of gardening, revealing some mischievous antics at the Chelsea Flower Show and regaling with stories about the history of outdoor design around the globe, from Gnomes to Flying Gardens!
Find out more »June 2017
Ireland’s Military Seminar
Ireland has a long, proud military tradition. The aim of this inaugural seminar is to look at all aspects of Irish military history, drawing chiefly on events and personnel from within our nation’s past. Great episodes in Ireland's history are intermingled with escapades in far-off places like Vietnam, the Balkans and the African continent. Topics: WWI and WWII; 1798 Rebellion; American Civil War; Vietnam War; Irish Civil War in Dublin; The Fenians; Thomas Ashe (100th Anniversary of his death); Luftwaffe…
Find out more »October 2017
SPECIAL EVENT: Reading of I Am Mrs Daisy Bates
Join us for a reading of I Am Mrs Daisy Bates, presented by Speckintime. This is a free event and all interested parties are welcome to attend. Speckintime is developing a piece of theatre based on the extraordinary life of Tipperary woman Daisy Bates. There has been extensive research on the life of Daisy Bates with the aid of a number of international academics. Daisy Bates was born in Co. Tipperary, Ireland in 1859, emigrating to Australia twenty-three years later.…
Find out more »November 2017
TALK: Living a Wild Life with Colin Stafford-Johnson
Join multi-award winning wildlife cameraman and presenter Colin Stafford-Johnson for an evening of hair raising stories from 30 years filming in some of the wildest places left on earth. How can viewing a pen and ink sketch of a tropical bird at the age of six change your life? How do you become a wildlife cameraman? How do you end up naming the world's most famous tiger? What are the challenges filming the wild, the weird and the wonderful? Filming…
Find out more »February 2018
Free Artist Talk: Susan Connolly
Susan Connolly is a graduate of Limerick School of Art and Design, Degree in Fine Art-Painting. She holds an MFA from the University of Ulster and a first class honours MA, from NCAD, Dublin. Connolly is currently a PhD candidate at Ulster University having been awarded the VC Scholarship in 2014.
Find out more »May 2018
Engaging the Senses Symposium
Helium Arts in partnership with Kildare County Council Arts Service is hosting this symposium and practical workshop for arts, healthcare and early years professionals interested in exploring multi-sensory, creative play through the arts for very young children with complex needs. ‘Engaging the Senses’ is informed by outcomes and learning from Helium Arts’ Pop Up Picnic, a multi-sensory performance project created in partnership with the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation. Full schedule available here >>> Engaging the Senses is produced by…
Find out more »June 2018
TALK: Emil Nolde – Colour is Life
This public talk will introduce your audiences to both the man and his art: his techniques, his motivations and the historical context of his work. Lasting approx. 60 minutes, including time for questions and informal discussion, the talk will give those who wish to visit the exhibition in Dublin a wonderful introduction to what they’ll experience, while those who can’t make it to the exhibition will have the opportunity to see and hear about these unique works. NGI new exhibition…
Find out more »TALK: Irish Military Seminar
Ireland has a long, proud military tradition. The aim of this seminar is to look at all aspects of Irish military history, drawing chiefly on events and personnel from within our nation’s past. Great episodes in Ireland's history are intermingled with escapades in far-off places like South Africa, Flanders and the U.S.A. Hosted by Kildare County Council and the Kildare Decade of Commemorations Committee, in association with JuneFest, Prosperous Heritage Festival, Ireland’s Military Story, Merrion Press, Creative Ireland and Into…
Find out more »Walking, Immersion and The Creative Process: Artists presentation on M7 Project.
With artist Michael Holly and special guest Des Egan Saturday 23rd June, 4pm Riverbank Arts Centre In May of this year, artist Michael Holly walked the length of the M7 Motorway, from the Naas interchange to the Rathroe roundabout outside Limerick City, weaving along the secondary roads, the country lanes, the underpasses and overpasses of this monumental and significant piece of Irish infrastructure. He carried a tent, a video camera, a sound recorder and a walking stick, observing the M7…
Find out more »July 2018
The Gerard Manley Hopkins 31st International Festival presents: International Poetry Reading
The Gerard Manley Hopkins Festival, under the guidance of its artistic director and internationally renowned poet Desmond Egan, is celebrating its 31st anniversary this year. As part of this year’s festival, Riverbank Arts Centre will host an array of International poets including Roger Mc Gough (UK), Fr. Seamus Collins (Ireland), Emilia Ivancu (Romania), Pushpa Parekh (India), Lena Koster (Sweden), Kevin Kiely (Ireland), Chris Green (U.S.A.), Desmond Egan (Ireland), Philip Brady (Ireland), Michael Woods (U.K.), Shizue Ogawa (Japan), Barry McCrea (U.S.A.),…
Find out more »August 2018
Collocate – Artists’ Talk
Orla, Eoin and Paul will talk about their arts practice and creative processes and demonstrate some of the media they use in their work. Visitors will be invited to try out some of the techniques discussed. COLLOCATE (to set or place together, especially side by side ) Exhibition by Eoin O’Malley + Paul Bokslag + Orla Callaghan 7 – 25th August Artists Eoin O’Malley and Orla Callaghan, have worked together for years at the KARE Lalor Centre in Baltinglass. They…
Find out more »November 2018
Michael Harding: On Tuesdays I’m a Buddhist
Join best-selling writer and raconteur Michael Harding as he reads from his latest memoir, ruminates on the difference between psychotherapy and religion, and relates the story of his pilgrimage to Skellig Michael, in his ongoing search for meaning. “Harding’s latest attempt to find meaning in life is searingly honest, funny and self-deprecating” The Irish Times “a spell-binding and powerful book about the human condition, the narratives we weave around the self, and the ultimate bliss of living in the present…
Find out more »January 2019
TALK: Arts and Wellbeing in Kildare
As part of Riverbank Arts Centre's First Fortnight programme of events, John Conway will host a panel talk with artists, theatre makers, and musicians who deliver, arts, health and well being projects with the support of Kildare County Council Arts Service. Join us for a presentation of projects that explore the link between arts and wellbeing from a number of unique perspectives. The projects, which range from theatre, film and photography, are focused around three specific communities: children, young people,…
Find out more »February 2019
Information Session: Kildare County Council Arts Service – 2019 Grants, Bursaries & Commission Opportunities
This information session will offer some useful guidance on Arts Grants, Bursary Award and Commission Opportunities available with Kildare County Council Arts Service 2019 for artists, arts collectives and community groups in Co Kildare. All are welcome to this FREE session, but booking directly with Kildare Arts Service through this eventbrite link is recommended. Opportunities include: * Arts Act Grant Scheme * Artist in Schools Residency Bursary Award * Artistic Entrepreneur Bursary Award * Dennis O'Driscoll Literary Bursary Award *…
Find out more »May 2019
ANIMAGINATION: Author Pádraig Kenny introduces Pog
Join Pádraig Kenny, author of the bestselling Tin, as he introduces his new book Pog. Learn about the inspiration behind the book, Pádraig’s journey to becoming a writer, and hear Pádraig read a snippet of his story. David and Penny arrive in a strange new home in a forest. Other creatures live here – magical creatures – like Pog. He’s one of the First Folk, tasked with protecting the boundary between the worlds. Packed with fantastical monsters, vibrant characters and…
Find out more »June 2019
TALK: Irish Military Seminar
3rd Irish Military Seminar Ireland has a long, proud military tradition. The aim of this third annual seminar is to look at all aspects of Irish military history, drawing chiefly on events and personnel from within our nation’s past. Friday, 14 June 18.00 – 21.00 p.m. Reception followed by Jadotville with Leo Quinlan. The Battle of At Tiri, a panel discussion with special guests Wayne Fitzgerald and Irish UN veterans. SEE ALSO events on Saturday, 15 June - A Full…
Find out more »TALK: Irish Military Seminar
3rd Irish Military Seminar Ireland has a long, proud military tradition. The aim of this third annual seminar is to look at all aspects of Irish military history, drawing chiefly on events and personnel from within our nation’s past. Saturday, 15 June 09.00 a.m. – 16.00 p.m. Full day of presentations from noted historians: Myles Dungan, Dr. Ruan O’Donnell, Dr. Leeann Lane, Dr. T. Ryle Dwyer, Des Ekin and Dr. Mary McAuliffe. Topics: The Battle of Kinsale; Dorothy Mcardle, Irish…
Find out more »September 2019
Margaret Atwood – Live in Cinemas
On Tuesday, September 10th, the wait will be over….The Testaments, Margaret Atwood’s highly anticipated sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale, is revealed. The momentous literary event will be celebrated with an exclusive live cinema broadcast, as Fane Productions present an evening with the Canadian novelist, poet, literary critic and inventor. The publication of Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale in 1985 and the current, Emmy Award-winning television series have created a cultural phenomenon, as handmaids have become a symbol of women’s rights and a protest against misogyny and…
Find out more »CULTURE NIGHT: The Lady and the Unicorn
The Lady and the Unicorn is a fun multimedia one-woman show. With the aid of a screen and projector and a table full of props Carol O’Neill shares her favourite artworks inspired in one way or another by Celtic mythology. Over 30 artists are celebrated including medieval unicorn tapestries with hidden mysteries, mythical hare sculptures by the wonderful Barry Flanagan and Dragons that inspired Andy Warhol and are still inspiring Game of Thrones TV show today. WB Yeats gets a…
Find out more »October 2019
TALK: My Wild Atlantic Journey with Colin Stafford-Johnson
Join wildlife filmmaker Colin Stafford-Johnson on a journey of discovery along the western seaboard of Ireland. Colin has been walking, exploring and filming wildlife along Ireland's wild Atlantic coast over the last 15 years. He recently presented the BBC series 'Wild Ireland - Edge of the World' - that featured some of his highlights. But there are many more! Come and hear tales of adventure and misadventure from years spent tracking down some of Ireland's most elusive creatures - all…
Find out more »KRF: Movie Night: The Wind That Shakes The Barley explored by Liz Gillis
This year Kildare Readers’ Festival embarks on a new venture - 'Movie Night' will explore famous books, events or themes through the medium of film. For 2019 KRF has teamed up with the County Kildare Decade of Commemorations Committee to screen Ken Loach's The Wind that Shakes the Barley - a somewhat controversial exploration of the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War. Author and historian, Liz Gillis will be in attendance to discuss her book on the…
Find out more »KRF: Something Wicked This Way Comes with Niamh Boyce, Stacey Halls and Martina Devlin
'Tis the season of Samhain and the Kildare Readers’ Festival will celebrate with an exciting panel discussion examining the depiction and characterisation of witches within the canon of literature. Whether it's horror fiction or historical non-fiction, Witches and Wiccan culture have provided rich material for authors and scholars throughout the years. On hand for a riveting discourse on the topic will be acclaimed novelists Stacey Halls (The Familiars), Niamh Boyce (The Herbalist, Her Kind), and Martina Devlin (Truth & Dare, About Sisterland, The House Where It Happened). Part of Kildare…
Find out more »KRF: Emilie Pine and Arnold Fanning in conversation with Emily Hourican
The Kildare Readers’ Festival welcomes a duo of celebrated Irish authors, Emilie Pine (Notes to Self) and Arnold Thomas Fanning (Mind on Fire: A Memoir of Madness and Recovery), for a candid panel discussion on the most intimate of literature endeavours: memoirs. This event will be moderated by author and magazine editor, Emily Hourican (How to Really Be a Mother). Part of Kildare Readers Festival – for details of all events, see www.kildarereadersfestival.ie
Find out more »June 2021
Opowiadania Super Paua: Audio Stories Launch Event
Join Super Paua, Riverbank Arts Centre, and axis:ballymun to launch the 3rd series of Super Paua Stories, audio stories for young people ages 6-12. In Opowiadania Super Paua the spotlight is on the Polish community in Ireland, with seven brand new stories in Polish and English. You will have a chance to listen to clips from the stories, and then to join us for a panel discussion and to ask questions. The event will be delivered primarily in English. The…
Find out more »September 2021
LIVE Network presents: Douglas Stuart & Elaine Feeney
Booker Prize Winner Douglas Stuart talks Shuggie Bain with Irish author Elaine Feeney Douglas Stuart was born and raised in Glasgow. After graduating from the Royal College of Art, he moved to New York, where he began a career in design. Shuggie Bain, his debut novel, won the 2020 Booker Prize and was a finalist for the National Book Award for Fiction, the Kirkus Prize and the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize. His short stories have appeared in the New Yorker and his…
Find out more »LIVE Network: Republic of Shame
LIVE Network and Riverbank Arts Centre present a night of conversation and creative responses to the ongoing legacy of the mother and baby home institutions. Until recently, religious orders and the Irish state operated a network of institutions where thousands of women and children were disappeared into, separated from each other and exploited. Through breaking silences and sharing testimonies, generational survivors of this system in Ireland have become catalysts of change. In the search for answers, their voices must continue…
Find out more »October 2021
Kildare Readers Festival: John Bowman & Abie Philbin Bowman
With a shared love of history and debate John Bowman and Abie Philbin Bowman are ideal interviewer and interviewee. KRF are delighted to bring you this exclusive interview as they discuss John Bowman's book Ireland the Autobiography: One Hundred Years in the Life of the Nation, Told by its People. This absorbing and highly acclaimed book which has been researched over decades draws on eyewitness accounts, diaries and memoirs from the perspective of people who lived in these times, how…
Find out more »THEATRE: Arán & Im by Manchán Magan
We need to find a way of talking about the Irish language - about the sublime beauty and profound oddness of this ancient tongue that has been spoken on the island for 2,500 to 3,000 years, and is now slipping slowly from our grasp. What can the word for the lonesomeness of a cow bereft of her calf, diadhánach, teach us about our current methods of food production? Why does one need to orientate oneself to the sun to give…
Find out more »THEATRE: Arán & Im by Manchán Magan
We need to find a way of talking about the Irish language - about the sublime beauty and profound oddness of this ancient tongue that has been spoken on the island for 2,500 to 3,000 years, and is now slipping slowly from our grasp. What can the word for the lonesomeness of a cow bereft of her calf, diadhánach, teach us about our current methods of food production? Why does one need to orientate oneself to the sun to give…
Find out more »November 2021
Gaiety School of Acting presents IMPROV LAB
“A scientist and a comedian walk into a lab...” isn't the start of a joke but the premise behind the “Improv Lab” where a scientist, Dr Shane Bergin, and a comedian, Sharon Mannion, solve problems, answer questions and work as a team to solve scientific conundrums in front of a live audience. The questions and conundrums they must solve have been designed by young adults from diverse backgrounds and focus on the role of science to solve the big questions…
Find out more »VISUAL ART: Beneath | Beofhód – panel discussion
Bogs are many things to many people. They are a latent source of energy, a refuge, a carbon sink and an archive of history. As islands surrounded by pastoral land they’re often undervalued and misunderstood. They are living, breathing ecosystems with the power to absorb and reveal the past, with resurfacing iron age bog bodies being the most notable example. Bogs have had considerable influence on Irish history and society and are a source of inspiration for many literary and…
Find out more »January 2022
NOTES TO SELF: Musicians Share Songs & Stories
Four Kildare music artists come together for an evening of song and discussion about the role music can play minding your mental health. Presented in association with First Fortnight Festival 2022, Riverbank Arts Centre is delighted to welcome songwriter and community musician Sive, rapper and writer Dafe Orugbo AKA Max Zanga, singer, songwriter and producer Hally, and singer and songwriter Freya Monks, hosted by Keith Walsh, writer, broadcaster and mental health advocate. In this one-off special event, the artists will discuss…
Find out more »February 2022
PANEL DISCUSSION: Invisible Cords/Sacred Conversations
‘Sacred Conversation’ explores the seen and unseen cords that underlay our instinctual engagement with art and humanity, the spoken and unspoken words between people. Clodagh Kelly (Visual Artist) and Claire Hawkes (Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist) will discuss the ‘Sacred Conversations’ which permeate our conscious and unconscious interactions with art and humanity. Chris McMahon (The Treatment Room) will offer insights based on his healing practice. Panel Members: Claire Hawkes is a psychoanalytic psychotherapist who worked in a mental health organisation for twenty years.…
Find out more »MUSIC: Edel Meade – Brigids and Patricias – concert & talk
A concert and talk featuring acclaimed singer-songwriter and Tipperary woman EDEL MEADE, who released her stunning new solo album BRIGIDS AND PATRICIAS in 2021, described as 'most courageous Irish album of the year" in The Irish Times. A strikingly original artist working in the field of jazz, folk and contemporary music; her voice has been described as mesmerising or magical even, while her music is haunting and powerful. This extraordinary new collection of original songs and spoken word reflects on what it means to be a…
Find out more »April 2022
BOOK LAUNCH: Secret Poets by Darren Donohue
Secret Poets is the eagerly anticipated debut poetry collection from award-winning poet and playwright, Darren Donohue. Published by Turas Press, Secret Poets charts the poet’s journey through illness and his determination to uncover the sublime hiding within the every day. Darren’s poetry is widely published in journals and magazines including Poetry Ireland Review, Irish Times, Irish Independent, Cyphers, Banshee, and Dedalus Press. In 2020, Darren received the Dennis O’Driscoll Literary Award from Kildare County Council. And in 2021, he was…
Find out more »June 2022
Irish Military Seminar: Ray Goggins in conversation with Declan Power
The 6th Irish Military Seminar presents an evening with Ray Goggins, author of Ranger 22:Lessons from the Front, in conversation with Declan Power. ‘The path I have travelled, the things I have done and the people I have met in crisis situations have given me a window into those qualities that make us perform. My military training created a mindset, an outlook and skills that can be channelled into any situation.’ From the hills of south Lebanon to the monsoon…
Find out more »ARTIST TALK: Kildare Art Collective
As part of their ongoing exhibition 'Normal', Kildare Art Collective will host a panel discussion at 6pm on Thursday June 23rd in the McKenna gallery, Riverbank Arts Centre. A number of participating artists will discuss their exhibited work as well as their broader art practice. This event is free but due to limited numbers booking is necessary. 'Normal' exhibition runs in the McKenna Gallery 4 June - 2 July Monday-Friday 9.30am-5pm | Saturday 10am-1pm Admission free.
Find out more »November 2022
TALK: H U D D L E
H U D D L E is an informal art discussion reading group devised by Saidhbhín Gibson. The huddles have been taking place since 2017 and in various locations including The Curragh, IMMA and VISUAL. This is an inclusive event for the discussion around contemporary art and associative narratives. A piece of text is provided to read. If you are interested in attending H U D D L E, or would like further information, please email hellohuddle@gmail.com . There’s limited…
Find out more »January 2023
ARTIST TALK: Freedom of Choice Panel Discussion & Workshop
Curated by visual artist Clodagh Kelly, Freedom of Choice exhibition offers a glimpse into the lives of ten women. Created by ten participating artists, the exhibition explores a range of topics including mental health, psychiatry and journeys of healing, nature, fertility, childbirth, visibility, homelessness and violence. Join the artists for a panel discussion (7pm) prompted by Freedom of Choice, chaired by Dr. Brid Connolly (writer and former Tutor with the Department of Adult & Community Education, NUIM). All welcome. The…
Find out more »March 2023
ARTIST TALK: (Re)starting an Artistic Practice
A panel discussion exploring a return to the studio, to study, to rekindling and sustaining a creative practice. Join artists Brenda Brady, Maria Ginnity, Clíodhna Ní Anluain and Carolann Courtney (Chair) to discuss their work and their different paths back to a visual arts practice. Brenda Brady Brenda Brady graduated with an MA in Art Research & Collaboration from IADT Dun Laoghaire in 2020 and a BA Design (Ceramics) from Dun Laoghaire School of Art (now IADT) 1979. Selected exhibitions include Unassembled,…
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