SLICE #6

Carlow Arts Festival celebrated its 40^th annual festival in June of 2019. We are proud to share that the archives of the festival have been selected to be included in the National Festival Archive in the UCD library. Archives collect stories and provide evidence of activities, while telling us more about the individuals and institutions who contributed to the creation of modern Ireland. The collection of archives for Carlow Arts Festival (formerly Éigse) will research the festivals history and its value in Irish culture. This historical investigation is essential for understanding community development, cultural initiatives and artistic perspectives, both for County Carlow and the whole country.

As part of our research we have connected with festival founders and various committee members, recalling its beginning and collecting many interesting stories a long the way. We also held a panel discussion about the place and meaning of the festival for Town and County development, where participants shared ideas on how Carlow Arts Festival has helped change the cultural landscape of the region. 

Over 41 years, the festival has evolved in nature and design. Founded by a small group of volunteers in 1979, it initially focused on Irish language and culture. Through time the focus shifted to include visual arts and community celebration. As a result of its success, and the hard work of festival committees, VISUAL Carlow was established in 2009. In recent years Carlow Arts Festival’s focus has been multi-disciplinary with invited artists from all over the world. We are  one of the six strategically funded festivals by the Arts Council Ireland and have been the catalyst for other cultural events such as Borris House Festival of Writing & Ideas and Carlow Fringe Arts Festival. 

Carlow Arts Festival marks a special time in the town’s annual calendar, providing an opportunity for everyone to experience something out of the ordinary, soak up the celebratory atmosphere and be part of the thrill of knowing that in the hands of exceptional artists anything is possible. 

As part of our on-going research, we are collecting and digitising relevant material; from newspaper articles to festival programmes, volunteer rosters to festival photos. We’d love to invite  you to share any pieces of festival history you have to the archive. Or maybe you have great memories or stories to tell of festivals gone by, please contact us by email: sasha.strelova@carlowartsfestival.com