KCAT Arts Centre officially open the end of year show on this Friday

Over one hundred talented artists from Kilkenny, Tipperary and surrounding counties will display their work in the KCAT (Kilkenny Collective for Arts Talent) Arts Centre in Callan, Co. Kilkenny.

The work included is diverse in its medium; from ceramics and sculpture to paintings and mixed media as well as a recorded acting piece from KCAT’s performance course.  

The exhibition will be officially launched at 7.30 pm on Friday 2nd June by Local Councillor Joe Lyons and everyone is invited along to join in the artistic celebration and enjoy some refreshments.

The exhibition will remain open to the public for one week following the launch between 9am and 4pm each day, and many of the works can be purchased until the exhibition closes on Friday 9th June. The ground floor of the KCAT building has been transformed into a gallery space to house this beautiful exhibition of works.  

Joe Lyons, Local Councillor commented “It is with great pleasure that I officially launch the End of Year Show at KCAT, an Arts Centre that is particularly close to my heart.

I have the honour of sitting on the new Advisory Board for KCAT and for many years I have enjoyed each exhibition here. I am always delighted to see the colour and passion in each piece of work that KCAT learners and artists lovingly create.

We are incredibly lucky here in Kilkenny to have such a wonderful place based in Callan that allows everyone access to a creative world.” 

KCAT works with the belief that everyone regardless of background, age, gender, or ability should have access to a creative world – as students, participants, artists, or audiences. Caroline Loughman, the Director of KCAT recently joined the team, having previously worked for the Education & Innovation Team with Design & Crafts Council Ireland.

She believes in KCAT’s artist-led ethos and how artists in the building are the engine that drives, motivates, and steers the direction of the Arts Centre. Caroline said, “We are delighted to present an exhibition of work that has been created by artists throughout the year at KCAT.

KCAT courses and Learning Centre is diverse in the demographic of the people we serve and the dedication of our programme tutors and open studio facilitators is unmatched. There is a richness in diversity and inclusion here at KCAT.

We hope that visitors will come along to enjoy the artworks and the creative environment here in Mill Lane that has been established by our learners, artists, and tutors. 

What is beautiful is the dedication of the staff and tutors and the respect for all our predecessors,” Caroline notes. “KCAT provides access and a platform to the mainstream art world so that artists can realistically aspire and strive to become professional artists in their respective discipline or chosen field and in turn, the professional artists that we facilitate can develop ever more ambitious projects, collaborations, and partnerships.

 Artists from around Ireland and internationally are invited to collaborate with KCAT learners, performers, and studio artists to share ways of working and being and to influence one another's practices.” 

The Learning Department in KCAT Arts Centre, part of Camphill Communities of Ireland, offers facilitated open studios and a range of taught courses for artists of all abilities.

Several of the artists exhibiting at the End of Year Show have attended KCAT courses and/or open studios for years, with many learner artists returning to KCAT year after year. Two of the 2023 KCAT courses were supported by BTEI Back to Education Initiative, enabling learners to achieve a level three QQI qualification in Art & Design, and Ceramics. 

Enrolment for courses and the Open Studio opens in May for September start dates, but late enrolments are always considered when possible. Masterclass weekends, one-off workshops or pop-up sessions take place throughout the year which give you a chance to try new things. Keep an eye out for these opportunities on KCATs online platforms. 

More details can be found here: https://kcat.ie/