EXCURSIONS 2009 begins, Thursday January 22, the festival acting as a platform in Limerick for contemporary performance artists. The line up for this three day event includes Irish artists demonstrating originality and talent alongside international invited artists. Best of all, everything is free and open to everyone.
Head down to opening night when Aine O’Dwyer, a graduate of LSAD, will explore the creation of vocal sound through experimental means. A large trampoline will be installed in The Belltable at 36 Cecil Street for her 7pm performance, taking place directly after the 6pm launch reception in Limerick City Gallery of Art.
Excursions is an annual January collaboration between five arts bodies, four of them based here in the city. Limerick City Arts Office in association with LCGA Belltable Arts Centre and Daghdha, supported by The Arts Council, provides the wherewithal and importantly, the half-dozen venues for the many acts.
“Performance art normally involves four basic elements – time, space, the performer’s body and a relationship between performer and audience,” explains city arts officer Sheila Deegan. “Excursions supports student performances, including artists from Limerick School of Art and Design, and IADT, Elena Bezborodova, Niamh O’Beirne, Elva Carri, Karen Buckley and Steve Maher”.
So, what can we expect?
There will be a Performance Trail around the city as part of Limerick City Gallery of Art Family Days, led by Patrick Keaveney on Saturday 24 from LCGA at 11.30am.
Look forward to some interactive and inventive challenges. John Dummett invites children to draw on his house, Eva Weaver wraps a bridge in red wool, Ania Bas asks visitors to Sell/ Buy different languages while Aileen Lambert marks the litter in the market with helium filled balloons.
The UK Artist William Hunt will sit at a table, 36 Cecil Street, applying materials in order to take a cast of his head. Watching this experience of sensory deprivation is heightened as the artist begins to play the guitar.
Rachel Gomme will involve people in the creation of individual recorded silences (yes) and on Saturday 24, a performance by Scottish artist Kenny McBride will take place in Daghdha Space, John’s Square from 1pm to 5pm. The performance Meant Lament is concerned with generations, loss and conflict.
For further information contact The Arts Office, Limerick City Council or LCGA, Pery Square.
