COMMUNITY groups in Kilfinane are gearing up to expand projects which enrich the lives of locals and bring more visitors into the beautiful Ballyhoura countryside.
Community representatives gathered with Ballyhoura Development CLG to celebrate the beginnings of an Arts Council Creative Places Research and Development Award for the community last week.
Kilfinane was named one of two recipients of the award, issued by the Arts Council, and the first ever in County Limerick.
Creative Places Kilfinane is led by Ballyhoura Development CLG, who, alongside a creative practitioner, will implement a participative, community-led research and development project in the months ahead encouraging open access to great art in the community.
It is hoped the project will lead to a new understanding and appreciation of the work of artists, and an appreciation of the myriad tangible benefits the arts bring for connection, integration, participation, and sense of place in the community.
It’s intended that the grant will build on the work of community organisations and events that already take place, including Hearsay International Audio Festival, Kilfinane Community Council, Ballyhoura Comhaltas (CCE), the Old Chapel Rooms, the Kilfinane Traditional Skills and Arts and Crafts group, the Ballyhoura Bears and Ballyhoura Walking Festival, and the newly established Conversation Club.
Padraig Casey, CEO of Ballyhoura Development, said: “We are thrilled to receive this Creative Places Research and Development Award from Arts Council Ireland.
“Ballyhoura Development is committed to integrating socially engaged and collaborative arts practice across our strategic approach to community development.
“We are excited about the opportunity this presents to create a dynamic and vibrant sustainable artistic and creative community here in Kilfinane in the Ballyhoura region.”
Etain McCooey, Arts Officer at Limerick City and County Council, added that she “proudly supports the award and Ballyhoura Development CLG in development of a plan for Kilfinane that can create a dynamic and vibrant sustainable artistic and creative community in the Ballyhoura region that both serves and is supported by all in the community”.
