Culture Night extravaganza will celebrate Visual’s 15th birthday

VISUAL is celebrating its 15th birthday – a milestone that marks its transformation into a sprightly, fun-loving teenager.

Like any teen, Visual is full of energy, constantly growing and learning, with a sense of rebellion that keeps it fresh and exciting. Fifteen years after this iconic glass and concrete building put Carlow on the international arts map, Visual is set to celebrate its coming of age on Culture Night.

On Friday 20 September, the people of Carlow are invited to join the festivities alongside renowned author Colm Tóibín as Visual launches a new season packed with art, music, theatre, cinema and more.

The party starts at 7.30pm with an official launch ceremony featuring cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council cllr Fergal Browne, Visual board chairperson Kathleen Holohan, and Visual CEO and artistic director Emma Lucy O’Brien. Two major exhibitions will be unveiled on the night to captivate audiences, with music, food by Lennon’s @Visual and the kind of lively atmosphere you’d expect from a good party.

Speaking ahead of the event, cathaoirleach Fergal Browne expressed his pride in Visual’s journey: “I am incredibly proud of how Visual has evolved over the past 15 years into a place of creativity and inspiration in Carlow. It’s a space where people of all ages can explore their imaginations and see the possibilities of arts and culture. Visual has also become a symbol of inclusivity and diversity in our community, representing the very best of what Carlow has to offer.” Visual CEO and artistic director Emma Lucy O’Brien described the milestone as an “exciting time” in the centre’s development.

“For the past 15 years, Visual has been a place of creativity, fostering artistic expression and sparking meaningful conversations. This celebration is a testament to the incredible collaborations and partnerships that have sustained us,” she said.

Looking ahead, Ms O’Brien added: “As we celebrate 15 years of Visual, we also look to the future with excitement. Carlow is changing and we can feel the positive energy in the air. We can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.” Acclaimed author and Arts Council laureate for Irish fiction Colm Tóibín will attend on the night and bring his literary insights to the visual arts with ‘Quietly dispelling the dark’. This carefully curated exhibition features works by 18 artists, united by the theme of dark abstraction, offering a profound exploration of the Arts Council of Ireland’s collection.

In the Main Gallery, renowned American artist Amie Siegel presents ‘Asterisms’, a striking moving-image work displayed on a star-shaped screen.

As the night unfolds, the energy will rise with a Big Sing event at 9pm, where the community is invited to join the Dublin Gospel Choir in a rousing performance of John Farnham’s anthem ***You’re the voice***. This communal celebration will raise the roof as 15 years of Visual is marked.

The public is invited to visit Visual’s galleries this season and create a birthday card for the celebrated arts centre, sharing your hopes for the future of this extraordinary place of creativity for people, art and ideas. The birthday party on Culture Night will extend into the late hours, with gallery access available until 11pm, ensuring everyone has the chance to join in the festivities.