Offaly's first Animation Day attracts an impressive attendance

APPROXIMATELY 100 people attended Offaly's first Animation Day at Esker Arts Centre on Saturday, where the Birr Animation Residency featured alongside co-hosts FilmOffaly and the National Talent Academy for Animation (NTAA).

Nicky Gogan opened the event by chairing a panel with three former animation residents – Jack O'Shea, Keith Kavanagh and Cliona Noonan. "It was most encouraging to welcome our alumni to share their experiences," said residency co-ordinator Gary Hoctor. Each presented their film, followed by discussion of the residency's influence on their practice.

Cliona Noonan, whose film Soft Tissue won an IFTA following her 2020 residency in Birr, was a key participant. Currently studying animation in France, she is the grandniece of the late Annie Noonan, a Birr choir member and bookkeeper at DP Hoctor's. "Cliona exemplifies the residency's achievements, building on her achievements internationally but not forgetting her creative roots" Hoctor stated.

Nicky Gogan outlined the programme's origins with Salters Sterling and Trench Trust support, noting Birr 2020 Vision CLG's role in securing initial equipment funding. She also referenced the Trench Trust's long term financial commitment to the Creative Court project (the old courthouse) and Offaly County Council's intention to prioritise it under the new Regional Development Funding (RDF) scheme (July deadline).

Current animation residents Cora McKenna and Finn McKeon also participated, including one-to-one sessions with producer Kris Kelly. Hoctor commented: "Integrating our masterclass with FilmOffaly and NTAA's Animation Day created valuable synergy, attracting delegates from Dublin, Limerick, Portlaoise, Clonmel, Galway and beyond."

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NTAA's afternoon workshops addressed writing for animation, stop-motion techniques and production design. Students from TUS Athlone were present, with two scheduled for six-week placements at the residency in Birr from March 9th. Credit was given to FilmOffaly's Darren Lee and NTAA's Martina Keane for their skilled organisation of the events.

Hoctor concluded: "The event demonstrates the vibrancy of Offaly's animation sector. As the county's primary hub, supported by the county council and the Trench Trust and co-ordinated by Birr 2020 Vision CLG, the residency is prepared for future animation outings."

With the RDF funding call announced only last week, one can foresee future events happening in the old Courthouse whose plans include animator incubator studios and workspaces set in a collaborative environment.

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