Kilkenny's Tea Houses shortlisted for Local Government Awards
The Tea Houses in Kilkenny have been shortlisted for the ‘Sustaining the Arts’, Local Government Awards, alongside several other local authorities from across Ireland
The Tea Houses in Kilkenny have been shortlisted for the ‘Sustaining the Arts’, Local Government Awards.
The awards feature local authority projects shortlisted over 16 categories which recognise the broad work of local authorities and highlights the important work they undertake across the country.
The Tea Houses want to take a moment to reflect on the breadth of work over the last three years; a pause for collective recognition in enjoying the success of this achievement.
“To begin by acknowledging and thanking Rachel Botha, resident curator. Since taking on the role in 2024, Rachel has brought extraordinary focus, enthusiasm, positivity and generosity of spirit to the position, embracing its evolution and development every step of the way.
“She has been a pleasure to work with, and her clarity of vision, professionalism and curatorial excellence have transformed the Tea Houses. Rachel's contribution has been immense, and it is no exaggeration to say that her dedication and leadership have played a significant part in being shortlisted for a national award.”
The Tea Houses’ programme supports artists and arts practices in Kilkenny, while creating opportunities for people to encounter art while waiting for the bus. The Tea Houses’ are small buildings and a small team. At the core of this project are its people, and there’s many that need to be mentioned.
“Firstly to thank all the artists and creatives who have been involved since the beginning. Thank you for embarking on creative journeys, materialising into exhibitions, workshops, publications, performances, residencies and more. Sinéad Fahey, Emma Swan, Michelle McMahon, Sinéad Lucey, Gareth Kennedy, Patrick McGlynn, Claire Halpin, Mark Buckeridge, Sarah Clancy, Jessica Weber, Saidhbhín Gibson, Kate Fahey, Inni-K (Eithne Ní Chatháin), Jamie Smyth, Bernadette Kiely, Arlene Caffrey, Emma Brennan, Lucas Dwan, Niamh Seana Meehan, Cecelia Graham, Jan McCullough, Eamon Colman, Vicki O'Donoghue, Mary Doyle Burke, Brianna Hurley, Julie Moorehouse, Tasneem Khan, Rachel Burke, Ki McBride, Kathryn Ashill and Máiréad Holohan.
“To the studio artists who have used the spaces to think, to create and to produce, from a wide range of artistic practices: Carrie Lynam, Alice Bennett, Edwina Bracken, Róisín Sheehy, Kieran Kehoe, Leah Corbett, Eleanor Walsh, Sarah Joan K, Molly Hennigan, Jade Butler and Ella Bertilsson.
“To Emmet, the in-house designer, who has consistently produced a visual identity that has stood out and continuously receives the utmost praise.
“The technicians who have carefully installed artworks and exhibitions, Frank Brennan, Tadhg McSweeney and Marco di Sante. The photographers that have beautifully documented various events, Amelia Caulfield, Kasia Kaminska, Cian Malin, Mark Anca and Ros Kavanagh.
“The incredible and reliable team of invigilators who have mediated and minded the gallery space, Vanessa Brennan, James Wellwood, Tia O’Sullivan, Dylan Butler, Ava Larkin, Bernadette Roberts, Caroline Kellaghan, Evelyn Graham, Chiara Sivori and Nathan Cahill.
“Collaborators, Eamonn Maxwell who hosts Kilkenny Artists’ Cafés, guest curators Shannon Carroll and Shane Gallagher, Ann Tierney at Rothe House and Etaoin Holohan at Fennelly’s of Callan.
“Partnerships and invitations with organisations and projects such as Celebrate People’s History Poster Series, Praxis Artists’ Trade Union of Ireland, KCAT, Butler Gallery, Alternative Kilkenny Arts (AKA) Fringe Festival, Kilkenny Arts Festival, SEA School, Prints for Palestine, Atelier Páipéar, the Powerhouse (Callan), the Acorn Project, AfterWords Collective and Cult Collective.
“The Nore Review, coming up to its third issue, which was born out of the Tea Houses programme and platforms artists and arts organisations across Kilkenny. And the numerous funders and supporters Arts Council of Ireland, Creative Ireland, ArtLinks, Poetry Ireland, Wales Arts International and Arts Council Wales.”
The Tea Houses have been nominated alongside Cavan County Council – Dance Connects, Clare County Council – Banner Brains: Still in Clare, Dublin City Council – Hugh Lane Gallery Offsite Education & Community Outreach Citywide Programme, Galway County Council – Tiny Mutiny, Limerick City & County Council – Dance Connections – An Inclusive Dance Artists Training project, and results to be announced at the end of November.