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The Reason of Towns: Talks of the Town in Birr

10.08.24

The Reason of Towns exhibition

 

The Reason of Towns is a new, engaging and ambitious touring exhibition of the work of one of Ireland’s most renowned architects, Valerie Mulvin.

Curated, commissioned and produced by the Irish Architecture Foundation and hosted in partnership with local arts and cultural organisations and venues, this exhibition is a public occasion for the telling and retelling of true stories, lost traditions and possible futures for Irish towns and the people who live in them.

Opening on 1 August at John’s Hall in Birr, Co. Offaly, the exhibition will run from 1-11 August before travelling up to Áras Inis Gluaire in Belmullet, Co. Mayo (16-30 August), followed by the Swift Cultural Centre, Trim, Co. Meath (12-26 September), and completing its tour in The Source, Arts Centre and Library in Thurles, Co. Tipperary in January 2025.

The Reason of Towns will be supported in each town with a one-day free public engagement programme, called the Talks of the Town. Events include walking tours, a community-led workshop, and a panel discussion. In this way the exhibition serves as an opportunity for local issues to be aired and discussed in a national context, fostering civic pride and promoting local action.

Local residents, members of heritage and environmental committees, planners and researchers are encouraged to sign up.

 

Talks of the Town in Birr

 

The first Talks of the Town will take place in Birr on Saturday 10 August.

This one-day public programme is presented as part of the touring exhibition The Reason of Towns by the Irish Architecture Foundation and Valerie Mulvin, in partnership with Birr Theatre and Arts Centre. Explore Birr in a new way as we share stories, histories and discuss Birr as a sustainable town of the future.

All events are free. Booking is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.

Tickets are available from Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival at the links below.

 

1. Exhibition Tour and Town Walking Tour, Saturday 10 August, 11:00-12:30

Join an in-person tour of The Reason of Towns exhibition with architect Valerie Mulvin and find out more about the role of architects, town planners and local communities in shaping Irish towns, past, present and future. Followed by a conversational walk through Birr with local historian Brian Kennedy. Meet at John’s Hall, John’s Mall, Birr. You can register for the Exhibition Tour and Town Walking Tour in advance or walk up on the day.

 

2. Town Workshop – Toward a Future for Birr, Saturday 10 August, 14:30-17:00, Birr Theatre and Arts Centre

In this free, two-part conversational workshop, participants will share stories, discuss town life and be part of an informed and productive discussion toward a sustainable future for Birr. You can register for the Town Workshop or drop in on the day.

Part 1: Town Narratives, 14:30-15:30

A town’s objects and artifacts can tell a story. Participants are invited to help uncover the hidden narratives of the town of Birr by bringing an object and contributing to this conversational workshop. Join local artist Lynne Hoare and others to share your own town stories, memories and future visions through the object(s) you bring on the day. These could include photographs, antiques, personal memorabilia and more! It’s up to you. Simply bring your object(s) to the workshop on the day and tell us about them in a relaxed and informal setting! You do not need to bring an object to attend the workshop.

Part 2: About the Town, 15:45-17:00

Find out more about national policy (including the Town Centre First Policy) in this information session with Offaly County Council’s Town Regeneration Officer, Olwen Cummins. What actions, tools and resources can help the town of Birr become even more vibrant as a place to live, work and play?

Booking is recommended but walk-ins are welcome for one or both parts of this workshop.

 

3. From the Centre to the Edge – Birr and the Irish Town, Saturday 10 August, 19:00-20:30, Birr Theatre and Arts Centre

The day concludes with some film, live-readings and great conversation with panelists including architect Valerie Mulvin, RTÉ Broadcaster Vincent Woods and arts journalist Helen Meany. In this roundtable panel discussion, the town of Birr, at the centre of Ireland, will be placed in a national context. You can register for From the Centre to the Edge or walk up on the day.

 

The Reason of Towns exhibition is funded by the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The exhibition tour is additionally funded by the Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon. The Talks of the Town programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Government of Ireland.

Photo: John’s Hall, Birr. Photo by Irish Architecture Foundation.