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 ran from 1-11 August before travelling up to Áras Inis Gluaire in Belmullet, Co. Mayo (16-30 August). It will complete its 2024 tour at the Swift Cultural Centre, Trim, Co. Meath (12-26 September), with further locations to be announced in 2025.

The Reason of Towns is supported in each town with a one-day free public engagement programme, called the Talks of the Town. Events include exhibition and 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 attend.

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

Talks of the Town in Trim

Talks of the Town is a one-day programme of tours, workshops and conversations taking place in Trim on Tuesday 17 September as part of the touring exhibition, The Reason of Towns. Across the day, the Irish Architecture Foundation and Valerie Mulvin in partnership with the Swift Cultural Centre, will bring the exhibition to life for all who attend. Take time out, explore this unique town in a new way and join us as we share stories, histories and discuss Trim as a sustainable town of the future. You can book for some or all of the events across the day,  but don’t miss the chance to be the talk of the town.

Tickets are available from our venue partner, Swift Cultural Centre. Reserve your place today.

1. Exhibition and Town Walking Tour, Tuesday 17 September, 11:00-12:30

An invitation to explore the particular life of the Irish town and learn more about Trim with architect Valerie Mulvin. Join an in-person tour of The Reason of Towns exhibition and find out more about the role of architects, town planners and local communities in shaping the form and function of Irish towns, past, present and future. The exhibition tour will be followed by an experiential sound walk exploring atmospheres of place and traversing historical and ecological aspects of Trim, with architect Sarah Doheny, Cineál Research + Design.

Meet at the Swift Cultural Centre, Trim.

You can book your place in advance or drop in on the day.

2. Town Workshop – Toward a Future for Trim, Tuesday 17 September, 14:30-16:30, Swift Cultural Centre

In this conversational session, facilitated by Ali Warner and with local authority input, participants will share stories, discuss town life and be part of an informed and productive discussion toward a sustainable future for Trim. Town Regeneration Officer for Meath County Council, Patrick Shore, will offer information on town policy, guidelines and possible funding for change. The aim of this session is to encourage open discussion and dialogue, active citizenship, and civic pride in Trim’s character and potential. It is only through a deeper understanding of the reality of the Irish town today that a better future can be imagined and achieved.

You can book your place in advance or drop in on the day.

3. Roundtable – Trim and the Irish Town, Tuesday 17 September, 19:00-20:30

The day concludes with some film, live-readings and great conversation. In this evening panel discussion, the town of Trim will be placed in a national context as we explore the wider relevance, potential and particularities of town living in Ireland against a backdrop of national policy and collective narratives. Join architect Valerie Mulvin in conversation with filmmaker Shane Hogan of Areaman Productions, Fionnuala May, County Architect, Fingal County Council, and Michael Pike, Principal of GKMP Architects and Head of Architecture in the UCD School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy.

You can book your place in advance or drop in on the day.

Read more about The Reason of Towns exhibition.

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.

The Reason of Towns in Trim is presented by the IAF in partnership with Solstice Arts Centre and Swift Cultural Centre, Trim.

Photo: Visitors to The Reason of Towns exhibition in Birr. Photo by Ste Murray.