Curated by Performance Arts Live Foundation · 16 acclaimed Irish artists at Kilmainham Gaol , responding to its iconic historical associations with the 1916 Rising

As part of the celebrations marking the centenary of the 1916 Rising, one of our most significant historical buildings, Kilmainham Gaol, is set to play host to Future Histories, a free daylong event featuring a collection of Ireland’s top performance artists this weekend. 

On May 21st, as part of the Arts Council’s ART: 2016 programme for Ireland 2016, the cells of Kilmainham will once again be occupied, but this time rather than rebels, 16 Irish performance artists have been commissioned to create new work for members of the public to enjoy in this unique historical setting. 

Fittingly, the artists have been selected from North and South of the border and at the announcement of the event, Future Histories co-curator Níamh Murphy, noted 

“The invited artists who work in performance, live art, sound and video, will be responding to the 1916 centenary, the idea is that the audience will be given a chance to reflect on our shared past, conflicts and passions in relation to the Rising.”

Niall Bergin, Administrator of the Museum, remarked

“We are really looking forward to seeing how contemporary artists respond to the site and specifically to the theme of the 1916 Rising within the walls of Kilmainham Gaol. Future Histories will present an original and contemporary take on the past that will no doubt excite and inspire all those who attend.”

The public are freely invited to Kilmainham Gaol on Saturday the 21st of May, anytime between the hours of 10am and 10pm, for this family friendly event where they will experience new work by artists Michelle Browne, Fergus Byrne, Brian Connolly, Pauline Cummins, Francis Fay, Debbie Guinnane, Sandra Johnston, Laura McAtackney, Danny McCarthy, Ciara McKeon, Alastair McLennan, Katherine Nolan, Sinéad O’Donnell, Méabh Redmond, Dominic Thorpe and Helena Walsh.

Further information is available on the FutureHistories2016 facebook page and while the event is free, tickets must be booked through eventbrite.ie

Future Histories, curated by Níamh Murphy and Dr. Aine Philips, is presented by Performance Art Live Foundation, and is kindly supported through the Arts Council of Ireland’s ART:2016 programme; see http://www.artscouncil.ie/future-histories/