Callout for Laois towns for spectacular creative night

Laois towns are being invited to bid for County Council's support in hosting a spectacular night of cultural creativity this year.

One town will be selected to host a special event during Culture Night 2025 which takes place on Friday, September 19.

The Council's Arts Office is seeking applications from a creative team including a producer, Music Generation and artists will guide the town in making the Culture Night, a night to remember.

The town is expected to work closely with the creative team, involving as many stakeholders as possible including schools, community groups, men’s sheds, ICA, resident groups, artists, and musicians.

The Arts Office says this event is a unique opportunity offering the town community the chance to liaise with members of the town in a meaningful and fun way.

"The effect this level of involvement in a Culture Night event can be profound on a town. It increases confidence and skills in hosting and producing a large-scale event, under the guidance of a professional team. Art, music, dance, and drama workshops are held in advance of the Culture Night event, with the schools and community," said the Arts Office.

Night Creatures Parade took place on Culture Night 2023 in Stradbally, including students from Cosby NS, St Colemans NS, drummers from Music Generation Laois, and dancers from the Buggie School of Dance. There was a parade and illuminations, and the event was a great success. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Rathdowney Revels was the title of the 2024 event. This included dance, music, and illuminations, with radiant creatures inhabiting the square led by a firmament of sun, moon, and stars. 

Participants included children and young people from Scoil Bhríde NS and St Fergal’s College, residents from Erkina House, The Commercial Inn and the wider Rathdowney community.

These Culture Night events were produced by Laois County Council Arts Service in partnership with Music Generation Laois.

Details and application forms for opportunities available from the Arts Office, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise. T: 057 866 4163 E: arts@laoiscoco.ie or www.laois.ie 

The closing date for receipt of the completed application is 5pm, Friday, February 28.

All awards and opportunities will be discussed at the Arts Grants information nights in January. The Arts Office advises people to attend to learn more about arts funding opportunities and the application process. 

An in-person night takes place on Wednesday, January 22 at 7 pm at The Portlaoise Parish Centre, Stradbally Road, Portlaoise. R32FH67

An online session will be held on Thursday, January 23 at 7 pm via Microsoft Teams. To book a place please email arts@laoiscoco.ie

Culture Night / Oíche Chultúir is brought to you by the Arts Council in conjunction with local authorities. It is a national moment, celebrating culture, creativity and the arts and seeks to actively promote the belief that this rich and varied culture is alive, treasured and nurtured in people’s lives, today and every day. It is delivered nationwide in cities, towns, villages and rural locations as well as online and through our media partners.