Category: Exhibitions

Contemplation, Exhibitions, Writing Life, Writing News

6th Indigenous and Minoritised Languages Videopoems Marathon

The International Translation and Linguistic Rights Committee (TLCR) of PEN International are hosting their 6th Annual Poetry Marathon, amplifying voices from diverse linguistic communities.

Today I listened to a moving and urgent poem written and performed in Kalaallisut by Julia Pars (Greenland) “Where are you, world leader?” (Link opens YouTube – poem is 2.34 mins)

You can tune in every Saturday for a new poem and listen back to previous Poetry/Video Marathons. English, Spanish, and French translations provided.

On their website PEN International explain the background to the International Translation and Linguistic Rights Committee:

Founded in 1978, the PEN International Translation and Linguistic Rights Committee (TLCR) works to defend linguistic diversity and promote translation as a vital act of cultural solidarity. From its early efforts to expand access to world literature to its pioneering advocacy for “minoritised” languages, the Committee has consistently challenged the political and cultural forces that marginalise languages and the communities that speak them.

You can read more about PEN International and indeed, consider joining Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann which aims to promote friendly co-operation among writers in every country in the interests of literature, responsible freedom of expression and international goodwill.

Book launch, Collaboration, Contemplation, Exhibitions, Writing Festival, Writing Life, Writing News

Launch of FIRE – what a memorable evening!

Contributors and Editors at the launch of FIRE in Naas Library and Cultural Centre (Photo courtesy of Attracta Fahy)
Shauna Gilligan, Editor and Project Lead, Lucina Russell, Lecturer University of Limerick, who launched FIRE and Niamh Boyce, Editor at the launch 26/09/2024.
Image of Noreen Ramsay’s Brigid’s Mantle featured in Fire

Contributors travelled long distances to Kildare – from Cork, Clare, Galway to name a few – in terrible weather to celebrate the coming together of the work but also of the people who contributed, and (most) who were meeting the editors/ fellow artists/ contributors for the first time. Thank you to everyone who travelled to read, to listen, to support. It was – and still is – very much appreciated.

Thank you to my co-editor Niamh Boyce – and good luck to her on her residency in Paris! – and publisher Alan Hayes, Arlen House, a joy to work with.

Thank you to Evelyn and Kevin at Naas Library and Cultural Centre, and to KRF 2024 for the beautiful venue and warm welcome. It was truly a wonderful evening!

Purchasing Details: KENNYS in Ireland (free postage in Ireland) and BLACKWELLS (free worldwide postage)

THANK YOU again to funders, Brigid 1500 and Kildare County Council

Exhibitions, Writing Festival, Writing Workshops

Brigid’s Worlds

Photograph of some items in the Brigid’s Worlds Conference Goodie Bag: Brigid 1500 Cross Pin, Brigid Chocolate, details of the Medieval Irish History Podcast, Conference Programme

It was a joy to attend the Brigid’s World Conference in Maynooth University this weekend. The conference explored – as the title says – the many worlds of Brigid, conversion, land and living, textual and material evidence of Brigid, ecclesiastical patronage, the cult of Brigid among other themes. Through the five sessions over two days in the atmospheric Renehan Hall, the conference gave attendees a glimpse into the rich and varied research into Brigid’s Worlds that is ongoing in academic institutions around the world.

It was also a great opportunity to re-connect with others interested in and fascinated by the world of Brigid in this, the 1500th anniversary of her recorded death.

Slide from Tiago Veloso Silva’s fascinating talk on “Women’s ecclesiastical patronage: the case of Kildare”
Dr Sharon Greene’s talk on “Traces of Brigid’s Material World” was a fascinating look into the 6th century lived life through an archeological lens.
Slide from Dr Sharon Greene’s talk – bone damage and wear/tear brought on by daily activities: heavy cattle, sitting weaving, herding cattle….

Congratulations to Dr Niamh Wycherley and all at the Department of Early Irish and the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and to Brigid 1500 / Kildare County Council for a wonderful conference. For more details on speakers and conference presentations see the CONFERENCE WEBSITE