Over four days beginning on May 22nd, Callan Open Doors, an annual celebration of creativity and community, invites the public to participate in, share, and enjoy a diverse range of workshops, performances, exhibitions, and talks. Doubling in size from its first iteration in 2024, Callan Open Doors is a chance for residents in the town and hinterland and visitors from further afield to participate and enjoy creativity in a convivial setting. Thanks to the generous support of the Arts Council, Kilkenny County, Creative Ireland and many local businesses and individuals, almost all of the events in the programme are free to the public.
Over the four days, there are workshops on various themes and art forms. Among the many workshops, the public can learn about creating dyes with plants at Workhouse Union, participate in a fun drama workshop with Asylum Productions, or try their hand at sustainable printmaking and collage at KCAT Art Centre. Those visiting the Westcourt Living & Growing annual plant sale will have the opportunity to visit artist John Davies, who is setting up a temporary studio with an exhibition of his work and an invitation to the public to try ‘drawing the tree within them’. On Saturday afternoon, members of Bridge Art Group invite the public to participate by sketching and stone rubbing in the graveyard of St Mary’s Church. Also, on Saturday from 1 pm to 3 pm at The Powerhouse, local theatre makers Trickster (formerly Monkeyshine) invite families to join them for a playful and creative celebration of home.
Those with a love of the Irish language, beginners, re-learners and native speakers are invited to join Caint in Fennelly’s of Callan on a Friday evening and participate in Tochailt Focail le Siobhan de Paor on Sunday afternoon, sitting in the Abbey Meadow using the Irish names for plants as a way into a chat about language and place.
The 2025 programme includes a pop-up dance spectacle involving over 160 students from Bunscoil McAuley, choreographed by dancer and choreographer Cindy Cummings, and a drawing and sound collaboration between transition year students at Coláiste Abhainn Rí and three professional artists led by Maurice Caplice. The installation, which will be in process over the four days of Open Doors, will be in The Powerhouse yard, where Waterford Walls muralist Laidback will also be creating a mural in tribute to local baker Billy Keogh called There’s a Rustic in the Oven.
Each day will end with music. Fennelly’s of Callan will host Green and Shine on Friday, the 23rd, and Wood of O on Saturday, the 24th. The 2025 Callan Open Doors will draw to a close on Sunday afternoon in the Coolagh Hall, where John Clark will present a full programme of guests in the No Mic Session.
In addition to the public events, Callan Open Doors is working with Droichead Family Resource Centre, Mount Carmel Supported Living and Ossory Youth Club. We are delighted to be partnering with so many local organisations and for the enthusiasm to get involved.
The full programme of events can be found: thepowerhousecallan.ie
For more information, contact David Teevan – 087 7973639
