MAF EVENTS 2024
The Vibrant Artists Community of Midleton and Surrounds come together in May this year, to present their work, experiment, stretch imaginations and raise the spirits of the local community. Feel the town buzz the minute you step foot on the street. Expect the unexpected and bring your friends and family along to take part in the many activities! Magical events for all ages; two nights of theatre with Alice Barry’s play Violet Gibson, the exhibition opening at MyPlace featuring three wonderful artists, a sound installation, working with natural materials and listening to the Cork Light Orchestra in the Farmers Market, great exhibitions, talks, music, sound bath, drumming circle, poetry, film, bohemian discussions, free screenings at the Gate Cinema and a huge Art Market on Sunday. There is something for everyone at Midleton Arts Festival.
The festival theme this year is ‘Flourish‘ MAF provides opportunities to experience public art in the community and to get involved at ground level to reinforce the message of climate change. We focus on free, family events, highlighting the work of artists, schools and groups, developing creative pathways to protect and develop our connection to the environment.
Leading up to the festival with a lauunch of our final concert we celebrate with a concert from the virtuosic duo De Ziah & Date in An Seomra, at Wallis’ Bar on Saturday the 6th April. Tickets and more info below
Wednesday 22 and Thurday 23 May
The first of the festival week events;
Violet Gibson; The Woman Who Shot Mussolini
Step into the fascinating world of The Honourable Violet Albina Gibson in this captivating one-woman play, written and performed by Alice Barry. Born into privilege in Dublin, Ireland, in 1876, Violet’s life took a dramatic turn when she attempted to assassinate Italy’s fascist leader, Mussolini, in 1926.
Don’t miss this thought-provoking exploration of a woman who dared to defy the odds and challenge the status quo in a turbulent era.
“Variables IV” Art Exhibition MyPlace Midleton
Variables IV is the annual highlight exhibition of the festival. Consisting of three professional artists from the East Cork area. This year promises another spectacular exhibition. Featuring paintings from Niall McCarthy, photography from Janet Turra and ceramics from Susan Herlihy.
It will be opened by Dr Michael Waldron Curator, Crawford Gallery Cork.
Opening Fri 24th 7pm All welcome Sat 25th 11 – 5pm Sun 26th 11- 4pm.
“Healing Memories/Walking On Water” Danny McCarthy
MyPlace Midleton Fri 24th 7pm – 9PM, Sat 25th 11am – 5pm, Sun 26th 11am – 4pm.
A work dealing with climate change comprising of a sound installation, performance and photography. This work supported by Cork County Council continues McCarthy’s involvement in this very topical area. He is regarded as one of the leading exponents of sound art and performance art in Ireland having exhibited extensively both in Ireland and worldwide. His work is in numerous public and private collections including The National Collection.
FREE ENTRY to opening exhibition 24th May
Midleton Art Market will be held on Sunday 26th May 11- 4. If you would like to book a stall to sell your paintings or other art, book your space now! https://midletonartmarket24.eventbrite.ie
FREE ENRTY to Midleton Art Market Sunday 26 May
Cloyne Cathedral
Over the Midleton Arts Festival weekend, an art exhibition by local artists will be held in the beautiful heritage site of Cloyne cathedral, which is of cultural significance in its own right. The exhibition will be curated by Sue van Coppenhagen (the names of participating artists to be confirmed in due course), and will be open to the public from 10.30 to 4.30 on the Saturday and Sunday. Tea, coffee and home baking will be provided in the cathedral nave on the Sunday from 1pm. No entry fee will be charged for the exhibition, but donations towards the preservation of the cathedral with its beautiful stained glass will of course be welcomed. During the exhibition, there will be celebrations of the arts and of the cathedral itself, with guided historical tours, art demonstrations by participating artists, and music provided by local musicians.
Our festival is a celebration of our community and its relationship with art. With so many talented artists in the area and wonderful art teachers in the schools, creativity is bubbling in East Cork throughout the year. MAF creates an opportunity to showcase, share and express this ongoing creativity during the festival.
Past Festival videos – MAF captured so beautifully by East Cork filmmaker Kara Sweeney of Twenty4Films. Many more fabulous films to view on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@midletonartsfestival