ARTIST TALK by GARETH KENNEDY - FRIDAY 5th AUG at 5pm

                                                       IKEA-Aran Lobster pots, Ínis Oírr, Aran Islands, 2011

Gareth Kennedy’s work is invested in the potential of a socially engaged practice which addresses specific environmental, social, aesthetic and economic concerns within located contexts. Throughout 2011 he is working on two 'folk fictions' which stage encounters between globalised and localised material cultures in both the Aran Islands and East Kerry. For The Power of the Local, Kennedy will discuss the development and manifestation of these two distinct but related works.

Kennedy has received numerous awards and bursaries for his practice including several awards from the Irish Arts Council, a 2008 LAMA Award for best Public art work commissioned by  a local authority, Culture Ireland awards, and awards from several Irish Local Authorities. He has produced and shown work both nationally and internationally. In 2009, he co-represented Ireland at the 53^rd Venice Biennale. Kennedy also works on another distinct artistic practice called Kennedy Browne in collaboration with artist Sarah Browne.

www.gkennedy.info

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This session runs in partnership with Visual Artists Ireland and further training will be available in both Dublin (at VAI) and Cork (with the NSF) commencing in Sept 2011.  VAI is also interested in working with groups of artists who identify common training needs.

“About the VAI Professional Development Programme for Visual Artists

Visual Artists Ireland operates a wide range of professional development and education events throughout the year including workshops, peer discussion groups, talks and seminars. The delivery of this programme is greatly supported by our relationship with local and international visual art professionals and partner organisations throughout the island of Ireland. VAI works in partnership with Local Authorities, visual arts venues, artists groups and others, combining resources to support the professional development of visual artists at regional level.
This approach creates synergetic benefit by allowing for the development of a programme which is responsive to the needs of artists at local level and by providing capacity to expand the our programme and approach other strategic partners on a joint basis.''