The Reason of Towns
with the Irish Architecture Foundation
An exciting and insightful day-long programme of events for The Reason of Towns exhibition stop in Birr this August
The Reason of Towns is a new, engaging and ambitious touring exhibition of the work of one of Ireland’s most renowned architects, Valerie Mulvin.
Curated, commissioned and produced by the Irish Architecture Foundation and hosted in partnership with local arts and cultural organisations and venues, this exhibition is a public occasion for the telling and retelling of true stories, lost traditions and possible futures for Irish towns and the people who live in them.
The Reason of Towns is funded by the Arts Council / an Comhairle Ealaíon and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Talks of the Town is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The exhibition tour is additionally funded by the Arts Council / an Comhairle Ealaíon.
THE REASON OF TOWNS EXHIBITION, BIRR
John's Hall, John's Place
Beginning a national tour in Birr, The Reason of Towns celebrates the work of one of Ireland’s most-renowned architects Valerie Mulvin (McCullough Mulvin). Visitors will enjoy three newly-commissioned films, experience material fragments, archival material and architectural models and drawings. This exhibition is a celebration of the tradition of town-making and living in Ireland, prompting audiences to take new notice of the potential and beauty of the towns around them. It will seduce and excite, prompt local appreciation, action and debate, engender civic pride, now and for the future.
FINAL DAY OF EXHIBITION
SUNDAY 11 AUGUST 2pm-6pm
The Space is the Thing 2024. Copyright Irish Architecture Foundation
Talks of the Town, Birr
with the Irish Architecture Foundation
Saturday 10 August
Talks of the Town is a one-day programme of tours, workshops and conversations taking place in Birr as part of the touring exhibition, The Reason of Towns, by the Irish Architecture Foundation and architect Valerie Mulvin in partnership with Birr Theatre & Arts Centre. Explore Birr in a new way as we share stories, histories and discuss Birr as a sustainable town of the future.
FREE. Booking is recommended. Walk-ins welcome. Open to all!
EXHIBITION TOUR & TOWN WALKING TOUR
John's Hall / 11am - 12.30pm
Join an in-person tour of The Reason of Towns exhibition with architect Valerie Mulvin and find out more about the role of architects, town planners and local communities in shaping Irish towns, past, present and future. Followed by a conversational walk through Birr with local historian Brian Kennedy.
FREE. Booking is recommended. Walk-ins welcome. Open to all!
TOWN WORKSHOP - TOWARD A FUTURE FOR BIRR
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre
2.30pm-5pm
Part 1:
Town Narratives, 2.30-3.30pm
Join local artist Lynne Hoare and others to explore objects and artifacts linked to the town of Birr.
A town’s objects and artifacts can tell a story. Participants are invited to help uncover the hidden narratives of the town of Birr by bringing an object and contributing to this conversational workshop. Join local artist Lynne Hoare and others to share your own town stories, memories and future visions through the object(s) you bring on the day. These could include photographs, antiques, personal memorabilia and more! It’s up to you. Simply bring your object(s) to the workshop on the day and tell us about them in a relaxed and informal setting! You do not need to bring an object to attend the workshop.
BREAK
Part 2:
About the Town, 3.45-5.00pm
Join Offaly Co.Council Town Regeneration Officer, Olwen Cummins, to find out more about national policy and the Irish town.
Find out more about national policy (including the Town Centre First Policy) in this information session with Offaly Co.Council’s Town Regeneration Officer, Olwen Cummins. Facilitated by Ali Warner. What actions, tools and resources can help the town of Birr become even more vibrant as a place to live, work and play?
FREE. Booking is recommended. Walk-ins welcome for one or both parts of this workshop. Open to all!
FROM THE CENTRE TO THE EDGE -
Birr and the Irish Town
Birr Theatre & Arts Centre
7pm-8.30pm
The day concludes with some film, live-readings and great conversation. In this evening roundtable panel discussion, the town of Birr, at the centre of Ireland, will be placed in a national context. With architect Valerie Mulvin and arts journalist Helen Meany. Chaired by RTÉ Broadcaster Vincent Woods.
FREE. Booking is recommended. Walk-ins welcome. Open to all!
