The performance of Cool Fresh Milk in the Light House cinema is not fully put to sleep yet (thank you to all those who came to see it) and we are straight into a new exciting venture. A major public arts project for Athy, Co Kildare is next for The Performance Corporation (closely followed by two theatrical espressos in Washington DC). Project X Athy launch is planned for February 5 but the preparation is well under way.

Jo Mangan is curating Kildare County Council’s Per Cent for Arts Scheme in the town of Athy. It’s aim is to transform Athy’s streetscape with high visibility works ranging from theatre to visual art. As many as 50 proposals were submitted when the call went out, all of which were carefully considered working closely with Kildare Arts Office. Projects by artists from Kildare, Cork, Kerry, Belfast and Dublin are among the 10 shortlisted for development. Some artists submitted one proposal, some several and others collaborative works.

We had several brainstorming sessions in the office as to how best to approach the logistics, contractual arrangements, individual needs and requirements of each artist and each project, suitable locations, installation times and methods, budgeting and PR. The budget alone spreads over 3 A4 pages!

Irene set up two development days on location – it was no small task to find dates that suit 15 busy people. So Jo and Irene are in Athy today and tomorrow with the shortlisted artists talking creativity as well as nuts and bolts about each individual project, while I am holding fort in Castletown House and tackling several looming application deadlines.

I can’t really reveal much more about the projects as they have not been finalized yet, but watch this space, details coming soon. In the mean time, a little of Athy inspiration: