Carlow people come together to celebrate the end of an 18-month 'Living Artfully' initiative

Participants, artists, and community partners came together in Borris House on Friday to celebrate Living Artfully – a Creative Ireland initiative that has fostered creativity, connection, and wellbeing across Carlow and Kilkenny over the past 18 months.

The celebration brought together nine community arts projects developed through Living Artfully, each led by a professional artist working closely with local groups and organisations.

Participants shared their creative work and reflected on their experiences, highlighting how art can bring people together, build confidence, and create meaningful change in everyday life.

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Attendees at the event included representatives from Carlow and Kilkenny County Councils, Creative Ireland, as well as local TDs and public representatives, with Peter 'Chap' Cleere TD saying that he was “delighted to be to celebrate this fantastic occasion, that really goes to show that when two local authorities come together you can really create something special. Massive congratulations to all involved.”

The event showcased the many ways creativity has supported people and communities over the past year and a half.

There were musical performances from the Singing for Memory groups in both Kilkenny and Carlow, made up of people living with early–onset dementia or memory loss and their carers.

Paintings and visual artwork from a wide range of groups were on display, as well as powerful quilting and textile work created by Traveller women taking part in the programme.

Photography, writing and other creative outputs from across the projects filled the ballroom of Borris House, giving a full picture of the depth of work that has taken place.

The Living Artfully programme has been supported by Carlow County Council and Kilkenny County Council, and their respective Arts Offices.

Living Artfully has supported a wide range of people, from cancer survivors and people living with early-stage dementia to members of the Traveller community and participants with intellectual disabilities, using art as a way to connect, express, and celebrate their own stories.