Founder Tess Hughes says Limerick artists need greater support following the cancellation of the Samhain Parade.
TESS HUGHES’ literary Halloween event, Ag Taibhseoireacht, is back once again to spotlight the creative talents of local writers.
Kicking off at 7pm on October 24, the event is a showcase of local horror stories, featuring writing from six different contributors, including ghost stories, non-fiction essays and dark medieval fantasy.
The event has an open-door policy with no advance ticketing required. Speaking on why the event is free, Hughes said, “The event has always been free mostly because I want it to be about sharing the work and enjoying the process of writing but also holding the event itself.”
The event joins the range of seasonal events taking place for Halloween in Limerick, following the controversial cancellation of the Samhain Parade.
Hughes said, “I think that the cancellation of the Samhain Parade was very much influenced by the fact that Halloween in Limerick seems to be much more interested in generating revenue, that can then be plotted on a graph rather than engaging with the art and events that already happens in Limerick.”
The cancellation led to widespread discussions surrounding the funding of arts and festivals in Limerick, with Hughes believing that funding is part of a much larger issue with the relationship between councils and artists.
“Funding is part of a bigger issue, which I think was a misunderstanding of the work Lumen are already doing and already planning when the council put out what was quite a late call for a “Halloween Parade”, I think they need to work directly with artists who are already putting on events year after year, especially Lumen Street Theatre”.
Speaking on what she believes the council could do to support the arts and culture sector more Hughes said, “When I approached Lumen Street Theatre about having them host Ag Taibhseoireacht this year, we talked about clustering, taking events that were already happening and having them support each other”.
“I think the Council should aid those who are already putting events together, hosting workshops and exhibitions to apply for funding and support, which can often feel like a difficult and obtuse process”.
“I think ‘Ag Taibhseoireacht’ is an example of Limericks great DIY approach to arts and events, and I hope that it gets people engaged with what’s already happening and maybe inspire them to organise an event of their own”.
