Hospital Arts & Culture 2.53

Hospital arts and culture festival began in 2015 as a festival of theatre, music, window art, speakers, writers, poets, school and club participation to empower the rural community of Hospital and its hinterland and in particular the primary and community secondary school which receives almost a thousand students annually. The ideas and notions are based upon empowerment of all arts culture and craft development to the betterment of all ages within the community and its surrounds. To that purpose window art by talent drawn from the schools and the community interspersed with established artists adorn premises within the area of the village creating a virtual window expo as a backdrop to each festival. The development of an annual poetry competition for adults and a similar promotion of slam or rap poetry at school level is also been achieved. Social issue speakers on mental health, drug awareness and bullying and social development are invited to speak to students during the festival. The diaspora are contacted through methods including social media to encourage them to return for the festival events especially those who have not journeyed home for some time. Former students of the schools are asked to return to encourage students on the pathway towards their careers. Entertainment has seen Michael Scott bringing the Matchmaker featuring Jon Kenny and Mary McEvoy in 2015. They will return with A Successful TD for 2017 The Band GIMIK which received national acclaim in the 1970’s made up of local talent performed to a sell-out audience in 2016 and it’s hoped the Furey brothers will do the same in 2017. On Culture night local and national talent come together to present a star studded show of music and drama for the Young at Heart. Hospital Resource Centre provides food and refreshments for this annual free event. 2017 will mark the third year of the Food and Craft fair which is now growing into a premier event attracting artisan foods and crafts from across Munster and beyond. Street comedy and music will feature in 2017 and a kiddie’s art wall has proved to be a major attraction. The Knight of Hospital competition which involves all the clubs competing for the title takes a different twist with the first ever Lady Knight to be elected in 2017. Closing the festival has grown into a movement with the Lantern Parade through the streets to the nearby GAA sports field where balloons and lanterns are released, a moving event which is now attracting people from far and wide and concludes with the local choir singing us away into the darkness of a September night.
Hospital Arts and Culture Festival is supported by Limerick City and County Council, Creative Ireland, Failte Ireland, Community Council, St John the Baptist Community School, Scoil Iosagain, Youthreach, Milford Hospice Community Project, All local businesses and all local clubs and associations. Without their help and finance none of these rural community developments would be possible.