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
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.
Opening on 1 August at John’s Hall in Birr, Co. Offaly, the exhibition will run from 1-11 August.
The Reason of Towns will feature a one-day free public engagement programme, called the Talks of the Town on Saturday 10 August.
Events include walking tours, a community-led workshop, and a panel discussion. In this way the exhibition serves as an opportunity for local issues to be aired and discussed in a national context, fostering civic pride and promoting local action.
Birr residents, members of heritage and environmental committees, planners and researchers are encouraged to register.
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.
Talks of the Town, Birr
with the Irish Architecture Foundation
Saturday 10 August
EXHIBITION & 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 essential.
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.
FREE. Booking is essential.
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About The IAF
Established in 2005, the IAF is an independent organisation dedicated to the promotion of architecture as culture. We encourage people to engage with their built environment, to inspire new ways of thinking about architecture.
The Irish Architecture Foundation is a vibrant and passionate organisation that seeks to champion the power of architecture to transform lives and improve the places where we live, learn, work and play. Through a dynamic programme of activity, we inspire people to understand and shape their world
