Esker Arts marks third anniversary

Since its doors first opened in April 2023, Esker Arts has achieved its objective of becoming a vital presence in the cultural and social fabric of life in Tullamore and the wider Midlands region.

The 220-seat venue at High Street, Tullamore, provides a platform for amateur and professional performers and produces an ongoing programme of events to suit all cultural tastes.

Reflecting on the first three years of the Esker Arts in Tullamore, Artistic Director Sean Walsh said the cultural amenity "has filled a void in the town".

“In some ways, it’s hard to believe that three years have gone by so quickly. The excitement of those opening days still feels fresh, but so much has happened, events and great moments, that, in other ways, it feels like more than three years.

"From being the platform it provides for local arts, amateur drama, musical societies, choirs, stage schools, our annual panto, to the opportunities it gives people to see top quality professional music and theatre, Esker Arts was badly needed in Tullamore," Mr Walsh said.

The Artistic Director said the opening of a new artists studio at the venue "will be another rich facet of the centre".

"For visual artists, Esker Arts has become a hub of making and showing work. The community has taken to the centre, because it is their arts centre and I would like to think people are happy and proud to have such a fine facility in their town," Mr Walsh added

Looking towards the future for Esker Arts, the Artistic Director said the team at the venue "were only getting started".

"We have many exciting plans for the future, the studios, more residencies and opportunities for artists, some great programming coming up. It’s satisfying to look back on the first three year, but it’s exciting to look ahead to the coming years," he stated.

The development of Esker Arts was a collaboration between Tullamore Community Arts Centre Ltd, established as a partnership between Offaly County Council, Tullamore Town Council and the local community.

Esker Arts opened to the public on April 14, 2023, with a gala concert organised by Tullamore Lions Club as a fundraiser for centre. Then President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, performed the official opening of Esker Arts on June 6, 2023.

Esker Arts is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and on Saturday from 10am to 3pm. A full programme of events for 2026 and early 2027 can be found on www.eskerarts.ie.