Bold new initiative forms part of Alternative Kilkenny Arts Festival
The AKA festival runs from August 6 to 16
The launch of the eleventh edition of the AKA festival took place last Saturday in O’Sullivans Tap room in Kilkenny City.
Artists, poets, musicians, crafters and Cuán the dog celebrated the programme launch.
Over 130 events are scheduled for 10 days over August - Kilkenny county is spoiled for choice!
Ann Mulrooney, artist, opened the festival and spoke about her introduction to the festival over the years and what it means to her to have an eclectic gathering of art forms.
The festival committee welcomed the team from Thomastown Creative Arts Festival (TCAF) which will be running alongside the AKA festival with art trails, printmaking workshops, poetry readings, Kilkenny’s pottery market and lots more!
Experience the festival this year from 6 – 16 August in Market Cross, Bennettsbridge, Castlewarren, Freshford, Callan, Kilkenny City and Kilfane!
The eye-catching programme can be viewed at akafringe.com or pick up a copy across the county.
The festival centre opens in the Bank on the Parade in Kilkenny where you can support the festival by purchasing a t-shirt, badge, tote or hat – just pop through the pink door!
As a fully volunteer-led organisation, the festival also acknowledges the ongoing support of Kilkenny County Council, Kilkenny Tourism, The Heritage Council, Creative Ireland, Market Cross Shopping Centre, and Cartoon Saloon, whose contributions help make the festival possible.
AIM (Artists in Motion) is a new pilot collaborative arts initiative developed by the Alternative Kilkenny Arts Festival (AKA) in 2026. The programme brings together practising artists from across Kilkenny to encourage collaboration, creative exchange, skill-sharing, and meaningful community engagement.
Through a programme of workshops, peer learning, creative development, and public presentations, AIM provides a supportive platform for artists to connect, experiment, and share their practices. The initiative celebrates the diverse creative voices that shape Kilkenny’s cultural landscape while fostering new relationships, ideas, and opportunities for artistic participation. AIM is supported by Creative Ireland.
Artists participating in the initiative include sound artist and composer Patrick McGlynn who will lead a four-week series culminating in a public showcase during AKA.
Artist Jade Butler will also host a self-portrait and painting workshop and filmmakers Juana Robles and Michael Higggins will lead a one-day workshop in experimental filmmaking.
For programme updates and further information, visit the festival website and social media channels.
To book a ticket for the 830pm show: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-church-of-whats-happening-now-tickets-1994792394751?aff=oddtdtcreator