Kilkenny to host festival with big name set to lead the bill

As arguably the festival capital of Ireland, Kilkenny plays host to a plethora of activities and events that attract thousands from near and far.

Now, almost a decade in as a player in the local festival field, yet more of the area’s most creative animators will get the opportunity to showcase their skills to audiences across the Marble City at Kilkenny Animated.

This year's festival runs from September 11-13, with a programme that caters to all interests.

Leading the bill is Dylan Moran, one of Ireland’s most beloved comedians, who takes to the stage on Saturday night for an evening of laughter, surprises, and the rare sight of a comedian painting his way through an evening of glorious unpredictability. - READ MORE HERE

Amongst the speakers at this year’s festival is well-known animator Colm Dowling.

Colm is an Irish build and rigging artist with eight years of experience in the animation industry. He has contributed to both television and feature animation projects, bringing ideas to life.

In the classroom, he has shared his own insights with the next generation, teaching classes for college animation courses.

“It’s a three-day event celebrating animation and storytelling, rooted in Kilkenny, its inspiration and the people who help the animation industry here,” Colm told the Kilkenny People.

“There are many meet-up events, as well as the art market, which has free entry. People can talk directly to the artists who are there selling their work and answering questions about what they do,” he explained.

Colm won’t be standing idly by when the festival gets up and running, quite the contrary.

The animator will take part in the art market and animation quiz, as well as making a guest appearance as a panellist on ‘The Making of a Zine’, hosted by artist, author and comedian Aoife Dooley.

The festival will offer an exciting blend of industry leaders and Kilkenny talent, with the three-day event eager to promote local.

“We’re building it more around the Kilkenny community of artists who are living here and expanding that by inviting guest speakers and lecturers and running workshops. It allows people to interact with artists and learn how they build their portfolios and develop their skills,” he continued.

“I’m happy to be involved every year and to help expand the community of Kilkenny,” Colm continued, adding, “we’ve definitely built up a community here.”

“I think there has always been a community down here. It has grown larger over the years and probably become more prevalent with each passing year because the events keep getting bigger.

“There’s more of a draw to Kilkenny’s art scene through animation now, not just through the fine arts but through the digital media that can also be created here," he continued.

For Colm, a life outside animation was never a consideration.

“I don’t remember a time when I didn’t. From primary school, when I learned what an animator was, I wanted to be one. I wanted to make moving cartoons, and I think that love of the craft has never left me,” he explained.

“I still find awe in the work that’s being produced, and I still very much appreciate the style and complexity of it. I know now how much effort goes into it, but I’m still captivated and taken aback by the journey that films and shows can take you on.”

For full programme details and booking, visit kilkennyanimated.com.