Westmeath to showcase arts and culture as EU Presidency programme launches
Westmeath’s contribution to Ireland’s EU Presidency cultural programme will officially launch this Friday, September 18, as part of Culture Night 2026.
Imagining Common Grounds, led by Westmeath County Council’s Arts Office and curator Valeria Ceregini, will explore the relationship between ecology, memory, identity and community, using the boglands of Westmeath and the wider Midlands as its starting point.
The programme forms part of Cultúr 2026, Ireland’s national cultural programme for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and will showcase the work of Westmeath and Midlands artists while connecting local stories and perspectives with wider European cultural conversations.
Running from September to December, Imagining Common Grounds will feature exhibitions, workshops, music, dance, talks and opportunities for community participation, with further events planned in Athlone and Mullingar.
Two solo exhibitions by Westmeath artists Emma O’Brien and Emer Gaffey will open on Culture Night.
At the Ground Floor Atrium of Westmeath County Council, O’Brien’s The Holding Space uses photography to explore care, ecology and humanity’s relationship with the natural world.
Meanwhile, at Áras an Mhuilinn, Gaffey’s Recovering Ground examines the ecological and cultural significance of Ireland’s peatlands through painting, drawing and research.
Both artists will lead free workshops for adults and children aged 10 and over, offering participants the chance to explore themes around the bog through photography, drawing, observation and creative activity.
Music and dance will also take centre stage in Market Square, Mullingar, from 5.30pm until late.
The free outdoor programme will open with a performance by Patrick Heffernan, followed by an outdoor céilí at 6pm. Mullingar Comhaltas will present traditional Irish music at 7pm, followed by Blásta Brass at 7.45pm and singer-songwriter Peter Doran at 8.15pm. A surprise guest performance will bring the evening to a close at 9pm.
Cathaoirleach Bill Collentine said Culture Night provided the “perfect opportunity” to launch Westmeath’s contribution to the EU Presidency programme.
He said the programme would celebrate the creativity, talent and cultural richness of the county while highlighting the landscapes that shape life in Westmeath.
The wider Imagining Common Grounds programme will continue throughout the autumn, including artist development opportunities, talks, workshops, a group exhibition featuring Westmeath artists and an international exchange linking local artists with European practitioners.
All Culture Night events are free and open to the public, with full listings available through the Culture Night programme.