Kenmare Butter Market
About Us
Kenmare Butter Market
About Us
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About Us
Kenmare Butter Market
Built in the mid 1800’s, the former Kenmare Butter Market was converted to a dance hall in the 1960’s. Steeped in history and located in the centre of Kenmare town (Co Kerry) and on both the Iveragh and Beara peninsulas on the Wild Atlantic Way, this venue is a perfect arts location. The building was originally purchased to house a whisky distillery as part of a larger idea to reimagine the whisky distilling of Islay that will expand across several new distilleries in other historic spaces including Killarney and on the Iveragh Peninsula. The Kenmare Butter Market is one of those buildings.
Phase 1 will see the building used as it is now, an industrial urban space. In Phase 2, architectural work will commence along with the addition of the new distillery. The space is large enough to accommodate large artworks and operates as a contemporary art gallery and performance space.
Our inaugural exhibition ‘Staccato’ in July 2021 was an unveiling of new work by established Irish artists, Bridget Flannery, Paul Hughes and Paddy Lennon. Since then we have showcased work by artists, Ciaran McCoy (aka Pigsy), Regina Bartsch and Michael Hales. 2022 began with an exhibition of nine emerging female artists, followed by a retrospective by David Fox. Our first dedicated exhibition of contemporary sculpture by 34 of Irelands established Sculptors is currently open. Kenmare Butter Market is committed to showcasing Irish and international professional artists.
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Our Vision
Kenmare Butter Market - Contemporary Art Exhibition & Performance Space
Contemporary Art Exhibition & Performance Space
Our vision is to provide a platform for the showcasing of both national and international artists along with increasing the public’s enjoyment and understanding of modern contemporary art. We believe that access to art is vital and we aim to encourage the making of art and the development of creative potential whilst being relevant to a diverse global audience.
The Kenmare Butter Market is committed to:
- Showcasing new work by National & International artists
- Providing increased opportunities for education and creative participation through a workshop model.
- Developing the Butter Market’s physical and environmental infrastructure to preserve and repurpose old buildings with provenance and sustainability being at the heart of our vision.
- Providing artist residencies to emerging artists from both national and international backgrounds.
Our mission is to focus on powerful storytelling, sharing stories, celebrating different voices, and animating spaces with increased opportunities for making, creative participation and immersive experiences.
Subscribe now to our newsletter to keep up to date with our progress or register interest in exhibiting with us by email: kenmarebuttermarket@gmail.com
Subscribe now to our newsletter to keep up to date with our progress or register interest in exhibiting with us by email