Kildare Library Service

Riverbank Arts Centre and Kildare County Council are delighted to announce dance artist and choreographer Philippa Donnellan as Kildare Dance Artist in Residence 2023.

Philippa’s residency, titled STEPPING THE LAND, will explore our relationship to the land and the natural world, with lots of opportunities to connect along the way. STEPPING THE LAND is supported by The Arts Council, Kildare County Council Arts Service and Riverbank Arts Centre.

Speaking about the residency Philippa states:“I’m thrilled to be Kildare Dance Artist in Residence 2023-24 in partnership with Kildare County Council and Riverbank Arts Centre. This residency presents a rich opportunity to creatively dig into a few themes about our environment and the natural world, to extend the conversation with others and to develop new performance project STEPPING THE LAND. I look forward to meeting people across Kildare to dance, move, explore and make dance theatre together – can’t wait to put my dance wellies on and get started!”

Lucina Russell, Arts Officer, Kildare County Council, says of Philippa’s appointment, â€œKildare County Council are delighted to be part of this exciting residency STEPPING THE LAND with Philippa Donnellan – to support her, as an artist who has immersed herself on themes of land, place and work and to dedicate time and space to expand on this, for communities in Kildare who will have the opportunity to engage with Philippa in dance theatre workshops in an inclusive format, and to support the development of new work.  I look forward to seeing where it takes us.”

As part of her residency Philippa will host a Creating Dance Theatre Taster Workshop in Newbridge Town Hall on Saturday 18^th November at 11am with theatre artist Ruth Lehane. The workshop is open to adults of all ages and will playfully explore the themes of Philippa’s residency using dance, music, drama and text to create new scenes and moving sequences. Afterwards attendees are invited to stay on for refreshments and to find out more on how to get involved in this new dance theatre project.

Creating Dance Theatre Taster Workshop  will take place in Newbridge Town Hall on Saturday 18 November at 11am. Tickets are priced €5 and can be booked through the Box Office at Riverbank Arts Centre, either in person or by telephone on 045 448327 Monday to Friday 9.30am-5pm (closed for lunch 2-2.30) and Saturday 10am-1pm. Tickets can also be booked 24/7 on www.riverbank.ie â€“ Online tickets subject to €1 booking fee per ticket.