European Horizons: Visual Arts on the European Stage with Beatriz Bertolin and Máiréad Holohan

Carlow Artists Connect with Spain for Cultúr 2026

European Horizons, a visual arts exchange programme developed and managed by Carlow County Council Arts Office, will launch a season of art, heritage, literature and music events across Carlow as part of Cultúr 2026, celebrating Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

As Ireland holds the Presidency until December 2026, Cultúr 2026: Sharing Ireland's Culture is bringing the country's creativity, artistic talent and cultural heritage to audiences across Europe and at home.

In Carlow, four flagship projects will foster new connections between local artists, young people and communities and their counterparts across Europe through a dynamic programme of visual arts, heritage, literature and music running from October to December.

The programme begins on Friday, 2 October with European Horizons: Visual Arts on the European Stage, an international exchange developed between Carlow and María de Huerva, Spain, a town recently twinned with Tullow. The initiative brings artists together to explore creative practice, build international networks and share cultural perspectives across borders.

The exchange culminates in a specially curated event at VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art and St Patrick's College, Carlow, featuring workshops, networking opportunities, artist discussions and a showcase of work developed through the programme.

A highlight of the evening will be a panel discussion chaired by Nora Hickey M'Sichili, Director of the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris. Joining participating artists from Ireland and Spain, the discussion will explore artistic practice, international collaboration and the opportunities that emerge when artists and cultural organisations connect across Europe.

Friday 2 October | Artists' Session

3.00pm
Visual Art Workshop with Beatriz Bertolin and Máiréad Holohan
VISUAL Carlow

5.30pm
Meet and Greet Reception with refreshments provided by Lennons
VISUAL Carlow

6.30pm
Artists' Panel Discussion moderated by Nora Hickey M'Sichili, featuring Máiréad Holohan, Beatriz Bertolin, Ally Nolan and Saturio Alonso. The panel will explore artistic exchange, cross-cultural collaboration and the role of visual arts in connecting communities across Europe.
Cobden Hall, Carlow College, St Patrick's

Tickets are free with a €5 booking deposit which will be refunded following attendance at the event. 

Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Wheelchair users and any group over 8 persons should book tickets directly through Box Office. Further Terms and Conditions can be found at visualcarlow.ie/visit/booking-information.