TULCA Assembly brings together critical voices from Ireland, Europe and the United States, sharing artistic research and asking crucial questions about the role of artmaking, activism and environmental discourse today. Scheduled on Saturday afternoon, 9th November at Market Street’s PorterShed, TULCA Assembly is part of a wider public programme presented as part of TULCA 2024: The Salvage Agency.

At TULCA Assembly, Risteard Ó Domhnaill, one of Ireland’s most renowned documentary filmmakers, speaks about his current research and long term approach to communities and places in conflict with governmental and corporate policies. Irish curator, artist, writer and educator Paul O’Neill is a global voice on the possibilities and energies that exhibition-making and contemporary art practice can achieve – he shares his recent findings. Kate O’Shea’s activist work and publishing activities have constantly found new perspectives for an egalitarian Ireland. Becky Nahom, in her role as director of exhibitions at New York’s Independent Curators International, has developed numerous experimental exhibitions that challenge art historical narratives across the globe. Stephanie Smith’s curatorial work in Chicago and elsewhere is acknowledged for commitments to groundbreaking ecological thinking through art. Artist JD Whitman’s involvement in digital preservation of Ireland’s nineteenth century Blaschka glass models of marine invertebrates has a special resonance, considering the important collection on exhibit at the University of Galway’s Zoology and Marine Biology Museum. Micol Curatolo highlights her work around borders, cultural work, belonging and identity in Finland, and launches her new edited publication Here, Not. Dialogues on art and the making of here.

TULCA Assembly is produced in association with Askeaton Contemporary Arts. Supported by Arts Council, Galway City Council, Askeaton Contemporary Arts.

Feature photo of Kate O’Shea from Cork Print Shop, Cork by Shane J Horan