Regional workshops build rural street performance skills
Four-day spectacle-making training launches in Longford
Press Release: Wednesday, 21 January 2026
Longford Arts Office, in partnership with six local authority Arts Offices, has announced a four-day training workshop designed to develop skills in spectacle-making and street performance among artists based in rural counties. The programme will take place across two weekends in March and April in Longford Town and is delivered by Spraoi Waterford, a nationally recognised spectacle production company.
The initiative forms part of a newly established regional spectacle training network aimed at strengthening capacity for large-scale visual performance and participatory arts practice outside major urban centres. Funded by the local authority Arts Offices of Longford, Cavan, Sligo, Roscommon, Offaly, Laois and Louth, the programme focuses on practical skills development and peer learning.
The training will run on Saturday, 21 and Sunday, 22 March, and Saturday, 18 and Sunday, 19 April. Participants will take part in hands-on sessions covering design, prop-making, costuming and street performance techniques. The workshop is structured as a collaborative learning environment, with an emphasis on sharing experience and building professional networks among artists with an interest in spectacle and festival arts.
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh said, “This programme responds to a clear need for structured, high-quality training opportunities for artists working in spectacle, festival and community arts, particularly in rural areas and I would encourage interested artists to apply.”
Deputy Chief Executive of Longford County Council, John Brannigan said, “This unique partnership with Spraoi Waterford and neighbouring Arts Offices, means that we are supporting skills development while also fostering a regional network of practitioners who can collaborate beyond the duration of the workshops. If you are an artist interested in developing spectacle making and performance skills – then this is the course for you.”
Eligibility is open to artists and makers aged 18 or over who have prior experience in spectacle, festival or community arts practice and who reside in one of the participating counties. Applications must be submitted online with a CV and will be assessed by a panel representing the participating Arts Offices. The application deadline is 5pm on Thursday, 12 February. For further information see www.longfordarts.ie
