CIT Artsfest begins with dash of splash

HANDEL’S Water Music should have been the soundtrack for the spectacular launch yesterday of a college’s annual celebration of music, art and culture.

From an early-morning speedboat trip up the river Lee, to an open-top bus ride through the city’s rain soaked streets, students from Cork Institute of Technology’s (CIT) four constituent campuses combined to brave driving rain and bitter cold to promote their college’s 2009 Artsfest.

It started with a high-speed RIB run by students from CIT’s National Maritime College of Ireland in Ringaskiddy.

They docked at Lapp’s Quay and walked the short distance to the CIT Cork School of Music (CSM) where its jazz band boarded an open top bus.

Despite a heavy downpour, the musicians played on as the bus drove through Cork city centre to collect more students from the Crawford College of Art and Design for the trip out to CIT’s main Bishopstown campus where details of Artsfest 2009 were announced.

Running from March 21 to 29, highlights will include music from Mick Flannery, Fred and a special performance of Irish Songs We Learned at School by John Spillane.

That performance will feature first and second year music students of Gaelcholaiste Choilm in Ballincollig, who sang with Spillane on the album.

“We hope that the March dates will fit neatly into the new academic schedule and facilitate students, staff and the wider community to join in the celebrations,” said CIT arts officer Sarah Morey.

“Whether it’s classical or rock music, photography, theatre, performance art, or films that you’re into, Artsfest won’t disappoint.”

The CSM will host a series of lunchtime classical concerts. Visual artist Sandra Minchin’s BLANKspace contemporary fine art exhibition will explores the range of diversity of fine art at the Crawford College of Art and Design.

Other highlights include an exhibition by photographers Harry Moore and David Creedon who documented the arrival of 54 Steinway baby grand pianos, the largest order for this type of piano Steinway has ever received in its 154-year history, at CSM last year.

In theatre, Spraoi will showcase The Box and CIT’s Student Centre will hosts a 15 Second Film Festival.

Many of the events are free and the public is invited to attend.

lwww.artsfest.ie