Fanning the flames

Cork’s ArtTrail festival of the visual arts tackles the subject of the National Interest in this year’s programme, says Carl Dixon

ArtTrail, Cork’s contemporary arts festival, allows artists to present their work in a relatively informal manner through a programme of open studios where the public can see the working artists in action. Now in its 15th season, the festival runs from November 18 to December 4.

ArtTrail prides itself on its encouragement of innovation and public participation. The festival is particularly adept at utilising interesting and often unconventional spaces. By presenting the new works and site specific installations in this way, the festival retains a lightness of touch which appeals to a broad audience. Generally the artists themselves are available to give a direct insight into their work and the processes they use.