Luan Gallery to present project based on Athlone’s broadcasting history ‘Calling Athlone’
Calling Athlone is a relational installation and broadcast based art project which makes use of Athlone’s deep historic connection to broadcasting both past and present. Collaborators on the project led by artist Steve Maher include the Marconi Heritage Group and Athlone Community Radio.
The project will connect communities within Athlone to their rich broadcasting heritage and the empowerment that broadcasting can offer. The project aims to make these connections through an exploration of the technology and sites linked to the history of broadcasting in the area.
Calling Athlone will work with a variety of participants who, following a tour of the Moydrum transmitter site, will participate in workshops. The workshops will lead to the production of home-made crystal set radios and broadcast material for a short radio documentary. The radios will be on display in Luan Gallery for the month of October and the documentary will be broadcast through them.
Steve Maher says:
‘Crystal set radios are entirely powered by AM radio waves and require no additional electrical source, they are cheap and simple to make. By distributing the knowledge for their construction and linking it to the legacy of innovation which for many years placed Athlone on the map, the project will provoke new considerations in community regarding the legacy of technology. The project will attempt to position historic research and knowledge regarding broadcasting in the area into the format of an engaged project for the community to provoke new considerations and relationships within the context of one of their most historically significant yet periphery items of legacy.’
The project will culminate in an on-site installation in Luan Gallery's Boardwalk gallery on the lower ground floor. Visitors will be invited to engage with the installation of displayed radios and listen the broadcast made by the project participants.
Aedín McGinn, Curator states:
‘Calling Athlone is part of the global exhibition model ‘Project Anywhere’ selected through blind peer evaluation. This project is a wonderful opportunity to delve into Athlone’s rich broadcasting heritage and breathe new life into a communication method deeply rooted in the town. We are delighted to support Steve Maher - who was the recipient of the Kieran Meagher Legacy Award in 2014, in the presentation of this interesting participatory project.’
Calling Athlone will launch in Luan Gallery at 1pm on Tuesday 11th October 2016. All are welcome to attend. The installation will be displayed until 31st October 2016. Luan Gallery is open Tuesday – Saturday from 11.00 – 17.00 and Sundays 12.00 – 17.00. The gallery is closed on Mondays.
