Culture Night is an annual all-island public event that celebrates culture, creativity, and the arts. Culture Night Donegal is brought to you by the Arts Council, in partnership with Donegal County Council. All events are free admission.
Exhibitions
Another Time Undone – Vivienne Dick, Jill Quigley, and Adrian O’Carroll
Gallery 1 & 2. 6pm – 9pm
Curated by Eamonn Maxwell, Another Time Undone explores how family, land and legacy shape artistic practice. Featuring Vivienne Dick, Adrian O’Carroll and Jill Quigley, all born in Donegal, the exhibition avoids cliché and tourist imagery. Dick shows rarely seen multi-screen works and new photographs. O’Carroll presents quiet, introspective landscapes including Maghera, his largest work. Quigley subverts rural architecture through sculpture and photography. Though rooted in place, this is not a show about Donegal. It is about how memory, environment and identity unfold across time through personal, playful and poignant lens-based practices.
LKFoto – Letterkenny Photography Club
Foyer Gallery 6pm – 9pm
Discover the creativity of local photographers at the LKFoto Photographic Club exhibition, opening on Culture Night, Friday 19th September. Showcasing work from beginners to experienced members, this vibrant and diverse collection reflects the club’s inclusive spirit. With images spanning a wide range of styles and subjects, the exhibition offers a personal glimpse into a passionate and supportive photographic community.
Title: Mad, Bad, Sad: The Dark Side of Motherhood in Cinema by Maria Gasol
Foyer Gallery. 6pm – 9pm
Maria Gasol’s series of small gouache portraits explores film’s portrayal of dysfunctional motherhood. Drawing from over 30 films, the works depict “mad, bad, or sad” maternal figures shaped by grief, trauma, or obsession. The exhibition reflects on how cinema exploits cultural fears around motherhood, while also hinting at a shift toward more nuanced and compassionate representations.
Irish Guide Dogs Exhibition
Reception Gallery. 6pm – 9pm
This collection of eight artworks by Clay M8 is inspired by the Guide, Assistance, Ambassador, and Brood dogs of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, Donegal Branch. Each piece reflects the incredible bond between these dogs and the families they serve.
Visitors will learn about the unique stories of the dogs featured, highlighting their roles in guiding, assisting, and raising future service animals. The exhibition not only showcases beautiful artwork but also celebrates the vital work done by Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Other Events
Arts & Cultural Diversity Film Premiere
Workshop 1&2. 6pm – 9pm
Donegal Arts Service, in partnership with Póca Productions, welcome you to the premiere of six short films. Shot over a weekend residential in Gartan, these pieces were created by participants from North Africa, Nigeria, Central America, Ukraine and Zambia supported by the Póca Productions team.
Kokou Gogrey a recent participant on the Creative Ireland Artist – Mentor programme shot behind the scenes footage of the residential which can also be seen on the evening. All films will be played on a loop throughout the evening so feel free to drop in anytime. This project was made possible through funding from the Housing Finance Agency’s Social Investment Fund.
Donegal Youth Orchestra Open Rehearsal
Workshop 3. 7pm – 8pm
Join Donegal Youth Orchestra for a special open rehearsal on Culture Night with conductor and composer Vincent Kennedy. Featuring talented young musicians aged 12 to 19 from across the county, this dynamic ensemble is the longest-running group in the Donegal Music Education Partnership. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the workings of a full orchestra in action.
Culture Night Cabaret
Auditorium. 9pm – 10.30pm
Round off Culture Night at the RCC with a lively late-night celebration of music, dance and performance. The line-up includes Indian cultural dancers, African song, Irish dancing, a Ukrainian choir, world music DJ and MC, poetry and theatre.
As part of the evening, audiences will also experience brand new work from the Artist/Mentor Programme, delivered by Donegal County Council’s Arts Service in partnership with An Grianán Theatre, the Regional Cultural Centre, the Balor Arts Centre and Artlink. This initiative supports early-career artists in developing original work through collaboration with established theatre makers, writers, musicians, and visual artists.
Culture Night at RCC is a fun, all-inclusive event. Free entry – all welcome to join this joyful celebration of culture and creativity.
