On International Day of Light May 16th 2021 we celebrated by a special lighting up our L O V E installation at the iconic venue of Kilkenny Castle. Minister Malcolm Noonan joined us along with Elaine Dalton Kilkenny Garda Protective Services. Our committee members were present along with representatives from Carlow College St Patricks. Amber Womens Refuge GLC manager Lisa Morris and one Million Stars Ireland Project lead Siobhan McQuillan were also present.
Our Installation will be open to the public at Kilkenny Castle park opening times until June 7th
The exhibition at Kilkenny castle Titled LOVE is a reminder that in uncertain times we are innately connected as humans by both our vulnerability and our strength. That as a community we can show support and compassion in adversity. That love and compassion are stronger than hate and violence; love is universal and instils hope and encourages connection. We are reminded of what it means to show healthy love: respect, acceptance, trust, empathy, and unity. Inspired by the Martin Luther King quote: “Returning hate for hate multiples hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
The exhibition comprises of a 3D structure of the letters spelling LOVE, crafted in Precast steel and kindly donated by JM Steel Cuffesgrange and installed by Kilkenny Hydraulics. Hand woven stars made by a cross section of our community are tied to the letters. Star weavers include TY students from St Brigid’s College Callan, Kilkenny College, Loreto and Presentation Kilkenny, Syrian women’s group, the community of Callan, students from Carlow College St Patricks, Rehab Care, Mental Health Ireland, the ICA, and many weavers across the county who have supported us since November 2019. The stars are on view from May 16th until June 7th. There will be an information afternoon and star display in The Medieval Room of Kilkenny Castle from 12pm-5pm Sunday May 16th. Members of the public can register with us and receive a free weaving kit to take home. (Strict covid guideline apply). To find out more about our project or to donate to Amber Refuge visit www.onemillionstarsireland.ie
The opening of the exhibition – May 16th falls on UNESCO International Day of Light which is also International Day of Living in Peace Together.
International Day of Light celebrates the role light plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development: “light is a universal symbol of life, inclusion, and renewal. Light is associated with illumination, or spiritual awakening. Light is seen in opposition to darkness, which represents ignorance and intolerance.”Shamila Nair-Bedouelle – Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences
The united Nations International Day of Living in Peace Together is all about accepting differences and having the ability to listen to, recognize, respect and appreciate others, as well as living in a peaceful and united way. It is a day to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding and solidarity. The day aims to uphold the desire to live and act together, united in differences and diversity, in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony.
