Dr Daithí Kearney, Co-Director of the Creative Arts Research Centre at DkIT has published an article in the Italian Journal of Irish Studies and recently travelled to Italy to share his research through workshops and performances. 

His article entitled ‘Burdens and Opportunities of Tradition in Artistic Communities’ was recently published in Studi Irlandesi Journal of Irish Studies. Engaging with the growth and impact of Podcasts, Kearney critically reflected on a series produced by Siamsa Tíre, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland to give consideration to tradition and innovation in contemporary arts practice. A performer who trained and performed with the company, and who was recently appointed to the Board of Directors, Kearney brought an informed perspective that drew on his own life experience. 

This international peer-reviewed journal edited by Fiorenzo Fantaccini, Arianna Antonielli and Samuele Grassi at the University of Florence aims to promote and contribute to the interdisciplinary debate on themes and research issues pertaining to every aspect of Irish culture, to create a place for an international debate and high-quality research on Irish literary studies, history, cultural perspectives and linguistic inquiry.

Daithí also travelled to Italy to facilitate workshops at the Tuscania Irish Fleadh curated by Francesca Fabris and Lucrezia Testa Iannill. This festival of Irish music and dance took place in the splendid and historic setting of the Etruscan/medieval village of Tuscania. Daithí was part of a wonderful line-up of tutors including Diane Cannon, Aidan Burke, Brendan Mulholland, Laura O'Callaghan, Jason O'Rourke, Clare McGreevy and Alison Crossey. The focus of his workshops was the step-dancing traditions of North Kerry, a topic on which he has published and presented about widely in recent years as part of an ongoing research project on Irish music and dance. Daithí also performed as a banjo player at the festival.

Read Daithí’s article here