DISCOVER
Kerry Film & Digital Media Archive
Project Background
In 2024 Kerry Writers’ Museum appointed Ciarán Walsh to establish and curate the Kerry Film & Digital Media Archive with funding received from the Heritage Council under the Heritage Organisations Support Fund.
The project developed from ‘The Bolex Boys’ exhibition which involved the digital restoration of a social documentary feature film shot in 1971 and reworked in 1978. This film is a small part of a much larger archive of social documentary film and an unparalleled collection film making equipment. Current frameworks for conservation require the separation of the archive and the collection, which the Writers’ Museum considers would seriously impact the heritage value and engagement potential of this material.
Such collections exist in every community but there is no framework for the protection of this cultural heritage in way that works regionally and complements the role of Irish film Institute, the National Folklore Collection, the National Photographic Archive and the Museum of Country Life.
Through the Kerry Film & Digital Media Archive, Kerry Writers’ Museum is developing a mechanism for the protection of such collections that can be replicated on a regional basis and integrated with national cultural organisations. Building on ‘The Bolex Boys” experience, we are developing inhouse collection and curatorial skills, including archives management and storage.
REVIEWS
What people are saying about us
Popped in here to escape the rain and get a cup of tea and cake. Very reasonable prices and great service. Then noticed the little hare jumping around on the wall when I used the toilets! Looked very intriguing and prompted us all to buy tickets to the museum. Wow! So worth it as the exhibits and the way it was presented was lovely, really unusual. So informative and so different to other museums. Really good value for money and a real highlight to the town.
Great Service (Trip Advisor Review)
– March, 2023
Most impressive is how ingrained in both The Creative & local communities The Seanchaí is, from the workshops, coffee mornings & plain old drop ins, To Book launches, poetry recitals, projects & engagements with the local schools. The Seanchaí is a much loved and universally treasured cultural icon. By the inhabitants of Listowel, most of Co. Kerry and West Limerick.
Mark Ollerhead (Google Review)
– March, 2023
We had requested the 30-minute tour, but happily lingered for an hour longer than we had planned. As we exited, we looked at each other and laughed out loud at our good fortune. We could have so easily missed this experience that left us feeling moved, intrigued and a bit more educated about the Kerry writers. In our delight, we failed to tip our guide but I will be going to your donations page to make a modest pledge in gratitude for our host whose name we did not record to memory.
Jane Braswell (Google Review)
– March, 2023
Our visit to the Kerry Writers Museum was a very memorable experience from beginning to end. Cara, who was working at the centre that day, was very welcoming and most helpful. The exhibition of the Kerry writers was imaginative and most engaging. The seanchai relating the background stories each writer was magic! A wonderful experience all round.
Cara (Google Review)
– May, 2021
This museum has been developed with great care and meticulous attention to detail. The audio elements are matched perfectly to the installations which are beautifully presented. The option to activate the audio guides in each room without resorting to the use of handheld devices worked very well. This is a must see/hear for anyone with an interest in Irish writing. There is also a little coffee shop and gifts on sale.
Beautifully Curated (Trip Advisor Review)
– July, 2019