The John McKenna Society currently has an Artist in Residence under Leitrim County Council’s – ‘Leitrim Arts Strategy’ in conjunction with the Arts Council.
The John McKenna Society recognises the pivotal role the arts have to play in society. In context of the Drumkeeran area it is recognised that traditional Irish music is a natural resource which can be further developed and empowered through the employment of an Artist in Residence.
US born fiddler Jesse Smith was the first Artist in Residence employed by the John McKenna Society and funded by Leitrim County Council. Jesse Smith is currently part of the group ‘The Ewe With The Crooked Horn’ with Harry Bradley (Flute) and John Blake (Guitar).
Flautist Niall Keegan is the current Artist in Residence. Niall Keegan is the course director for the new Traditional Irish Music Masters at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance (University of Limerick) and also lectures on the ethnomusicology program there.
The Artist in Residence has the use of John McKenna’s cottage and it the expectation of the John McKenna Society that they be involved in the development of local musicians and work in cooperation with the Society to sustain interest in the Traditional Music for young people and children in the area.
The John McKenna Society has also had some involved with Leitrim County Council’s Artists in Residence. The current Residency holders Dervish have made visits to John McKenna’s cottage and attended the music classes organised by the John McKenna Society to speak with the children and young people in the process of learning Traditional Music.
Previous Leitrim County Council Residency holders Lúnasa were keenly involved in the development of Leitrim Music. During their eighteen month residency RTE’s Céilí House recorded a session with local Musicians and members of the group.
