Yes, you read the headline correctly. A new public art project is launching this Sunday in Kilkenny and it is, to be simplistic, a trail of sculptures in the shape of a cartoon cat.
Aptly titled the Kilkenny Catwalk, the installation is a partnership project between Kilkenny Civic Trust and Kilkenny County Council that has enlisted the help of 21 of Ireland's most talented artists to decorate the town with a series of cat sculptures.
Participating artists include Mick Minogue, Sile Walsh, Richard Hearns, Bernadette Kelly and Elizabeth Cope to name but a few.
The original five-foot cat model, which all artists then had to customise using patterns, paint and other materials, was designed by four-time Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Emmy-nominated Kilkenny animation studio Cartoon Saloon. The cat, named Pangur Bán, is a character from The Secret of Kells, the first feature film from the studio set in the 9th century, during the age of Viking Expansion in Ireland. The film's plot is based on the origins of Ireland's most famous illustrated manuscript, the Book of Kells.
Art fans are invited to download the official Kilkenny Catwalk Trail app which will help you follow the trail around Kilkenny. The cats are located near important cultural heritage sites in the town meaning participants can learn more about the town's history as they traverse from cat to cat - a truly unique learning experience we're sure you will agree.
The Catwalk, which launches on 10th October, at 1pm at Butler House Gardens, also features cats designed by local youth groups as well as the Kilkenny camogie and hurling teams.
All artists will be present on launch day to chat with walkers about the inspiration behind their cat designs and how they came to be involved with the project.
Sounds like the purrrrr-fect way to spend an autumn afternoon if you ask us? You can learn more about the Kilkenny Catwalk by visiting its official website here.
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