Great Book Live

Eight Simultaneous Exhibitons - Across Eight Islands

Website with streaming video - Leabhar Mor Live

On 10th July 2004, the Leabhar Mor exhibition opened simultaneously in eight gallery spaces between the far north of the Outer Hebrides and the deep southwest of Ireland, symbolically reconnecting the Gaelic speaking areas of Ireland and Scotland using new technology.

The galleries selected for the initial launch are situated in the farthest outreaches of the Gaelic-speaking world and the galleries selected are remote and small. Yet despite the remoteness and size, the intent is to ‘connect’ the venues to create a unique, online Gaelic artistic network that enables all participants to experience the art, atmosphere and Gaelic heritage in all of the venues: Indeed to take part in a unique contemporary celebration of centuries of Gaelic tradition!

The eight participating galleries are:
• Taigh Chearsabhaigh – North Uist, Scotland
• An Lanntair – Isle of Lewis, Scotland
• An Tuireann – Isle of Skye, Scotland
• Ionad Chaluim Chille – Islay, Scotland
• An Gaileri, Falcarragh, County Donegal, Ireland
• Aras Eanna – Aran Island, Ireland
• Rathlin Isle – County Antrim, Ireland
• The Blasket Centre – County Kerry, Ireland

This ambition is not limited to July 10th. The potential is to further the outreach of Gaelic art and culture as the exhibition tours the European and North American continents over the next two to five years. This ambition will require a creative approach in the use and deployment of technology from launch. With seven out of the eight galleries being situated on islands, on the hinterland of the Scottish Gaeltachd and the Irish Gaeltacht, specific challenges will be faced in terms of servicing the event with leading edge technology. These challenges will continue as the Tour widens its outreach.