May 17–June 5, 2016, the Kennedy Center presents IRELAND 100: Celebrating a Century of Irish Arts & Culture, a major festival highlighting Irish culture and its relationship to America. Curated by Alicia Adams, Vice President of International Programming and Dance, and featuring Artist-in-Residence Fiona Shaw, the festival includes dozens of performances from some of Ireland's best contemporary musicians, dancers, and theater companies - along with several other exciting events ranging from a literature series, documentary screenings, installations, culinary arts, a redhead/family day, and much more.
The festival is part of the global celebration commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising, which led to Ireland's independence, and the centerpiece of the commemorative events in the United States. As America's national cultural center, the Kennedy Center is also a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, the most well-known Irish American President and the first sitting American President to visit Ireland.
The festival is part of the global celebration commemorating the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising, which led to Ireland's independence, and the centerpiece of the commemorative events in the United States. As America's national cultural center, the Kennedy Center is also a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, the most well-known Irish American President and the first sitting American President to visit Ireland.