Inaugural exhibition curated by global visionaries Jenn Ellis and Matilda Liu
Slane Castle, the iconic 18th-century estate in Co Meath, renowned for its legendary concerts and historic grandeur, announces CAIM, an ambitious new contemporary art programme, with an inaugural exhibition from September 12th-30th 2025 that bridges international art, Celtic tradition, and Ireland’s natural landscape.
CAIM, derived from the Irish word for “sanctuary”, reimagines Slane Castle’s historic grounds as a dynamic crossroads of global art, ecological storytelling, and Ireland’s cultural heritage. Curated by Jenn Ellis, founder of Apsara Studio in London, and Matilda Liu of Meeting Point Projects, the exhibition will feature immersive installations, sculptures, and multimedia works by acclaimed emerging and established local and international artists, all engaging with themes of protection, ritual, and humanity’s bond with the natural world. The opening weekend of the Exhibition from September 11th to 13th will include an exclusive Gala event and ‘Seasonal Estate Feast’ By Wolfe Conyngham, renowned chef and brother of Alex, The Marquess Conyngham See www.caimatslane.com for tickets
A Sanctuary for Art and Nature
Inspired by ancient Celtic symbolism, CAIM reimagines Slane Castle’s historic grounds and state rooms as a sanctuary where art and landscape converge. The exhibition features work by a diverse roster of international and local artists, spanning sculpture, installation, painting, and multimedia, all responding to the castle’s ethos of ‘Nurture and Share’. From immersive site-specific installations nestled in the castle’s wooded demesne to thought-provoking works in its opulent interiors, CAIM revitalises Slane’s connection to its natural surroundings while fostering global artistic dialogue.
Curatorial Vision
Jenn Ellis, founder of Apsara Studio, and Matilda Liu of Meeting Point Projects bring a bold, interdisciplinary approach to CAIM. “This art programme and inaugural exhibition is about creating thoughtful exchanges between local Irish artists, the international art world and the incredible natural heritage of Slane Castle – it’s a mix of local to global artistic dialogue, and a harmonious blend of art, space and context” says Ellis. “We’re weaving Slane’s rich heritage with contemporary voices to ask urgent questions about preservation and our relationship to the land.” Liu adds, “CAIM is more than an exhibition—it’s an invitation to experience art as a ritual, echoing the Celtic traditions that still resonate here.”
Artists
Artists have been selected from a rigorous open call encompassing a local and international jury as well as by invitation and through collaboration with galleries. The Open Call Finalists, from Ireland to Singapore, are: Lee Welch, Kathy Tynan, Melania Toma, Liling Liu, Laura Wilson. These are accompanied by further emerging to established voices such as Fergus Feehily, Niamh O’Malley, Omar el Lahib, Laura Gannon, Yijia Wu. Gallery support includes Saatchi Yates and Gillian Jason Gallery.
A New Chapter for Slane Castle
CAIM marks a bold evolution for Slane Castle, expanding its legacy beyond music and whiskey into the realm of contemporary art. Alex, The Marquess Conyngham reflects on the estate’s reinvention: “For centuries, Slane Castle has been a place of gathering for music, celebration, and connection. With CAIM, we’re opening a new chapter, one where art becomes a bridge between our storied past and a sustainable future. This isn’t just an exhibition; it’s an invitation to experience the Slane Castle Estate as a sanctuary for creativity and contemplation, echoing the Celtic rituals that have shaped this land and our connection to it for aeons.”
