About the project
The project aims to make Intercelticism visible all year round in Lorient through the creation of symbolic works.
The association aims to promote the cultures of the Celtic countries and Inter-Celtic relations in the Lorient region by all possible means, in conjunction with the various existing players and the town of Lorient. And this is to make it the essential center of inter-Celticism in Brittany and other Celtic countries.
The Lorient Interceltic Capital association was set up in January 2025 to bring Interceltic culture to life visually in Lorient throughout the year.
Apart from the existing statue of Polig Montjarret in the square of the same name, a Celtic capitals sign in front of the Galerie du Faouedic and the many roundabouts in Lorient each bearing the name of one of the Celtic nations as well as the entrance sign to the city “Lorient, Interceltic Capital” , apart from the FIL in August, there is no visible sign presenting Lorient as the Interceltic Capital.
The project is therefore to present each of the eight Celtic nations with a statue representing an artist from each nation, playing an instrument representative of his or her nation and who has performed on several occasions in Lorient. These statues will form an Inter-Celtic “route” through Lorient (in the locations recommended by the city: the Péristyle or the Estacade).
In addition to these statues, there are plans to create a giant fresco on the theme of Intercelticism on one of the façades of one of the buildings on the Quai de Rohan.
Eight Celtic nations in Europe, eight statues—each will be representative of its country through its music, will be explicit in its interceltic dimension, and will be meaningful for the Interceltic Festival of Lorient and for the territory. Both women and men will be represented, in an intergenerational way.
Paddy Moloney
(1938-2021)
Uilleann pipes
Gordon Duncan
(1964-2005)
Great Highland Bagpipe
Carlos Núñez
(1971) Gaita
Of the eight statues to be created, the goal is for three to be completed in 2026. Discussions and agreements are currently underway with Carlos Nuñez, Paddy Moloney’s family, and Gordon Duncan’s family.
2 sculptors have been commissioned to create the statues : Annick Leroy and Anne Smith.
Paddy Moloney
The leader and founder of The Chieftains. Founded in 1962, the exceptionally long-lived band has released nearly 40 albums to worldwide acclaim.
