CAIM

Curated by Jenn Ellis and Matilda Liu

Presented by Slane Castle

September 11th-30th, 2025. Slane Castle, Ireland.

Slane Castle, village of Slane, Boyne Valley of County Meath, Ireland. 


Thrilled to announce the launch of Slane Castle’s art programme: CAIM

Named after the Celtic word for “sanctuary,” Caim is Slane Castle’s new art programme dedicated to exploring nature and sanctuary through contemporary art. This September, Caim will launch its inaugural exhibition at the iconic 18th-century estate, fostering dialogues between international contemporary art and Ireland’s natural heritage.

In Irish Gaelic, Caim signifies protection and sanctuary—a concept deeply rooted in ancient Celtic symbolism and ceremony. Traditionally, it refers to the act of encircling something in a protective prayer, evoking a sense of safety and sacredness.

Inspired by these themes of shelter, preservation, and ritual, the exhibition brings together a diverse group of international contemporary artists working across various mediums, generations, and cultural backgrounds. Reflecting Slane Castle’s motto, “Nurture and Share,” Caim transforms the historic estate by engaging with and reawakening its connection to the surrounding natural landscape.

More info www.caimatslane.com



About the team

Jenn Ellis FRSA is a curator and founder from Switzerland, Colombia and the UK based in London following five years in Hong Kong. Passionate about the considered meeting of art, space and context, she has created over the last decade meaningful projects and connections between artists, galleries and institutions globally.  As the founder of curatorial studio APSARA, she has led projects from the UNESCO heritage vineyards in Burgundy to Frieze 9 Cork Street, and collaborated with international galleries and institutions including Silverlens, Sullivan+Strumpf, Proyectos Ultravioleta, Lehmann Maupin, Tate and South London Gallery. Ellis hold a Law Degree from King’s College London and a History of Art Degree from the University of Cambridge.

Matilda Liu is an independent curator based in London, with a global perspective shaped by her upbringing in the US and China. Her curatorial practice explores the intersections of contemporary art, design, culture, and cuisine, creating exhibitions and experiences that foster dialogue across disciplines. As the founder of Meeting Point Projects, Matilda curates exhibitions that frequently showcase emerging artists—often within three years of graduating from art school—alongside established artists from private collections. Her work is driven by an interest in cultural heritage, space, and human geography, seeking to expand the critical contexts in which contemporary art can be engaged with. Matilda holds a BA from Central Saint Martins and an MA in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art. She is a Platinum Patron of Tate and an advocate for supporting artists at all stages of their careers. Through her projects, she is dedicated to fostering cross-disciplinary conversations and creating meaningful encounters between art, design, and lived experience.

Alex Conyngham, co-founder of Slane Irish Whiskey, hails from the historic Conyngham family of Slane Castle. After studying Art History at Trinity College Dublin and working at Christie’s, he returned to Ireland in 2006 and launched Slane Irish Whiskey in 2009, later partnering with Brown Forman to open Slane Distillery in 2018. He continues his family’s legacy by hosting the iconic Slane Concerts and supporting Rock Farm Slane, an organic farm and eco-glamping site run by his wife, Carina. Alex blends heritage with innovation, ensuring Slane Castle Estate remains a thriving cultural and sustainable destination.