Maurice Harron's 'Saints and Scholars' sculpture decorates the N52 in Offaly. Photo by: Clare Dunne
Offaly County Council are in the process of preparing a new five year Arts Plan for Offaly, 2012 to 2016 and this is an open invitation for people to come forward with their ideas, comments, observations and concerns.
Much has happened in the arts in Offaly over the past 5 years; apart from new festivals, new arts organisations and an increase in artists in the county, together they have achieved very strong foundations for the arts to develop even further. Even though financing the arts will be difficult, there is a belief and a certainty about what the arts represents, characterises and embodies in communal and individual identities. The challenge is now to see how to take this one step further in ways that are even more imaginative, more innovative and more meaningful. The new Arts Plan when adopted by Offaly County Council will be the mandate for the next 5 years, organisers are encouraging everybody to come along “it is important that everyone feels welcome to have a say“. See below for a list of venues and times.
Offaly County Council are also inviting submissions from artists for an iconic ‘gateway’ sculpture for the town of Birr, in Co. Offaly. The commissioners would like artists to create an innovative response to Birr’s unique heritage whilst reflecting its vibrant culture. This project arose out of Birr’s Public Realm Project and the value of the commission is €45,000. This is a two stage open submission competition, and the closing date is Friday 02 March at 3pm. A full copy of the brief can be downloaded by following this link Birr Gateway Public Art Brief.
Offaly’s 5 year Arts Plan meetings:
Tuesday 24 Jan, Birr Theatre and Arts Centre 6pm to 7.30pm
Tuesday 31 Jan, Hugh Lynches Tullamore 8pm to 9.30pm (Last Tuesday Club)
Thursday 02 Feb, Aras an Chontae, 7.30pm to 9pm (focus on festivals)
Please contact the arts office 057 9357400 if you wish to attend any of the meetings.
Submissions are also welcome in writing up to Friday February 2nd and should be emailed or posted to Arts Office, Offaly County Council, Charleville Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.
