Initiative aiming to promote work of locally-based artists

ARTISTS from across the greater north Cork region have been invited to participate in a consultation process aimed at providing them with the tools needed to progress their careers.

The initiative is being undertaken by the North West Cork Visual Artists Group, one of three local groups recently allocated funding totalling almost €20,000 by Cork County Council under its Creative Communities Scheme.

Kanturk/Mallow Municipal District officer Liz Donovan said the scheme was designed to support arts projects across the county.

“Its principal aim is to encourage communities, artists and arts organisations and others to develop proposals for art-related projects that can enhance cultural and social life within their respective areas,” said Ms Donovan.

She said council officials had received a number of applications seeking grant aid under the scheme, each of which had been assessed on certain pre-defined criteria.

These included how the projects proposed would enhance community participation and co-operation in the arts by engendering a culture of creativity, improve cross community access to the arts and how they would impact on community life through public events.

The Glen Theatre Group in Banteer was awarded €8,000 to produce a new musical by Cork playwright John Twohig, with the Blood in the Alley Theatre Company allocated the same amount for its North Cork ‘Fit Up’ Festival.

The North West Cork Visual Artists Group, a collective of practising artists living and working in Mallow, was allocated funding of €2,500 for a feasibility study aimed at addressing the lack of collective artist studio facilities across the region.

A spokesperson for the group said they are now asking locally based artists to contact them in order to discuss their “needs, ideas and requirements” to help develop their careers.

They are also interested in hearing from local property owners who may have space available that can be used by artists.

“We aim to foster visual contemporary art and design by developing spaces to network and collaborate with other artists. By doing so, we want to bring their work to the community and foster interest in contemporary art in Mallow,” said the spokesperson.

“Ultimately we want to support and encourage artists to work and live in the area by providing space for exhibiting, working and collaborating on projects.”

To find out more about the initiative email nwcvag@gmail. com or contact Sarah on 086 8671871 or Mark on 083 843 8040.