Six artists have been selected for the new Dún Laoghaire Baths Studios. Following an open call which saw Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Arts Office receive 160 submissions, the six artists chosen are Helen Hughes, Seoidín O Sullivan, Mark Clare, Mary Burke, Laura Sarah Dowdall and Roisin White.
The studios are provided rent free with additional funding support to assist with the purchase of materials, the making of new work, or the presentation of workshops, talks and performances.
Cllr Denis O Callaghan, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said: “I warmly congratulate the six selected artists and I look forward to seeing their projects develop while in Dún Laoghaire Baths Arts Studios. These purpose built rent free studios, in such a beautiful and inspiring location, demonstrates the value we place on artists in our community and our important role in supporting their careers in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.”
These opportunities are funded by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Arts Office, the Arts Council, Creative Ireland and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Welcoming the awards, Frank Curran, Chief Executive said: “Accessing workspaces is a significant challenge for artists. I am delighted to see artists moving into the studios as it delivers on a key action of our Council’s Arts Plan. Providing essential workspaces for our local artists benefits the whole community. I’m grateful to our funding partners too; their support allows for addition project funding so that artists can be ambitious in their work.”
Helen Hughes will work on a new body of work for an exhibition in the Butler Gallery, Kilkenny; while Mark Clare will research the potential of employing biomaterials and eco-engineering concepts, along with recycled materials to produce new artworks; and Mary Burke’s public art commission see her creating portraits of people’s homes – artworks that will be gifted to the participants. Seoidín’s residency considers our impact on our sea ecologies and the climate emergency; while Roisin will explore the idea of safe harbour and the relationship between the shape and recognition of a bay as a safe area to swim, and the historic relationship with the original Baths, a day out with family, in joy and safety.
As inaugural dance artist in residence at the Baths this Summer, Laura is focused on exploring our connection to the Sea and will be offering free movement workshops, open-studio drop ins and pop-up performances over the summer months.
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