Launch of Loughshinny Boathouse Artists’ Studio

Fingal County Council’s Arts Office is delighted to announce the launch of The Loughshinny Boathouse Artists’ studio by the Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Mary McCamley on Saturday 7th October 2017, 2pm – 4pm, Loughshinny, North County Dublin.
The former boathouse is located in the beautiful setting of Loughshinny, a coastal village that lies between Rush and Skerries.  Converted in 2014, the result of a collaborative project between Fingal County Council Operations, Arts Office and Architects Departments, the boathouse is a dual purpose building providing a lifeguard station for lifeguards and a day studio for artists.
The dramatic location of the boathouse on the water’s edge and at one end of the harbour landscape offers a unique fully subsidised workspace for professional artists.  The objective of the studio is to provide a working space for professional artists to develop their artistic practice.
From 2015 – 2017 a number of professional artists from the local area tested the suitability of the premises for various artistic uses during residences of one to three months. The boathouse provided artists with the time to research reflect and engage with their artistic practice. Inspired by the landscape and seascape of Loughshinny, artists explored the heritage of the area, marine and environmental themes, coastal life and engaged with local residents and community groups in Loughshinny, Rush and Skerries.
To coincide with the launch there will be an exhibition in the boathouse profiling the work of local professional artists who had residencies there. The exhibition will also be accompanied by poetry readings and an artist’s talk.
Artists include: Thomas Brezing, Ruth Clinton & Niamh Moriarty, Vanessa Daws, Deirdre Glenfield, Declan Gorman, Eithne Lannon, Peter O’ Neill and Dave West.
Fingal County Council Arts Office will have an open call to Irish and international Artists’ working across all art forms. To apply for the studio artists will be asked to submit a cover letter detailing the proposed usage of the studio, a work plan outlining ideas for the residency; current Curriculum Vitae; artists’ statement; documentation of work; and any special requirements, for example in terms of access.