Residencies available in athlone studios

Athlone Arts & Tourism is now accepting short and long term studio residency applications for the facility at Abbey Road Artists’ Studios, a resource for artists of all disciplines set in the heart of Athlone Town.

In addition to 24 hour studio access, the successful applicant will have access to wi-fi internet and free parking. The chosen artist will receive administrative and marketing support in areas such as proposal writing and funding applications from the Athlone Arts & Tourism team. Studio artists also enjoy discounted rates for workshops, lectures, talks and events run by Athlone Arts & Tourism.

Past artists at Abbey Road Artists’ Studios include established artists such as Lesley Wingfield, Catherine Rock, Ann McGuinness, Geraldine Kretsch, Lawrence O’Neill, Margo McNulty, Lucy Kelly Desmond, Carol Kelly and Paul Timoney who each work in a variety of media including, printmaking, painting, embroidery and performance. Current studio residents are Niamh Dalby and Tina Hayes who work in a variety of methods including drawing, painting including oils, print and textiles.

Carmel Duffy, Manager of Athlone Arts & Tourism said: “Abbey Road Artists’ Studios is strongly linked to its sister venue Luan Gallery also located in Athlone. The gallery and company staff work to help support the professional development of the studio artists occupying Abbey Road Artists’ Studios. Frequently the artists are contracted to to deliver workshops and hobby courses. The Boardwalk Space in Luan Gallery is used to showcase the work of the studio artists at various times throughout the year. Rosemarie Langtry recently had a selection of her works display there with us and sold 6 pieces in 3 weeks, providing income and exposure! The gallery is used to help promote the artists in residence at the studios and retail space for commercial products is also available.”

Studios are priced from €100 per month, including all utilities.

Submission guidelines for applicants can be found on Athlone Arts and Tourism website www.athloneartsandtourism.ie

Applications should be sent to: Manager, Athlone Arts & Tourism, Luan Gallery, Grace Road, Athlone, Co. Westmeath Closing Date 30th September 2015Tel: 00 353 (0) 90 6442154.Email:info@luangallery.ie

Abbey Road Artists’ Studios

Abbey Road Artists’ Studios was launched as a joint initiative of Athlone Town Council and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in 2011. The Studios offer a dedicated space in Athlone town for local and visiting artists. Abbey Road Studios support professional contemporary artists in a welcoming environment which facilitates peer interaction and artistic production.
This unique building has had many different chapters since its creation in the 1800s. Most recently it housed Athlone Fire Station. It was originally built as a famine Workhouse for a cost of £7,500. Opening in 1841 it housed up to 900 people.

The artists’ studios consist of four individual artists’ studios as well as a large multi-purpose upstairs space suitable for a variety of community cultural events including exhibitions, performances, workshops and seminars.

Abbey Road Artists’ Studios currently host a number of community groups including: TURUS Art Group (national learning network), The Athlone Photography Club, The School House Quilters, The Abbey Active Age Group and St Hildas School.

In 2015 Abbey Road Artists’ Studios launched the Community Artist in Residency Scheme in conjunction with Westmeath County Arts Office. Clodagh Kelly was selected for the 1st term of this programme and Frances McGonigle for the second which commences in October 2015

Ideas are welcome for events that will promote the work of art practitioners and others within the art community.