A dozen artists living either side of the Blackwater River in East Cork and West Waterford have been meeting to share their work and discuss their common challenges through a pilot programme aimed at connecting artists in the region.
A significant partnership with Waterford City and County Council and Cork County Council, facilitated by Greywood Arts in Killeagh, the project is ready to launch to a wider audience today (Wednesday, April 5th) at 7pm.
The Mór Artists Collective welcomes artists living and working in the visual, performing, and literary arts in the rural East Cork and West Waterford area.
Professional and emerging artists are invited to hear more about the collective network at the launch event at Greywood Arts, where they can sign up for membership on the night. Applications can also be made by contacting [email protected].
The collective will meet monthly beginning in May to share work-in-progress, discuss their creative processes and to offer feedback. The meetings are a space to exchange ideas and skills, and to discuss what inspires its members. There will be guest speakers, creative practice workshops, and opportunities to showcase work throughout the year.
The collective is a resource where artists can find out about local events, opportunities, funding and facilities.
Mór Artists Collective endeavours to raise the profiles of member artists in the community, and more broadly to heighten awareness of the quality and diversity of the talented artists in our region. A key aim of the collective is to reduce rural isolation and foster more collaboration. The Arts Offices acknowledge the support of the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon towards their annual arts programme.
The inaugural showcase of work by the founding members will be part of Killeagh’s May Sunday Festival and the launch of Greywood Arts’ Coach House Creative Hub from April 29th - May 14th.
The Mór Artists Collective is named after Mór Mumhan, the goddess of Munster and the namesake of the Blackwater river - An Abhainn Mhór.
Pilot project participants and founding members of the collective share their experience: “As an artist living in a rural location I found being part of the artist collective pilot hugely beneficial. To come together with fellow artists and share ideas, practices, information has been great for both informing my own practice and as a break to the social and creative isolation often felt in my studio practice.” Eilis O’Toole, Visual Artist (Painting), West Waterford.
“Making connections with a very talented and diverse group of artists across the region has opened up possibilities for dialogue and collaboration in myriad art forms. Having recently moved to the area, this project made me feel a part of the art community in the region and given great insight into the cultural venues and practising artists here. The experience has instilled a sense of excitement and anticipation for what an enduring engagement with this network of artists (and future members) might bring.” Basil Al-Rawi, Visual Artist (Photography, moving images, digital simulation), East Cork.
Launch Details:
Wednesday April 5th, 2023
7pm - 8:30pm
Hear from founding artists, Arts Officers from Cork & Waterford, Greywood Arts
Light refreshments
Greywood Arts
Main Street
Killeagh
P36 KN61
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