Public Art

A Place of Pointed Stones by Jessica Traynor

A per cent for art poetry project facilitated by Jessica Traynor in collaboration with the community of Banagher. Programme consisted of community and school workshops and the project culminated in the publication of a poetry pamphlet, composing of a song and the commissioning of a short film of children singing from the St Rynagh's National School. Links below

A Place of Pointed Stones Pamphlet Download

Link to Banagher Song From Shannon to St Rynagh's

Cruinne - Marking the Battle of Geashill

In 2019 the Arts Office facilitated the commissioning of a public artwork in Geashill. The commissioned artist Holger Lönze, took inspiration from the mythological Battle of Geashill, between the two brothers Éremón and Éber. The artwork was commissioned by Offaly County Council and funded by the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and Offaly County Council, through Creative Ireland funding. For more on these sculptures please visit the artists site http://www.holgerlonze.com/

Observing Offaly

Acclaimed photographer Veronica Nicholson was commissioned by Offaly County Council to document the county during 2015/2016. Her work entitled Observing Offaly is now published in a large photo book which is available for sale from Aras an Chontae Tullamore and retail book outlets in Offaly

The Secrets of Offaly

In October 2014 Offaly County Council went looking for the hidden stories of Offaly. We asked community groups, schools, drama societies and Tidy Towns groups to submit their villages biggest secret. We had a great response but could only choose three villages. The community groups in the villages that were chosen worked closely with their chosen professional artists to uncover their story. The three chosen villages were Clonbullogue, Kinnitty and Clara. Follow this link to discover there secrets....

Paper Boats Revival

A Public Art Sculpture Paper Boats is to be re-launched at the Visitor Centre at Lough Boora Discovery Park on Friday January 16^th at 3.30pm by writer and documentary maker Manchán Magan, and all are welcome. For further information please follow this link

Birr Gateway Sculpture

Looking to the Future is a sculpture that can be seen on the N52 entering Birr. Artist Ann Meldon-Hugh was commissioned to produce the sculpture.

There's Something About Shinrone

This film project aimed to find the stories overheard in Shinrone, including the time that Arlo Guthrie visited and Barack Obama was invited. Using footage from RTE in 1967 (45 years ago) the film shows how the village has evolved and gives a wider Irish audience a new perspective on a unique community with an allure that has attracted the attention nationally and internationally. The film was written and directed by Steven Goldsmith and photographed by Declan Barrett. It combines historical footage of Shinrone from RTE with contemporary footage and on-screen text. The film's story emerges from conversations 'overheard' from villagers themselves. Steven's main intention was to find a deeper reflection of the unique spirit of Shinrone.

Puttaghaun Public Arts Commissions

Three artists with three very different projects where chosen to bring Public Art to the youth of a new housing estate in Puttaghaun, Tullamore. Follow this link to see more.

At Home in the World Killane Edenderry

Artist Ceara Conway was commissioned by Offaly County Council under the per cent for art scheme to collaborate with the residents of Killane Drive in Edenderry to create a new feature for the large green in front of their estate.

The residents were keen to create a feature which would become an interactive feature for the children who play on the green, one which would also appeal to adults while becoming a focal point for future community gatherings. The residents were keen that the artist did not propose preconceived idea , but open to working with the residents to create a more meaningful outcome. The artist began in February 2011 and held a number of discussion sessions, design workshops and workshops with children from the estate.

Ceara Conway states 'I've been inspired by several things, watching the kids play has given me info on what type of space they need, and a few residents mentioned the lack of birds on the estate because the estate is so new. I find a great symbolism in this idea of creating an environment and that of creating home. Birds, nesting, bird houses, play houses, meeting areas linked with bridges, landscaping, and creating an environment for wildlife'

Saints and Scholars Tullamore By Pass

Standing at the northern end of the N52 bypass in Tullamore are prominent 25 foot steel figurines created by artist Maurice Harron. Each figurine holds a symbol of the world of learning and sanctity that are representative of the monastic settlements of Durrow and Clonmacnoise. One holds a book, one holds a chalice, one a staff and one throws aloft a flock of birds or souls.

Kilcormac Cantata

Musician and composer Vincent Kennedy worked with the community of Kilcormac to create an original musical work. The score was entitled Kilcormac Cantata.

The Pavillions - Clara

Jørn Rønnau was commissioned in 2005/2006 to create interactive sculpture suitable for the Cluain Fia using dried wood from the old trees that had been felled during the construction of the Clara Housing Scheme.

A Very Grand Canal

A Very Grand Canal is a collection of artistic responses to the Grand Canal. It features three main elements. A short film by mixed bag media a sound installation by Susanna Caprara and eight prints by Geraldine O'Reilly.

Pot Stills - Tullamore

Tullamore has a long proud history of distilling whiskey, the sculptures in Market Square, Tullamore, are artist Eileen McDonagh's interpretation of the gleaming copper stills that are used to distill Tullamore's famous Tullamore Dew Whiskey.