Art and Artists

Laois County has three exhibition spaces in Abbeyleix, Mountmellick and Stradbally.

Laois County Council runs an artist in residency programme at the Laois Arthouse in Stradbally. Artists may apply through a rolling submission process.

Laois Count Council runs an artist in residence programme at the Laois Arthouse. Artists may apply for residencies through a competitive submission process.

Laois County Council, together with other stakeholders, provide training, development, and mentorship to help professional artists develop their careers in the arts.

Laois County Council maintains a register of creative and performing artists who operate locally across all art forms.

Laois County Council provides affordable studios at the Laois Arthouse, Stradbally, Co. Laois. The scheme aims to help artists develop their work, and to connect with audiences.

Local authorities provide arts hubs for artists to exhibit their work, use for rehearsals or use as incubation spaces for visual art, theatre, music, writing and other art forms.

Local authorities support artists and arts organisations to create written or spoken works in Irish to promote and celebrate the language.

Laois County Council provide information and advice about the arts and arts development to artists, those involved in voluntary arts initiatives and the general public, by publishing programmes, e-bulletins, via web and social media.

Local authorities acquire, buy, and maintain paintings, sculptures and statues for display, safe keeping and future generations.

Laois County Council has utilised the Percent for Art Scheme over many years, commissioning numerous artworks and residency programmes, supporting artists to create new work in response to the social, cultural and historic context of Laois.

Local authorities maintain a public register of art in the public arena and artworks on display in local authority buildings.