Laois County Council have developed and support a number of arts venues within the county. These host a range of activities such as theatrical and musical performances, cinema screenings, visual art exhibitions, craft fairs, and workshops across all art forms.
Dunamaise Arts Centre is situated in the heart of Portlaoise. Established in 1999 by Laois County Council in response to local demand for arts and cultural infrastructure and provision, and under the ownership of the local authority, Dunamaise is a multidisciplinary arts space and a centre of excellence for arts development, support, engagement and participation, serving the people of the Midlands region and primarily County Laois.
The venue comprises of a
Over its 24 year history, Dunamaise has engaged local and regional artists, working closely with the local authority Arts Office to deliver a multifaceted programme of arts practice across performing and visual arts. Dunamaise is a member of the NASC Network supporting high quality regional touring theatre across Ireland. Dunamaise is funded by Laois County Council and the Arts Council of Ireland / An Comhairle Ealaíon.
Laois Music Centre, Portlaoise, is home to partner organisations Laois School of Music and Music Generation Laois. Both are managed by Laois Offaly Education and Training Board and supported by Laois County Council.
Laois School of Music offers a range of programmes from children age three upwards, including adults. The Laois Music Centre building has and indoor performance space and a recently inaugurated outdoor performance space, developed as part of the Old Fort Quarter.
Laois Arthouse, Stradbally, managed by the Arts Office, Laois County Council. The facilities at Laois Arthouse include a gallery, two residential studios and three workspace studios for professional artists/writers/musicians working on projects. See also LaoisArts for current events and exhibitions at Laois Arthouse.
There are also art gallery spaces in both Abbeyleix and Mountmellick Libraries.
An annual programme of exhibitions and events includes work by professional local, national and international artists. Follow the links above for details of events at these venues and to submit proposals.
For further information please contact arts@laoiscoco.ie