Since 2006, Askeaton Contemporary Arts commission, produce and exhibit contemporary art in the locale of a small town in County Limerick, Ireland. An annual residency programme, Welcome to the Neighbourhood, situates Irish and international artists in the midst of Askeaton each summer, while thematic exhibitions, publications and events often occur. Through these methods, over one hundred artists projects have been realised.
With no ‘white-cube’ gallery spaces in Askeaton, artists work in public spaces throughout the town. This form of engagement focuses on the existing dynamics of the locale, intending to bring forward the diverse layers of daily life and create a rich framework for subjective encounters. A local audience are often actively implicated into the development of projects through their assistance or participation. Such an approach is built on a belief that contemporary art can be used as an active hub for local society, as a form of critique, investigation and celebration where artists are at the center of these dialogues playing a primary and fundamental role.
We have introduced the work of artists from Argentina, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Columbia, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Norway, Mexico, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States and around Ireland to Askeaton. Many artworks made here have been subsequently presented throughout the world in exhibitions, art biennials and film festivals. In addition Askeaton Contemporary Arts have organised and presented public programmes throughout Ireland and in New York, Vancouver, Amsterdam, San Sebastian and elsewhere, presenting our project to wide and diverse audiences.
Read Manchán Magan’s feature articles on Askeaton Contemporary Arts in The Irish Times here and here.
Image: Matt Calderwood, Erractic (Approximately 4.5 Tonnes) Limestone, 2018
