A dozen artists living on 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 on Wednesday, April 5th at 7pm.
“As an artist living in a rural location I found being part of the artist collective pilot hugely beneficial,” said Eilis O’Toole, a West Waterford based visual artist.
“To come together with fellow artists and share ideas, practices and 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,” she added.
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 morartistscollective@gmail.com.
“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,” Basil Al-Rawi, an East Cork based visual artist said.
“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 said.
Meeting monthly beginning in May, the collective plan 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 29 to May 14.
Mór Artists Collective is named after Mór Mumhan, the goddess of Munster and the namesake of the Blackwater river – An Abhainn Mhór.
The launch takes place from 7pm until 8.30pm on Wednesday, April 5 at Greywood Arts on Main Street in Killeagh.
