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What is Public Art
Public art can take many forms and perform many functions. It may be an object of civic pride or a cause of stimulating debate. It may provide entertainment. The scope of public art has widened to include not just sculpture, architecture and painting, but also music, literature, film, video, multimedia and sound art, as well as the various per forming arts including theatre, dance, opera, performance and live art.
What is the Public Art Per Cent for Art Scheme
In recent times we have all become more conscious of the environment and the effect it has on our lives. Art has a vital role to play in our environment and has become an integral part of many urban areas. A high quality environment is essential for good quality of life and high quality public art is necessary to create that environment, be it an open space, public building, hospital or education facility.
- The Per Cent for Art Scheme is an opportunity for collaboration between artist and community.
- Public art needs to be developed and created with local ownership in mind. The Government is committed to public art through its approval of funding for this scheme and it has already achieved a rich variety of artworks.
- Many artworks, although perhaps only experienced in passing, make an impact and create lasting memories. The potential to exploit this scheme to its fullest is available to all Government departments, its agencies and local authorities. This potential holds enormous opportunities to shape the spaces we inhabit.
Guidelines for the Scheme
These guidelines are intended to represent a first step in developing a national approach to public art. It is hoped they will result in artworks that will excite our imagination and increase our engagement.
A COUNTY CARLOW COMMUNITY BASED OPERA – THE FIRST OF ITS KIND!
Carlow Local Authorities Arts Office in 2010 have initiated and will be commissioning a new community based opera through the Per Cent for Art commissioning programme in partnership with the VEC. This opera will be a unique and high-profile event - the first of its kind to be commissioned by any local authority in Ireland.
The opera will be designed specifically for Carlow performers and it will involve large numbers of participants, including both those with previous musical and theatrical experience and others who are new to performance. The project will involve a year-long programme of training, preparation and rehearsal, which will be undertaken in collaboration with Carlow VEC, beginning in September 2010. It will culminate in public performances in the George Bernard Shaw Theatre at Visual in mid-2011.
During the first half of 2010, work will begin on the creation and composition of the opera. Composer Brian Irvine and writer Peter Morgan Barnes will lead this process and they wish to meet and interact with communities throughout County Carlow in order to devise a locally-generated story for this landmark piece of music. To achieve this, individuals and community groups were encouraged to attend workshops which were held in Carlow, Tullow and Bagnelstown recently which focussed on exclusively generating the scenario and setting of the opera. Opportunities will exist throughout this year at a later stage for participation as a performer. Please relay this information to individuals or community groups in County Carlow who you feel may be interested in participating, in being part of this County Carlow Opera you will be playing a role in developing an innovative new work of art, you will bring your experience of Carlow to bear on this new work and you will be part of the very beginning of an exciting new project.
Please register your interest in participating in this unique project by contacting Sinead Dowling, Arts Office, Carlow County Council, sdowling@carlowcoco.ie 059 9170301 or Ann Scully, Arts Office Carlow County Council, ascully@carlowcoco.ie 059 9136204. Further announcements will be made over the coming weeks/months.
Auditions - An Opera For Carlow
A Carlow Local Authorities Arts Office Initiative
Auditions to be held in GBShaw Theatre Carlow
Take part in public auditions to sing in a landmark new opera - commissioned specially for Carlow by Carlow Local Authorities Arts Office. This new work will be written by Brian Irvine and will be designed specifically for public participation. The opera will be rehearsed and developed from September 2010 and performed in GB Shaw Theatre in April/May 2011. It will involve full chorus, solo singers, and orchestra. Anybody interested in taking part is encouraged to attend these public auditions. No previous opera or acting experience necessary.
Audition workshops will be held in groups with participants singing one short solo piece of their own choosing from any musical genre (classical, traditional, jazz, music theatre, popular). Audition workshop will also involve role-play and acting exercises. Participants can take part in one of three audition workshops and must be available for the full time of that workshop.
Audition Workshop 1: Saturday 26th June 10:30 - 12:30
Audition Workshop 2: Saturday 26th June 13:30 - 15:30
Audition Workshop 3: Saturday 26th June 16:00 - 18:00
For further information on the project, or to book a place at the auditions, contact Carlow Local Authorities Arts Office on 059 9170301