Roscommon Arts & Culture Office were delighted to hold an artist talk on Contemporary Public Art Practice in Roscommon Arts Centre on Tuesday June 3rd 2025. Guest speakers included Roscommon-based public art artist Martin Heron, independent curator and arts consultant Ruairí Ó Cuív (previously public art manager in Dublin City Council) and visual and socially-engaged artist Rhona Byrne.

Everyone was welcomed in by Mary Smyth, Public Art and Engagement Coordinator with Roscommon County Council, who presented information on the government scheme Per Cent for art. It was emphasised that public art can include any art-form. She shared an array of examples of recent public art projects around Roscommon, highlighted the scheme in which they were funded, noted RCC’s approach to engage with different art disciplines and to involve local communities where appropriate (engaging a range of ages and groups). Such as through the assessment or brief process, in a commission (if proposed by an artist) or after install through dissemination and ‘meet the artist’ events or workshops. She also outlined current and upcoming opportunities for artists, which includes a current Culture Night call out for emerging Roscommon-based or born artist to propose temporary public art for Loughnaneane Park.

Martin chronologically shared his artistic practice in three stages; his art influences growing up, career to date through the UK, France and moving to Roscommon, and described the location-led and socially engaged interests which emerge within his work now. He also shared his experiences of applying and interviewing for commissions. 

He emphasised the importance of researching and developing artwork which connects with the local people that are to live with the work, and communicating the story of the work to locals. He has been developing workshops in Boyle which continue to integrate with the community his recent sculpture Resonator (installed in the pleasure grounds of King House) playing on the concept and shell-like shape of the piece.

Ruairí explained the artist brief. He shared examples of commissioner's considerations behind a brief, differences in brief tones and approaches from quite specific to more open which may allow an artist more scope to respond. He considered the public versus community engagement trend emerging in current briefs.

He described the process of selection and the assessment, the call and response from brief  - to artist -  to panel; and choosing locations for works. Sharing examples of brief criteria and artist responses, such as Luke Kelly by Vera Klute (2019) and artist Theresa Nanigian's Travelogue (2012), a temporary public artwork which celebrated the human drama which is played out every day on public transport system Dublin. Nanigian embarked on a series of “residencies” across all travel service providers collecting stories. Participants' texts were then installed as large posters posted across all forms of public transport in Dublin in May 2012.

He spoke to the ongoing relationship between the artist and the commissioner during the project delivery, referring to his work as public art manager working with Rhona Byrne on her recent Liffey Love commissioned by Dublin City Council in 2023 with the support of Dublin Dockland. 

This led on to Rhona’s talk, where she shared further details of her project Restless: Liffey Love, a public art project that collects waste discarded in the River Liffey quaysides and combines this waste into a material to create new forms, like two love seat sculptures ‘Restless’ a new destination in the city. She described other aspects of a commission, such as the afterlife of the work - seeing the public engage and use it, and she spoke of the promotional journey to bring awareness of the project and its environmental and harvesting waste themes and situate the piece in the location for public use. A short documentary video showcased the amount of work involved, the stakeholders engaged (for example operators of the Liffey Sweeper, industrial designers, engineer and fabricator with expertise in design, waste management, and engineer and material production) in order to collect the discarded materials from the Liffey; harvest and shred the waste and make it into a workable material before the design and construction.

She also shared other aspects of her practice, which includes working with other disciplines (e.g. architects and engineers) and being the artist representative and voice in these larger project meetings. As her role would have been for the Roscommon Town Main Street & Market Square Public Realm Project, which includes the Living Laneways public art programme.

A short panel Q & A raised questions such as: where to source information on upcoming commissions, process of funding allocation to the write up of a brief, importance of artist attribution on or near completed works, detail on both artist’s practices, panel considerations during an assessment, and working with potential collaborators / other artists in a project. A local community member thanked the artists saying it was a privilege to meet the artists behind some of the excellent works that are now in Roscommon. Rhona McGrath (Arts Officer RCC) thanked the panel and audience, and the session ended with informal chats over lunch in the Foyer.

‘Living Laneways’, is an innovative laneway trail where artists can respond creatively to public laneways in Roscommon Town and to its history, story and community.

Project Background

Roscommon County Council and its project partners wish to bring people and a diversity of urban functions together in central places which, for most of their existence, have been places of public interaction and commerce. The full project seeks to create a functionally diverse, connected and people-friendly sequence of town centre spaces which frame and celebrate the architecture, and to create a town centre which existing and future residents can take pride in, and which visitors are drawn to.

Back streets and laneways link residents and visitors toward the town centre and the ‘Living Laneways’ project considers laneways as places traditionally occupied by skills, trades and guilds. This commissioning programme aims to provide visual enhancement to the laneway links approaching the Main Street and Market Square.

The first three commissions, Poetry Laneway, Mosaic Laneway and Sculpture on the Square are all part of the final elements of the Roscommon Town Main Street & Market Square Public Realm Project funded under the 2018 Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and developed by Roscommon County Council Regeneration team working with GKMP Architects, artist Rhona Byrne (who developed the Living Laneways concept) and a multidisciplinary group appointed to implement the innovative architectural and artistically influenced Covered Civic Space in Roscommon Town Centre.

The Living Laneways Public Art Programme will continue to grow thereafter through Creative Ireland Roscommon support.

Mosaic Laneway

Artist CHRIS JUDGE with TRISKELL DESIGNS were awarded the commission of €70,000 for the design and execution of a community informed Mosaic Laneway. 

This project is due installation in 2025. 

Sculpture on the Square

Artists Simon Carmen and Dr. Helen Sharp were awarded the commission of €49,000 for their proposal 'HELD TOGETHER' which will be completed later this summer.

Roscommon County Council had invited submissions from artists for one sculptural artwork to be mounted on a pre-designed, polished concrete plinth on the newly developed square in Roscommon Town.

This project is due installation in 2025. 

Alleé De Chartrettes

Image of artist Graham Reid at the Bee Lane launch in Roscommon Town 9.5.2025_by Cian Flynn

Roscommon County Council invited submissions by artists on our Roscommon Public Art Panel for a new Creative Laneway as part of the Living Laneways Programme at Alleé De Chartrettes. Artist Graham Reid was awarded the commission of €25,000 for their proposal 'Bee’s Eye View of a Wildflower Landscape'.

A series of large scale vibrant, digitally created images on aluminium plates which will be installed on the surface of each section of the walls of the lane. It will transport pedestrians into a magical world of wildflowers in ultraviolet colours as seen through the eyes of a bee (visible to bees and other pollinators). This perspective will highlight the unseen beauty and complexity of plants, while also emphasising the importance of pollinators in Ireland’s ecosystem.

There were artist-led sessions with the local secondary school on the themes referenced in this project, including the use of new digital technologies, such as digital imagery and AI, within an artistic process.

Launch of Bee Lane in Roscommon town with artist Graham Reid & representatives from the local Tidy Towns committee by Cian Flynn // L-R: Martha Gregory, Graham Reid, John Larkin, Rosemary McManus.

Launch of Bee Lane in Roscommon town with artist Graham Reid by Cian Flynn // L-R: Fiona Ní Chuinn (SEO at Roscommon County Council), Chris Flynn (Director of Services at at Roscommon County Council), Paschal Fitzmaurice (Cathaoirleach), Graham Reid (artist)

PRESS RELEASE - Roscommon Launches ‘Bee Lane’ – A New Artistic Landmark in Living Laneways Series
Roscommon Town, 9 May 2025 

Roscommon’s laneways came alive with colour and creativity today as the latest Living Laneways commission, Bee Lane, was officially launched at Allée de Chartrettes. The celebratory event marks another milestone in the town’s commitment to revitalising public spaces through community-centred art.

At the event, the Bee Lane was officially launched by the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, who praised the initiative for its role in bringing people together:

“This artwork will bring joy to people coming through the lane way, giving an opportunity to slow down, think about it and talk about it and will be a lasting, vibrant symbol of creativity.”

The Bee Lane installation was commissioned following a competitive and community-inclusive selection process. Assessment of artist proposals involved local groups such as Roscommon Tidy Towns, the Chamber of Commerce, Roscommon Town Team, local representatives, and student representatives from each of the town’s secondary schools—ensuring the final selection reflected the diverse voices of Roscommon.

The selected artist, Graham Reid, was awarded the commission for his imaginative proposal Bee’s Eye View of a Wildflower Landscape. Inspired by how bees perceive ultraviolet patterns in flowers, Reid used digital and AI-generated imagery to create a surreal, immersive experience printed on large-scale aluminium panels along the laneway walls. Speaking at the launch event held at Gleeson’s Townhouse, Reid remarked:

“The people around the artwork need to own it… that’s what public art is.”

He described his use of AI as a natural extension of traditional artistic tools:

“If you have an intention and the results match that intention, then it’s the right tool. Whether it’s glassblowing or sculpture, it’s about coaxing a tool to produce your intention.”

Bee Lane joins other celebrated commissions under the Living Laneways programme, such as Poetry Laneway, Mosaic Laneway, and Sculpture on the Square. Living Laneways seeks to creatively reimagine the back streets of Roscommon Town, connecting public space, history, and artistic expression.

Mary Smyth, Public Art & Engagement Coordinator at Roscommon County Council, noted:

“With each new laneway, we see public art strengthening the town’s identity—bringing people together and creating new reasons to explore Roscommon.”

The launch was attended by members of Roscommon County Council staff and management team, community representatives, and the artist Graham Reid.

The Bee Lane project was supported by Creative Ireland Roscommon and forms part of the broader Roscommon Town Main Street & Market Square Public Realm Project, funded through the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.

For more information, please contact
Áine Butler - abutler@roscommoncoco.ie
Creative Communities Engagement Officer, Roscommon County Council.

____________________________

Poetry Laneway

Image of poets Louise G. Cole, Jane Clarke, Dani Gill and music and composer Phil Robson launching their works on the new Poetry Laneway in Roscommon Town

PRESS RELEASE: POETRY LANEWAY LAUNCHED ON NATIONAL POETRY DAY AT CHAPEL LANE, ROSCOMMON
Roscommon Town, 25 April 2024

A new Poetry Laneway was launched on National Poetry Day, Thursday 25th April, at Chapel Lane in Roscommon Town. Specially commissioned poems by three contemporary poets, Jane Clarke, Louise G. Cole and Dani Gill now light up this important historic laneway, presented in glowing lightboxes. Musician and composer Phil Robson collaborated with the writers, creating a custom music composition for each of the poems, available by scanning a QR code located on each of the boxes. The artists involved launched the laneway with an in-person event at 3pm.

Mary Smyth, Public Art & Engagement Coordinator at Roscommon County Council, welcomed the crowd:

“The Poetry Laneway is to become a space for groups to gather. Following an open call out to artists and a process of assessment involving a large group of community and local student representatives, Dani Gill was awarded this commission with her thoughtful response to the Poetry Laneway brief, and to engage with local poets and a musician. The project themes evolved when she met with Marian Harlow, a member of the Co. Roscommon Historical & Archaeological Society who shared some of the significant details and history of this laneway.”

Dani Gill, project curator highlighted, “My poem was inspired by the story of the arrival of the Sisters of Mercy to Roscommon town and in particular, the work they did for, and with women. It was an unexpected showing of feminist activism that I found inspiring. The Sisters of Mercy brought financial aid to women, and had vision for development in the community. I chose to focus on this as it is not the kind of spotlight we usually see on these parts of our history.”

Local poet Louise G. Cole shared “I was inspired by the actual place. Distilling the wonderful history of Chapel Lane into a single poem was quite a challenge - but one I'm so honoured and happy to have had the opportunity to work on.”

Louise G. Cole with her son and daughter at the Poetry Laneway Launch.

Living Laneways is an innovative trail where artists can respond creatively to public laneways in Roscommon Town and to its history, story and community. The Poetry Laneway is the first of this public art programme, a concept devised by artist Rhona Byrne with GKMP Architects and a multidisciplinary team appointed to implement the overall innovative architecturally and artistically influenced civic space in the town centre, working with Roscommon County Council’s Regeneration Team. A Mosaic Laneway and sculpture have also been commissioned as part of the programme.

Arts Officer Rhona McGrath commented: “Public Art’s value is in how it connects with people, events and places, creating positive relationships, linkages and collaborations between artists, commissioners and local communities.”

Poet Jane Clarke shared, “My poem was inspired by reading about the origins of Roscommon town; that it all began with a well in a field. I learned about St. Coman’s Well or Dubach Chomain in the Roscommon Town Heritage website and The History of St. Coman’s Church, written by John Kerrigan and illustrated by Albert Siggins.”

Poet Jane Clarke speaking about her work at the Poetry Laneway Launch

Musician Phil Robson concluded, “As a County Roscommon resident, it was great to be involved in this project and to have three wonderful and totally different poems, which all incorporate local historical themes to work with as the inspiration for my soundscape/compositions.”

The overall laneway enhancements form the final elements of Roscommon Town Main Street and Market Square Public Realm Project, funded through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as part of Project Ireland 2040 to include match funding from Roscommon County Council.

Photo of Dani Gill, project curator and poet at the Poetry Laneway Launch

Photo at the Poetry Laneway Launch, L - R: Rhona McGrath (Arts Officer), Phil Robson (Musician & Composer), Louise G. Cole (Poet), Jane Clarke (Poet), Dani Gill (Poet & Project Curator), Cllr. Kathleen Shanagher, Mary Smyth (Public art & Engagement Coordinator). 

Above: Photos of the Poetry Laneway at night.

In 2025, Roscommon County Council directly invited an artistic mural this summer for the new skatepark as part of the final elements of works for Monksland Community Park, funded under Town & Village 2021.

The invitation was sent to a provider currently on the RCC Public Art Artist Panel: The Walls Project (known for Waterford Walls). They have appointed artist Omin for this commission, an established and internationally recognised graphic artist from Dundalk.

About the Artist!

Omin is a graphic artist with a 20 year history rooted in Graffiti. Hailing from Dundalk, Omin has been painting and traveling extensively, becoming established on the international graffiti art scene. Painting in cities across the globe from New York, London, Barcelona, Lisbon, Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Omin works across a variety of mediums and surfaces ranging from large-scale murals, canvas works and explorations in print.

Omin’s graffiti pieces encapsulate traditional graffiti elements where letterforms can become deconstructed or in some cases verge on the abstract. Not one to stick to a routine, Omin's style is ever evolving. His work also explores the human figure, painting characters with photorealistic and illustrative qualities mixing graphic elements influenced by glitches in everyday use of digital technology.

Project Details

In the design process, the artist will engage locally with a group from:

• Monksland Youth Café, facilitated by Roscommon LEADER Partnership (10-17yrs)
• Illustration students from TUS Athlone Campus.

These workshops, to be held 26th May 2025, are informal brainstorming sessions where the young people can share ideas for the area’s design, the main goal being to gather their input to ensure the final space reflects their vision.

Roscommon County Council worked in partnership with Coillte to deliver an outdoor recreation scheme for Mote Park in Co. Roscommon, Ireland courtesy of funding from the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2022. Outscape delivered the scheme as Project Manager.

Context: 

The scheme included the delivery of –
• Public Art – design, build & install of 4 x sculptures inspired by the unique characteristics and themes of Mote Park
• Play Area – bespoke design, build and installation of a new, accessible play area
• Sensory Trail – 3no. sensory ‘stations’ located along the existing Crofton Trail
• New brand for the site & design and installation of signage.

Artists responded to a commission call out for four themed permanent public art sculptures at pre-determined locations within Mote Park:

Sculpture 1 Nature & Biodiversity - €15,000
Sculpture 2 The Woodlands and Woodland Management - €25,000
Sculpture 3 History & Heritage - €25,000
Sculpture 4 Skygazer - €45,000

Responding creatively to the public space, the history, story and unique themes associated with Mote Park. 
Each sculpture were requested to –

• ‘Be Unique’ - inspired by and designed based on the unique characteristics and themes of Mote Park
• ‘Engage the Senses’ - incorporate a sensory experience where possible
• ‘Be Appropriate to Site’ – designed and constructed using materials in keeping with the woodland environment (e.g. wood) and historic demesne setting (e.g. stone).

Commissions:

BIG SKYGAZER

By Cathal McCarthy

A 13-metre-long wooden curved bench sculpture created by Mayo artist Cathal McCarthy, in collaboration with designer Michael McLaughlin. It is crafted from sustainably sourced Irish Douglas Fir timber.

RTÉ.IE - 'Big Skygazer' sculpture unveiled in Mote Park Updated / Friday, 6 Jun 2025

MAYOlive - Mayo man’s artwork to be officially unveiled in Roscommon / 03 Jun 2025

The Woodlands and Woodland Management - THE SEED

By Sander & Sander

The Woodlands and Woodland Management - THE READING STONES

By Sander & Sander

Poetry stones which includes the poem 'Mote Park' by the late Delia Lohan, former resident of the area.

Nature & Biodiversity - FOREST GUARDIAN

By Sander & Sander

Nature & Biodiversity - SKY MIRROR

By Sander & Sander

History & Heritage - GIANT SPADE

By Vicky Waterstone and Phi Convey.

Location of works (coming from main entrance):

Installed in February 2024, funded through the Department of Rural & Community Development Town & Village Renewal Scheme 2022 as part of the Athleague 'Circle of Life' public park.

In 2025, supported under the general public art programme, Paul held workshops about the work with pupils of Athleague National School.

'Circle of Life' by Paul Harrison

'Circle of Life' by artist Paul Harrison, captures the history, tradition and future of Athleague.

The 2.4m tall volume tells a story. Each element of the sculpture represents a particular element of Athleague’s rich history and bright future.

The River Suck: is represented by the gently flowing curve of apertures that travel along the edge of the work.
The Mill Water Wheel: is represented by two coral coloured disks. These disks also echo the plan layout of the park.
La Tene Granite boulder: The incorporation of the granite boulder represents the La Tene Stone at Castlestrange.
Ash Timber: The block of solid ASH timer represents ”the clash of the ash” and the rich history, and traditions of Hurling in Athleague.
The Famine walkway: is represented by the linear horizontal void.
The Vertical steel element: represent the backbone of the community as it rises up through the sculpture it connects and unites the various elements.
Textured coloured steel background: represents the gently, undulating surrounding grasslands and farmlands.

This sculpture's playful, abstract style represents a bright, creative future for Athleague.

'Circle of Life' leis an ealaíontóir Paul Harrison.

Suiteáladh i mí Feabhra 2024, arna mhaoiniú trí Scéim Athnuachana Bailte agus Sráidbhailte na Roinne Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail 2022 mar chuid de pháirc phoiblí ‘Circle of Life’ Áth Liag.

Léiríonn ‘Circle of Life’ stair, traidisiún agus todhchaí Áth Liag. Insíonn an imleabhar 2.4m ar airde scéal, agus léiríonn gach gné den dealbh gné ar leith de stair shaibhir agus todhchaí geal Áth Liag.

An tSuca: léirítear í ag cuar na cró atá ag sileadh go réidh a thaistealaíonn feadh imeall na hoibre.

Roth Uisce an Mhuilinn: léirítear é trí dhá dhiosca daite coiréil. Léiríonn na dioscaí seo leagan amach plean na páirce freisin.

Bholláin eibhir La Tène : Léiríonn corprú an bholláin eibhir Cloch La Tène ag Caisleán Stráinse

Adhmad Fuinseoige: Léiríonn an bloc adhmaid fuinseoige soladach “troid na fuinseoige” agus stair shaibhir, agus traidisiúin na hIománaíochta in Áth Liag.

Siúlbhealach an Ghorta: tá sé léirithe ag an bhfolús cothrománach línéar.

An eilimint chruach Ingearach: seasann sé do chnámh droma an phobail agus í ag éirí aníos tríd an dealbh a nascann sé agus a n-aontaíonn sé na heilimintí éagsúla.

Cúlra cruach daite uigeachta: léiríonn sé na tailte féaraigh agus na tailte feirme go réidh, droimneach máguaird.

Léiríonn stíl spraíúil, teibí na deilbhe todhchaí gheal chruthaitheach do Áth Liag.

Funded under Ballyleague Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2022 - improving amenities around the River Shannon in Ballyleague. 

This scheme included the development of two ‘Destination/Contemplation Nodes’ along the River Shannon (North of the amenity by the Lough Ree Access for All Boathouse and the southern end of the amenity where the river bends) to strengthen the relationship between the landscapes either side of the N63 to create a more cohesive and connected landscape. The nodes aim to play an important role in creating a place of destination, providing opportunities to engage with the river, places to meet, dwell and relax, and also opportunities to engage with art and the town’s heritage.

‘Led by Nature’ by Redmond Herrity

Led by Nature | Inspioráid ón Dúlra

Led by Nature, by sculptor Redmond Herrity is a 2.5m high pencil with a black marble point made from Irish limestone carved with designs inspired and identified at workshops with local children from Ballyleague National School and local adults, held on Culture Night 2022.

Tá Inspioráid on Dulra leis an dealbhóir Redmond Herrity ina cholún 2.5m ar aired peann luaidhe le pointe marmair dubh déanta as d'aolchloch na hÉireann snoite le dearaí spreagtha agus aitheanta ag ceardlanna le páistí áitiúla ó Scoil Náisiúnta Bhéal Átha Liag agus ó dhaoine fásta áitiúla, a tionóladh ar Oíche Chultúir 2022.

'Led by Nature' by artist Redmond Herrity. Image credit: Lee Williamson of Shuttermaniac Productions.

'Portal' by Conleth Gent

Portal | Radharc Frámaithe

Portal, by sculptor Conleth Gent is a windowed portal with carved figures made from locally sourced bog oak. It represents the community — past, present, and future — backed by the scenic beauty of Lough Ree. The iron bulldozer sprocket, sourced from Bord Na Móna, reflects the local industrial heritage.

Radharc Frámaithe, leis an dealbhóir Conleth Gent is tairseach fuinneoige é le figiúirí snoite déanta as dair phortaigh a fhaightear go háitiúil. Déanann sé ionadaíocht ar an bpobal – san am a chuaigh thart, san am i láthair agus sa todhchaí – le tacaíocht ó áilleacht sárscéimhe Loch Rí. Léiríonn an sproicéad ollscartaire iarainn, a fuarthas ó Bhord na Móna, an oidhreacht thionsclaíoch áitiúil.

'Portal' by artist Conleth Gent. Image credit: Lee Williamson of Shuttermaniac Productions.

Commissioned by Roscommon County Council Arts Office in 2022. Funded under the Department of Rural & Community Development, Knockcroghery Tidy Towns Committee, Project Knockcroghery Committee and Roscommon County Council under the Town & Village Renewal Scheme 2020. The scheme provided a platform for the artists to respond creatively to the history, heritage and community of Knockcroghery, focusing on the village identity providing opportunities for dialogue and participation with the community.

'The Resilience of Knockcroghery and its People' by ADW from Waterford Walls

A key theme of the mural on the gable of former Widow Pat’s pub is The Resilience of Knockcroghery and its People.

The postage stamp highlights June 21, 1921 when the Black & Tans arrived in the early hours and burned the entire village. One of the only buildings left standing was due to the resilience of its proprietor Mrs. Mary "The Widow" Murray. Gathering her children, she refused to move until one of the officers took pity and ordered his men to leave.

Mary’s son 'The Widow Pat’, a local character and storyteller later took over this pub. He smokes a pipe with original pub signage visible through the smoke, a link to the past and the building's history and a nod to the clay pipe industry of the area.

Swifts fly through the piece as two nest sites, now scarce, were identified in the building next door in 2020.

“Were you ever below on the side of Knockcroghery..." is the opening line of a comic ballad written by Peadar Kearney.

‘Dámhsa na Lasracha’ by Alison MacCormaic

Damhsa na Lasracha (Dance of the Flames) commemorates the burning of the village. ‘Flame calligraphies’, drawn from life were inspired by Japanese drawings. The surface is covered with smalti, handmade mosaic tesserae from Mexico, with exquisite colour changes and unusual surface textures it reflects light to sparkle and flicker.

'Damhsa na Lasracha' by artist Alison MacCormaic. Image credit: Alison MacCormaic.

Close ups of 'Damhsa na Lasracha' by artist Alison MacCormaic. Image credit: Alison MacCormaic.

'About Knockcroghery' illustrated signage by Paul Francis

Hand-painted illustrated signage showcasing the History of Knockcroghery and key figures of the village.

Bloom ¦ The Art Project

Around 60 children from St Marys NS took part in spray-painting workshops with Bloom ¦ The Art Project from Waterford Walls inspiring imagery for electric boxes throughout the village.

The Boyle Sculpture Trail is a Programme of Public Art commissioned by Roscommon Arts Office in 2022.

Funded under the Fáilte Ireland Developed and Emerging Destination Towns Capital Investment Programme for the Cultural Quarter of Boyle, it provides a link between King House and the Pleasure Grounds. The scheme provided a platform for artists to respond creatively to the public space, to the history, story and community of Boyle, and to provide opportunities for dialogue and participation with the community.

Resonate by Martin Heron

Produced with 23 strips of mild steel, this is a celebratory artwork, made in response to the Steinway Grand Piano in King House. The sculptural shell-like shape echoes a keyboard which has evolved into a carapace-like structure.

Definition - Resonator: An apparatus that increases the resonance of a sound, especially a hollow part of a musical instrument.

'Resonator' by artist Martin Heron. Image credit: Martin Heron.

Post Modern Posts West by Conleth Gent

With five equally spaced wooden posts, pointing toward King House, this piece reflects wooden boat wrecks and the ribs often found around our coast representing the past, and facing east-west the travel departure of so many.

'Post Modern Posts West' by artist Conleth Gent. Image credit: Mary Smyth

An Bhúill by Susan Mannion

This enamel panel represents one of the larger scale enamel artworks in the world.

The River Boyle, An Bhúill, flows from Lough Gara, through the town of Boyle and into Lough Key. The river is named after a goddess, who was transformed into the stream by the Mórrígain after a fierce fight. An Bhúill, the spirit of the water goddess of this river, is represented as a line of energy depicted in gold leaf across a blue enamel background, linking the origins of the name of the river and the name of the town.

Made in steel and coated in enamel powder and gold leaf, the artwork is then fired in a large kiln at 860 degrees Celsius so that the powdered enamel liquifies and forms a skin of glass across the steel panels surface.

'An Bhúill' by artist Susan Mannion. Image credit: Mary Smyth.

Chaosmos by Graham Reid

'Chaosmos' by artist Graham Reid. Image 1 credit: Mary Smyth, Image 2 credit: Graham Reid.

Chaosmos represents the world viewed as a fusion of order and disorder. Originally coined by James Joyce as a blend of chaos + cosmos in Finnegans Wake, published in 1939. This stainless steel piece with tensioned cables and suspended polished orbs resonates with the landscape - reminiscent of dew drops on a spider’s web, of rain and of bubbles in the river. The playful interactive nature of the piece through the mirror polish of the orbs reflects the landscape and the viewer, responding to the nearby playground.

'Chaosmos' by artist Graham Reid. Image 3 credit: Mary Smyth.

The River King by Barra Cassidy

Constructed in reinforced white concrete with a smooth, polished finish, this sculpture celebrates the wildlife of the Boyle River. The otter is a representation of the wildlife in a healthy river and has been listed as belonging to the natural biodiversity in Boyle. The artist describes the otter as King in its environment.

Roscommon Young Carers & Foróige Participatory Art Mural

Funded under Creative Ireland: Cruinniú na nÓg June 2023

Painted on an outside wall of the Castlerea outdoor public swimming pool, this piece was a collaboration between Roscommon Young Carers and Castlerea Foróige with local Roscommon mural artists Emily Beninghove Cuddy and Siobhan Cox Carlos.

The mural themes are location specific highlighting many assets and characters with connections to Castlerea.

'Castlerea' by youth groups and artists Siobhán Cox Carlos and Emily Benninghove. Image credit: Brian Farrell.

'Champions' by James Gannon

Two Roscommon boxers, O'Rouke Sisters, Aoife and Lisa were given 'Freedom of Roscommon' at a ceremony in the county's civic offices on Thursday December 8th 2022.

As part of the celebration a public art piece was commissioned to commemorate their achievements.

Artist James Gannon proposed carved stone stools with inscriptions of the sisters names and legs of stainless steel which were set into one of the pods in Somers Park Castlerea. A painted square encloses and connects the two stools together, the size of an Olympic boxing ring, transports the public into the boxing ring themselves.

'IASC' by James Gannon

A sculpture 1500 mm x 750 mm x 100mm made of Lecarrow Limestone.

Contemporary Public Art Practice - Artist Talk @ Roscommon Arts Centre

Time: 11AM – 1PM. With tea, coffee and sandwiches at 1pm.
Date: TUESDAY, 03 JUNE 2025
Registration Required. Spaces first come, first served. Booking via Roscommon Arts Centre’s website.

Are you curious about Public Art?

Have you wondered about the process?

Roscommon Arts & Culture Office invites artists to join a session on CONTEMPORARY PUBLIC ART PRACTICE. 

• Hear from contemporary and experienced artists working with Public Art in their practice in Roscommon, Ireland and abroad.
• Hear from commissioners; considerations in briefs, experiences and examples of successful previous projects.
• Hear about upcoming opportunities for Public Art in County Roscommon.
  
  

Speakers:

Rhona Byrne - Visual & socially engaged artist. Worked with GKMP Architects on the Roscommon Town Main Street & Market Square Public Realm Project. Devised the concept for Roscommon’s Living Laneways public art programme.

Ruairí Ó Cuív - Independent curator & arts consultant specialising in public art. Previously Public Art Manager, Dublin City Council.

Martin Heron - Roscommon-based, public art artist from Northern Ireland. Interested in social engagement and & location-led work. Previously commissioned as part of the Boyle Sculpture Trail 2022.

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09.05.25 - Launch of the Bee Lane!

On behalf of the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice, we would like to invite you all to the Launch of the Bee Lane at Allée De Chartrettes, the laneway which connects The Square in Roscommon Town to the county council car park.

Time & Date: 11am, Friday 9th May.

Location: Function room, Gleeson’s Restaurant, Roscommon Town.

Tea & Coffee with Artist Talk by Graham Reid, & walk of the lane.

A Bee’s Eye View of a Wild­flower Meadow is a series of works along this busy laneway by artist Graham Reid, that transforms the space into a playful, imaginative and contemporary experience. Inspired by the unique way bees see the world in ultraviolet, these images invite you to pause, explore and enjoy a brief journey into the magical, unseen world of pollinators.

Graham Reid grew up in South Africa, studying architecture and sculptural glass at Massachusetts College of Art. He then returned to his ancestral roots in Ireland, where he has been commissioned and widely exhibited. Including a stainless steel sculpture 'Chaosmos' as part of the Boyle Sculpture Trail in 2022.

The Bee Lane at Allée de Chartrettes was funded under the Roscommon Creative Ireland Programme 2024/2025. It is part of a larger public art programme called ‘Living Laneways’ in Roscommon Town.

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27.01.25 - Call out open for Permanent Sculpture in Strokestown

New public art opportunity for a Permanent Artwork for Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. 

Commission budget: €55,000, including VAT. Further details are in the below pdf. in Related Documents.

Opens Monday 27th January 2025.
DEADLINE FOR STAGE 1 SUBMISSIONS: Monday 7th April 5PM.

For queries and submission email Mary on msmyth@roscommoncoco.ie or artsofficer@roscommoncoco.ie

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Planning is in progress on a third living laneways public art commission! - Oct 2024

Roscommon County Council invited submissions by artists on our Roscommon Public Art Panel for a
new Creative Laneway for Alleé De Chartrettes as part of the Living Laneways Programme. 

Artist Graham Reid has been successful with his wall installation submission titled:
"A Bee's eye view of a meadow landscape".

‘Living Laneways’ is an innovative public art programme where artists respond creatively to the public laneways of Roscommon Town and to the history, story and community. Existing commissions are a Poetry Laneway on Chapel Lane, and a Mosaic Laneway (in-process) on Hynes Way.

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Circle of Life sculpture by Paul Harrison installed in Athleague! - February 2024

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April 2024 - Launch of the Living Laneways Public Art Programme: Poetry Laneway

PRESS RELEASE: INVITATION TO THE POETRY LANEWAY LAUNCH, CHAPEL LANE, ROSCOMMON

A new Poetry Laneway will be launched next week, as part of the larger public art programme titled ‘Living Laneways’, an innovative laneway trail where artists can respond creatively to public laneways in Roscommon Town and to its history, story and community. Supported by Roscommon County Council, the Poetry Laneway features the work of three contemporary poets, Jane Clarke, Louise G. Cole and Dani Gill. Musician and composer Phil Robson has collaborated with the writers, to present a custom sound piece for each of the poems.

The poetry will be presented in lightboxes in Chapel Lane, an important historic laneway in Roscommon town with a special event on National Poetry Day 2024 Thursday 25th April.  The artists involved will launch the laneway with an in person event at 3pm. The poets will introduce and read their poetry and attendees can scan a QR code in each lightbox, that will lead to the music composition created by Phil Robson.

The laneway enhancements form the final elements of Roscommon Town Main Street and Market Square Public Realm Project, & are funded through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage as part of Project Ireland 2040 to include match funding from Roscommon County Council. Roscommon County Council's Regeneration team worked with GKMP Architects, artist Rhona Byrne (who developed the concept of a Living Laneways programme) and multidisciplinary team appointed to implement the overall Innovative Architectural and Artistically Influenced Covered Civic Space in Roscommon Town Centre.

The aim of these work is to help create a town centre that functions as a viable, vibrant and attractive location, as well as being the service, social, cultural and recreational hub for the local community.  It is  expected that this further development will boost the local economy drawing further footfall to the town centre, through improving access and making the town more connected. All are welcome.

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January 2024 - New Public Art opportunities open for submissions at Mote Park, Roscommon.

Roscommon County Council in partnership with Outscape now invite artists to submit proposals for one or more commissions under this project and to respond creatively to the public space, the history, story and unique themes associated with Mote Park. 

MOTE PARK SCULPTURES, ROSCOMMON, IRELAND. 2-STAGE OPEN COMPETITION - PUBLIC ART COMMISSION
Deadline for Stage 1 Submissions: 3pm on Friday 19th February 2024

Mote-Park-Sculptures---Open-Call-Stage-1-Artists-Brief.pdf (size 7.2 MB)

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November 2023 - Living Laneways Update

Thursday (23rd November 2023) join artist CHRIS JUDGE of the Living Laneways Public Art Programme.

Chris is designing a mosaic laneway in Roscommon Town and wants to hear from the locality about Roscommon, living in Roscommon and stories of the area.

Join either of two sessions: 4-5pm and 6.30-7.30pm. 

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August 2023 - Living Laneways Public Art Opportunities in Roscommon Town

A number of Public Art Opportunities for Roscommon town open! 

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September 2023 - Knockcroghery Public Artworks Launch

On Culture Night (22nd September 2023) we held the launch of
the Knockcroghery Public Art Commissions from 6 - 7pm at Knockcroghery Hall!

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Boyle Destination Town - Public Art Commission 2022 - Sculpture Trail

Roscommon County Council invites submissions from artists for one sculptural artwork as part of a Sculpture Trail. This Programme of Public Art Commissions is funded under Fáilte Ireland’sDeveloped and Emerging Destination Towns Capital Investment Programme. The scheme will provide a platform for artists to respond creatively to public space, to the history, story and community of Boyle, in particular the Cultural Quarter of Boyle, the location of King House and the Pleasure Grounds. The commissions are also intended to provide opportunities for dialogue and participation with the local community. Representatives of various groups in the town will be involved in selecting the artworks.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION 4pm, Tuesday 31st May 2022

For full details click here: Boyle Sculpture Trail – Public Art Commission – Artist Call