Context Background:
The second phase of In Context, 1999-2003, continued the accomplishments of the In Context 1 Public Art Programme. It was the largest local authority art commissioning programme of its time, and subsequently was held as a model of good practice in Public Art programming. Through In Context 2, South Dublin County Council, advised by consultants Artworking, delivered a diverse series of projects under the auspices of the In Context Per Cent for Art Scheme and funded through the Department of the Environment. This provided both emerging and established artists with an opportunity to engage with the community and to incorporate art into the public domain in new and interesting ways.
Description:
From July 2000 to January 2001, the artist Eoin Nelson established an open working studio for visitors to and the clients of Stewart’s Hospital, Palmerstown. Eoin Nelson is a Belfast born artist, very involved, in particular in the U.K. with art programmes which encourage the participation of individuals with special needs. Eoin Nelson’s previous projects involved the occupation of unorthodox spaces such as unused retail units for the creation and exhibition of artwork.
At the time, the students of the Adult Education Dept. were involved in an art project centred on the theme of ‘Bugs’. Eoin Nelson worked with the students on a parallel approach to the ‘Bugs’ theme, introducing them to Abstract Expressionism with a focus on line, form, contour and colour, and the students explored these concepts in their work.
The artist produced a series of paintings, entitled She, through this project. They now reside in County Hall, Tallaght. Two of these are on extended loan to Stewart’s Hospital and all form part of the Council’s permanent art collection.
Mediation:
Article and photograph from exhibition launch in The Tallaght Echo on Thursday 29th March, 2001
Commissioner Type:
Local Authority
Commissioner:
South Dublin County Council SDCC
Programme:
In Context 2
PerCent for Art:
yes
Commissioning Process:
Open competition: two stage selection process. Part of a programmatic approach for In Context 2.
Funding:
Dept. of Environment Heritage and Local Government
Budget Range:
10,000 - 30,000
Project Start Date:
01/08/2000
Project End Date:
01/03/2001
Associated Professionals:
Project Manager: Artworking - Jenny Haughton & Aisling Prior