Pictured at a contract signing ceremony marking the commencement of refurbishment work on the old museum at the De Valera Library in Ennis, Co Clare, on Tuesday, 17 November 2009 L-R Bernadette Kinsella, Director of Services; Andrea Goble, Executive Architect; Ruth Hurley, Senior Executive Architect; Tom Coughlan, County Manager; Mayor of Clare Cllr. Tony Mulcahy; Gerry Dillon, MD of Cordil Construction; Helen Walsh, County Librarian; and Cllr Patricia McCarthy.
The arts in the Mid West Region received a significant boost today with the award of a contract to commence refurbishment of the old museum at the De Valera Library in Ennis, Co Clare.
The dedicated exhibition venue is being developed by Clare County Council in an effort to address the ongoing lack of suitable gallery space in the County.
Mayor Tony Mulcahy noted: “One of the County Council’s objectives is to promote access to the arts and to encourage more people to participate in the arts. It is essential to ensure that proper facilities are in place.”
The Mayor continued: “Local authorities have been and continue to be instrumental in creating a local response to the arts, and more people then ever before are enjoying the arts in a range of disciplines. The development of the new gallery is an exciting development for the county and indeed nationally”.
According to Bernadette Kinsella, Director of Services, Clare County Council: “The refurbishment work will ensure that a top quality exhibition space and centre of excellence is provided in the County. It will present opportunities to showcase Clare art and to encourage national and international artists to exhibit in Clare, ensuring accessibility of the arts to all.”
“This project builds on Clare County Council’s commitment to working with artists, audiences and participants to increase public access to the arts. This project, which will cost in the region of 250,000 euro, is being funded through grant aid from the Arts Council, the Department of the Environment and through Clare Co. Council”, added Ms. Kinsella.
The historical nature of the protected structure has been acknowledged in the design of the exhibition venue, which was developed by the Clare County Council Architectural Services team in conjunction with P. Coleman & Associates, ODM, John Cuddy & Partners and the Clare County Arts Officer.
The proposed refurbishment was given special consideration to ensure harmony with the existing building aesthetic. New lighting and humidity control systems, as well as a central multifunction space will enhance the architectural ecclesiastical features and provide quality exhibition space to museum standards.
It is anticipated that the new gallery will be completed in May 2010.
