Portlaoise's new musical sculpture set for official launch on Culture Night in Laois

People will be able to find out more about the new sculpture commissioned as part of the building of the new Laois County Library in Portlaoise when it is officially unveiled on Culture Night.

The launch of ‘Fragments of Time and Space’, a cast terrazzo sculpture and bench created by artist David Beattie will take place at its permanent home, on Main Street.

While more about the sculpture is sure to revealed on the night, the Laois Arts Office give an outline of its inspiration and the contribution of one of the town's bards.

"The sculpture was created in response to the musical tradition of Portlaoise and as part of the new Cultural Quarter and Library in the centre of Portlaoise.  The curved bench includes an inscription from Laois-born writer Pat Boran ‘listen: the streets still dreaming us’ that further extends this invitation to listen," said the Arts Office.

The council has already confirmed that it cost €52,000 and was commissioned by open competition under The Per Cent for Art scheme, which requires up to 1% of the cost of public infrastructure such as the new €7.5 million library, to be spent on art.

David Beattie is an artist and lecturer at Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology and TU Dublin, Ireland. Beattie’s artistic practice explores the material world through experiential, physical engagements with objects and non-objects. 

Refreshments will be served at the launch which begins at 4pm on Friday, Sepember 22.

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Its unveiling will mark the first anniversary of the of ‘Protectour’ is a large permanent polished concrete artwork beside O'Moore Park GAA Stadium on the Abbeyleix Road. Marking the gateway to Portlaoise town, it was created by Wicklow artist James Hayes. 

It was also funded under the Per Cent Art Scheme following the building the link road between the Abbeyleix and Timahoe Roads in the county town.

Visit www.Culturenight.ie for all details on times of events and further information or visit www.laois.ie download the Laois Programme of events 2023. Brochures available from Laois Co Co, Libraries and Arts Centres