A Laois town and neighbouring village will work together on a new public art project inspired by local folklore.

Laois Arts Office is delighted announce that artist, Marie Brett has been selected to work on a new public art project with the communities of Rathdowney and Errill.

Marie Brett’s project emerged as the choice of an expert panel, who have stated that her proposal, which involves engaging closely with the community, represents an exciting and innovative approach to public art.

The artist proposes to create a modern-day Almanac; a publication documenting the year, which will be inspired by the people of Rathdowney and Errill's lived stories and re-imagined folklore.

Seated front left to right: Muireann Ní Chonaill, Arts Officer, Laois County Council, Marie Brett artist selected for the Errill Rathdowney Per Cent for Art Commission; Padraig Fleming, Cathaoirleach and Michael Rainey, Chief Executive Officer, Julie Bergin, Director of Services Culture & Finance, Laois County Council. To rear left to right: Monica Flynn, Assistant Arts Officer; Pat Delaney, Senior Executive Officer Housing; Donal Brennan Director of Services; Housing; Bernie Foran, County Librarian, Laois County Council and Vincent O'Shea Public Art Coordinator for the Errill Rathdowney Per Cent for Art Commission, at the signing of the contract for the project.

The work will relate to the ideas of ‘hale, brave and hearty’.

A series of temporary art installations will appear throughout the artist’s twelve-month residency in the community. A number of activities, aimed at drawing people together and using their knowledge and experience to feed into the project, will be at the core of the artist’s work.

Ms Brett will work with a broad range of residents and organisations from the area from the tidy towns to the Men’s Shed, drama group members, school children, Ukrainian refugees and active retirement groups.

The artist is already working on her preliminary research and will be making contacts and reaching out very soon.

“I’m really pleased to be working on this public art project, and I’m very keen to meet Rathdowney and Errill people to gain their shared stories, folklore, traditions and curiosity, as a way to inspire and inform a new series of temporary artworks and events," Ms Brett said.

"Both feel like dynamic and interesting places with some beautiful architecture and heritage features, and I’m really looking forward to creating artwork that celebrates some of the character of both places and people.”

This approach to public art is rooted in connection and the inspiration comes from the community itself.

It is artistically ambitious and will hopefully provide an enriching and positive experience for the whole community.

The funding for this public art project is from the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage and is supported by Laois County Council.

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