Laois artists recognised by Arts Council through bursary scheme

Four Laois artists have been recognised by The Arts Council and have received a combined €65,000 in funding through the bursary award scheme.

Award winning Portlaoise painter Paddy Critchley, who is fast becoming a serious name on the international art scene, has been awarded €20,000.

Playwright, spoken word poet and writer Dagogo Hart has been awarded €20,000 under the theatre category.

David Vesey, an award-winning pianist and traditional musician, received €5,000 under the traditional arts section.

Bernadette Keating, photographer and visual artist, also received €20,000 from the awards scheme.

The Arts Council’s bursary awards, on behalf of the state, support individual artists with a grant of up to €20,000, which provides practitioners the time and resources necessary to think, research, reflect and engage with their arts practice.

The awards emphasise the value and benefit that an extended process of engagement can bring to an artist’s development. The works and learnings developed through these awards benefit both the individual artist, audiences and the wider arts ecosystem in Ireland.

Bursaries are awarded across a range of artistic disciplines, reflecting the diverse and fluid nature of arts practice.

Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan said:  

“Ireland's reputation as a cultural powerhouse is reliant on strong state supports to artists. In providing over 250 artists from right across Ireland with time and opportunity to develop their artistic practice, these awards recognise the intrinsic value of the arts and the benefits they bring to our society.”

Director of the Arts Council, Moling Ryan commented:  

“The bursary scheme is central to how the Arts Council supports the arts in Ireland. We recognise the necessity for artists to have the time and resources to make great art. These awards will support artists to further develop Ireland’s vibrant, creative culture.”