Art Programmes

Children at the Artists' Symposium held in Emo Court

Laois have been to the forefront in arts development and was one of the first county’s to employ an Arts Officer. We have firmly demonstrated our commitment to the arts and now have an Arts Department producing an impressively strong programme including the Artists’ Symposium, the Artists’ Patronage Scheme, three county arts plans including the current Laois Arts Plan 2006-2011.  Other major achievements of the Arts Department are the Laois School of Music, the Laois Youth Theatres, Artists  residencies and arts-in-education projects.  The Laois School of Music was awarded the Chambers Ireland Arts Cultural and Recreation Award 2006. It was also commended in “Excellence in Local Government 2006” at a recent award ceremony in Croke Park. 

Artists in Laois
Awards & Opportunities
Public Art
Summer Arts Programme
Midland Collaborative Projects
Artists & Architects in Schools
Craftworkers in Laois
Artists Studio

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In the 1990’s the Dunamaise Arts Centre was established by Laois County Council in response to the local need for a quality arts facility containing a theatre, art gallery and restaurant.  It has been a huge success in the county and attracts audiences from outside the county also.  Laois County Council continues to provide financial and developmental support for the Dunamaise Arts Centre.

• New initiatives in the Laois Arts Plan 2006-2011 are a patronage plan for a Laois artist. An Artists’ Mentoring scheme commenced in 2006, assisting artists in their professional careers.  Five artists took part in 2006 and it is planned to run it on an annual basis.
• There are many employment opportunities for artists in Laois.  The Arts Department run an annual Artists-in Residence Schemes through the schools.  A Summer Arts Programme takes place throughout the county in the month of July.  A multiplicity of workshops in the visual arts, sculpture, music, film, drama, creative writing takes place, again giving employment opportunities.