The Laois Artists Patronage Award Scheme

 The Laois Artists Patronage Award

The Laois Artists Patronage Award for 2010 has been awarded to artist Patrick Fitzpatrick, Morette, Emo, Portlaoise to assist with his artistic career.  Patrick is currently studing for a Masters Degree in Printmaking at Limerick's School of Art and Design and holds a BA (Honours) in Fine Art Printmaking.  Patrick's "fine photographic and video works considered the transcendental quality of natural imagery"

The award offers substantial financial support of up to €7000 to one artist, giving him/her time to focus on their practice. It is open to artists’ residing in or originally from County Laois and to more established artists, with proven track records, and to emerging artists whose current work shows potential. The Bursary is open to artists’ practising in the following disciplines: dance, film, music, visual art, literature, and theatre.  Ken Waltrop and Andrew Williams were the joint recipients of the 2009 award.  Astrid Walsh was the recipient of the 2008 Patronage Award. 

Criteria
• An Award of €7,000 will be offered to an artist with proven needs, working to a high standard.
• The Award will be open to artists’ residing in or originally from County Laois. It is open to more established artists, with proven track records, and to emerging artists whose current work shows potential.
• It is open to artists’ practising in the following disciplines: dance, film, music, visual art, literature, and theatre.
• It may also be of assistance towards study, travel or as an aid to their professional career.
• Assessment will be on the quality of the artists’ work and track record or potential, as well as the impact the award might have for the recipient.
• The Patronage Award gives support towards the individual artist in the development of his or her own practice and in the creation of new work, thus building an environment in which the arts and the artist are nurtured, valued and sustained. 
• Selection will be made by peer panel assessment.