Arts Plan 2012-2016 - Offaly County Council

42offaly county councilObjectives1. Establish a partnership organisation inwhich to continue to deliver a programmeand commission artwork.2. Build on the learning and evaluationsachieved by the project to date.3. Through a consultative process, prepareand publish a 5 year strategy for the periodof 2012 to 2016.4. Facilitate regular opportunities for allpartners to convene and discuss strategicactions, concerns and opportunities.5. Consider the implications of andopportunities in rebranding the project TheNational Sculpture Park at Lough BooraParklandsBELMONT MILLBelmont Mill Artists Studios has grownorganically and slowly over the past 6 years toestablish its reputation as an excellent space forcreative work, acknowledged from the manytestimonies from artists. This venue is privatelyowned and the proprietors have opened itsdoors for artists, tourists and community eventsat no capital cost to the local authority. Throughan annual grant to the Mill, the owners havebeen able to attract visiting artists into Offaly,who largely have gone on to promote thecounty as they exhibit nationally andinternationally. Further their exhibition, lectureseries and community events are attracting newaudiences annually into the venue. Alongsidethis, the complex also contains a fully restoredmill and museum, which is open to the publicseasonally.6. Work closely with the Arts Council onmaximising its potential through ongoingdialogue and avail of funding opportunitiesas they arise.7. Balance the provision of new commissionswith an dynamic programme of activities.Belmont Mill has become important for Offaly’sCultural Tourism capability and much morecould be achieved to maximize this potential.Over the course of this plan we will work withthe owners to raise the profile of Belmont Millnationally, to promote it as a destination forartists and as an important hub for creativity inthe community.