Government Art Exhibition opens in Holywood

Holywood Library will be home to artworks from the Northern Ireland Civil Service and Office of Public Works (OPW), Dublin collections for the next eight weeks.

The “Life in Still Life” exhibition will showcase 54 artworks on the theme of still life selected by the members of The Association of Art and Design Education.

Welcoming attendees to the exhibition, Desi McDonnell from the Department of Finance said: “Exhibitions like this play a key role in making our artwork accessible to the public which is so important. For over 20 years we have partnered with Office of Public Works to bring our collections to a wider audience. Libraries play a key role in the local community, I’m delighted we are able to bring this exhibition to this stunning venue so visitors can not only see first-hand the work of our talented local artists but can also enjoy all that our public libraries have to offer.”

Opening the Life in Still Life exhibition, Maurice Buckley Chairman of the OPW said: “Thank you to Libraries NI for hosting the exhibition – libraries are gateways to participation in the arts. The OPW is delighted to have the opportunity to share the talent and creativity of artists included in the exhibition with visitors to Holywood library.  Over the past twenty years the Department of Finance and the OPW have worked together on the annual touring exhibition with the purpose of sharing the work of visual artists with new audiences.”

Jim O’Hagan, Libraries NI Chief Executive said: “Libraries NI is delighted to be working with the Department of Finance in conjunction with the Office of Public Works to bring artwork from their two collections to a wider public audience. Libraries are perfectly placed to assist in the development of new and existing audiences for the arts and I would encourage art lovers and those who have never been to an exhibition to pay it a visit while on display in Holywood Library.”

The exhibition will run from Tuesday 5^th November until Saturday 4^th January and is free to attend. Further information can be found on the nidirect website. 

Notes to editors: 

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