merrion street

Ms. Clare McGrath, Chairman of the Office of Public Works (OPW) (on Friday 6 December) officially opened ‘Encounters’ – the annual joint touring exhibition of artworks from the collections of the OPW in the Republic of Ireland and the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) of Northern Ireland. The exhibition’s theme sees a pairing of artworks from each collection, with each ‘encounter’ creating a dialogue between the works. This is the final leg of a nationwide tour, which saw the exhibition travel to Derry, Lisburn, Cork and Limerick throughout 2013.

The OPW has been working in co-operation with the DFP in relation to art exhibitions since 1997 and the joint exhibitions have toured extensively throughout Ireland – to arts centres, libraries, civic offices, colleges and heritage properties – and to several venues abroad. The artworks included in these exhibitions have mainly been purchased for public buildings located throughout the island.

At the opening event Ms. McGrath said, “I’m very proud to be associated with this annual touring art exhibition, which I am delighted to say is in its sixteenth year. There are many wonderful artworks in the two State collections, which otherwise may not be seen by the general public, so this venture between the OPW and DFP is very welcome. This year I’m also delighted that we chose to exhibit in public libraries, a venue that serves such a key function at all levels of society. I would like to thank all those who have organised ‘Encounters’: the DFP staff, my own colleagues in the OPW, the artists, galleries, especially The Red Door Gallery here in the heart of Newcastle West and all the venues and in particular the people of Newcastle West for their warm welcome.”

‘Encounters’ will be in the Red Door Gallery, The Square, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick from 7 December to 18 January 2014.

An exhibition catalogue is available from the OPW Art Management Office email: artmanagement@opw.ie.