merrion street

The annual joint touring exhibition of artworks from the collections of the Office of Public Works (OPW) in the Republic of Ireland and the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) of Northern Ireland is this year entitled ‘Encounters’. The exhibition’s theme sees a pairing of artworks from each collection, with each ‘encounter’ creating a dialogue between the works.

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.

In advance of the opening Minister Hayes said, “Each year it gives me great pleasure to see this annual joint exhibition tour the country, north and south. This year’s choice of venues will enable an enormous number of people to enjoy this wonderful exhibition. I would like to thank all those who have organised ‘Encounters’: the Departmental staff, artists, galleries and venues and I highly recommend a visit.”

This year’s Exhibition will be in Lisburn City Library, Co. Antrim from today until 28 September and will travel to three further venues: The Derry Central Library, Derry-Londonderry (4 October to 2 November); Cork County Library Headquarters (11 November to 2 December); and Red Door Gallery, Newcastle West, County Limerick (7 December to 18 January 2014).

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