The Courthouse Gallery and Studios is an integral part of the cultural life of Ennistymon and North West Clare, an area with a dynamic community of artists, poets and musicians.
The ethos of the gallery is “To be open to all, inclusive in its aims, programming, practice and audience.”
As well as its programme of exhibitions, the venue also hosts workshops, classes and events, including music, performance and poetry readings. During the winter months the local historical society holds a lecture series focusing on history, archaeology and folklore.
In this way, the gallery attracts a truly varied audience.
The Building
Housed in a former courthouse dating from 1790, the Gallery was first developed as artist studios in 1997 with support from the Arts Council. In 2007 it was redeveloped to its present form with the aid of Access Funding received from the Department of the Arts and support from Clare County Council. The Courthouse is comprised of four artist’s studios, a workshop space, a sound recording studio, a gallery and a project space.
As an important architectural structure in the town, the building was sympathetically converted by architect John O’Reilly and retains much of its original fabric as well as its original scale and form, with original features such as its arched windows and fanlight.
Personnel
The Courthouse Gallery and Studios was founded as a community resource overseen by a voluntary management board. Its curator is supported by Clare County Arts Office while the gallery assistants are supported by the Community Employment Scheme. In addition, an enthusiastic team of professionals and volunteers offer an invaluable contribution to the daily running of the space, and are regularly called on to invigilate exhibitions and help with all the tasks required in a busy gallery.
Contact Details
Gallery Administrator
Kathryn Comber
info@thecourthousegallery.com
+353 (0)64 707 1630
Curator
Anne Mullee
anne@thecourthousegallery.com
Submissions Policy
The Courthouse Gallery operates a curated programme in addition to inviting open submissions every two to three years. Submissions are selected via an appointed panel. The curator welcomes contact from artists interested in exhibiting at the Gallery but cannot guarantee acceptance.
