Published: Friday, 6th November, 2009 9:00am

Offaly arts campaign looks at artists who contribute to their local community

by Danielle Harney

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The Offaly Campaign for the Arts is continuing strongly with the Belmont Mill and local artists explaining how the government arts funding gets them involved in community projects, helping young and old.

Artist Rowena Keaveny works with Clara Day Care Centre through Anam Beo which, is an independent arts in health organisation operating in five health care settings across county Offaly. It is funded by Offaly County Council, HSE and the Arts Council.

"Over the past five years I have witnessed the positive benefits that visual art have on the lives of older people," said Rowena. Indeed some of these older people end up exhibiting their art works, which gives them a sense of purpose, achievement and pride. Two such participants are Laura Nolan and John Beesley. They held a joint exhibition last year. "It came as a big surprise to me when I started painting that it didn't look to bad, so I decided to carry on. Given that we've taken up painting in our golden years, it's a miracle," said Laura.

At a time when older people are facing increased social isolation, having a safe, nurturing environment in which creativity can be recovered, uncovered and discovered is a vital resource. "If I didn't have this I'd be sitting at home like a cabbage. I love it. I live for this. They don't understand - if I wasn't here I would collapse. I'm not joking, I love it. I'd be dead if I didn't have this," said John Beesley.

If the position of Arts Officer isn't renewed and Arts funding is not secured at a local and national level, John and Laura are examples of people who will be affected at a very human level.Rosalind Fanning owns the Tin Jug Studio in Birr, which opens seasonally for art and photography exhibitions; occasional poetry readings as well as Irish language and environmental short film screenings.

"There's nothing pompous about the place, nor the art within its old stone walls. In winter and spring there are 'Kidzart' classes and in summer, creative workshops for children, as well as art tuition for adults," said Rosalind.

"My joy has been in giving tutorials to adult total beginners. Their joy comes when they walk out on air two hours later, with a still-life drawing in their hands; perfectly wonderful proof of their own abilities. In those moments they will have experienced a positive change and viewed themselves from a new perspective."

Why campaign for continued local and national support of the arts? "Although we indulge our whims as artsy folk through this studio we also subsidize it through our earnings. And for a number of years, the Arts Office of Offaly County Council has given a small grant which is solely for life-models' fees, thus enabling regional artists to spend a day drawing or painting. This tiny arts studio is not a commercial operation yet we pay local council rates. We provide a social, cultural, tourism and economic benefits to the town," said Rosalind.

You can add your support to Offaly's Campaign for the Arts by signing/obtaining a petition at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre Box Office, by joining the campaign on Facebook or Bebo and lobbying public representatives.

The National Campaign for the Arts has launched an online petition, www.petitiononline.com/ncfa.petition where you can add your signature.