Offaly recipient of PLATFORM 31 artist development scheme announced

Shannonbridge native and writer, Ian Maleney, has been announced as the Offaly recipient for the 2022 Platform 31 scheme which is a nationwide artist development scheme.

Following the success of the inaugural Platform 31 programme in 2021, this innovative scheme has returned for 2022, showing the commitment of Local Authority Arts Offices, together with the Arts Council, to supporting the continued development of artists throughout Ireland.

Ian is the founding editor of Fallow Media, an interdisciplinary online journal that publishes the best contemporary literature, music, and visual arts through unique digital presentations. He has also produced many radio documentaries and podcasts, including the acclaimed series The Witness: In His Own Words, which was selected as a podcast of the year by The Guardian, and Supply & Demand, a series about Dublin's housing crisis for the Dublin Inquirer.

Sally O’Leary, Arts Officer, Offaly County Council said: "Offaly County Council Arts Office is delighted that Ian Maleney is the successful recipient of Platform 31 representing County Offaly. Writer, editor and radio producer, Ian’s first book Minor Monuments was published by Tramp Press in 2019 and nominated for the Butler Literary Prize and the Michel Deon Prize."

Ian was recipient of the Arts Council’s Next Generation Bursary Award in 2019 and the Temple Bar Gallery and Studios writer in residence in 2020. Offaly County Council Arts Office wish Ian many congratulations and the very best for winning this prestigious award that will offer him the opportunity to connect with other artists from across the country working to share ideas, learning and conversations.”

PLATFORM 31 is designed to support 31 artists, one from each Local Authority area in Ireland, to reflect on and develop their practice or make work in a new way, while being connected with and supported by peer practitioners, advisors and mentors.

For over 35 years Local Authority Arts Offices have worked directly with artists to ensure the arts thrive in all communities. Working in a grass roots and foundational way has allowed Arts Officers to identify and to respond to the needs of artists, keeping the arts and cultural agenda focused and relevant in changing environments.

Developed by the Association of Local Authority Arts Offices with the Arts Council, PLATFORM 31 offers two elements of support - financial and developmental - for mid-career artists across all disciplines. It's managed by Wicklow County Council on behalf of The Association of Local Authority Arts Officers, in collaboration with the Arts Council.

For more information visit platform31.localartsireland.ie or LocalArtsIreland.ie