This article is from page 37 of the 2008-04-08 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 37 JPG
HOPES are high that a new public art project will provide a fitting trib- ute to the newly re-developed Clare- castle National School.
During the month of May, a spe- cial subcommittee of the board of management of the school will com- mission a contemporary artist(s) to develop a new art project for the school.
Artists are now invited, through an Open competition basis, to submit proposals to the school and a special site visit is arranged for April 10 for those interested.
The vision is to commission a new art project in the context of the school and/or surrounding area.
The school is keen that the art project will be modern and, in keep- ing with school ethos, would like to see the commission progress in a child-centered way.
However, the school is managing the project in line with the National Guidelines on Public Art, which pri- oritises time for the artist in the com- missioning process.
This public art project is funded through the Department of Educa- tion and Science’s Per Cent for Art Scheme and 1s coordinated by a Pub-
lic Art Subcommittee of Clarecastle national school’s board of manage- ment, with assistance from Clare County Council’s Public Art Pro- gramme and Arts Office.
Seven years after instigating pro- cedures to secure a new school, re- development on Clarecastle National School began in 1996. Apart from the original 1935 structure, which was retained, the rest of the building was demolished.
The new school caters for 290 children, housing — state-of-the-art classrooms fitted with the latest IT resources, library, computer rooms, PE and multi-purpose rooms.
The teaching staff comprises 12 mainstream teachers and three re- source teachers.
A spokesperson for the school said, “The school sees this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for pupils, teachers, parents and grand- parents, of the broader school com- munity, to engage with a major art project.”
Those who wish to view submis- sions made through the open compe- tition process may view images of the proposed art projects in the school hall on Saturday, May 17, when the school will be open for First Holy Communion.