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The C.I.A.S. is an important force in contemporary visual arts culture in Ireland. As well as the purchase of artworks, it runs a regular programme of visits to public and private galleries, artists’ studios and private collections. The society also advises on the collection and display of Irish art, leading to a greater appreciation and understanding of the country’s dynamic contemporary visual arts movement.
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Roma (2006) by Tom Phelan Woodcut and Etching 79.5 x 120 cm (Recently purchased by the CIAS)
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The Contemporary Irish Art Society was founded in 1962 by such progressive figures as Gordon Lambert, Cecil King, Stanley Mosse, James White and Michael Scott, with Sir Basil Goulding as Chairman. The purpose of the society was to encourage a greater level of patronage of living Irish artists which, at the time, was extremely low. This was mainly achieved by raising funds to purchase artworks by living artists, which were then donated to public collections. The first purchase in 1962 was an important painting by Pat Scott, donated to the Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery of Modern Art, and funded by nine generous patrons who each put £10 in a hat, following a private view at the Dawson Gallery. Over the following 12 years the society purchased 37 works for the Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery, until in 1974, Dublin Corporation started to provide an annual purchasing fund for the gallery. The enthusiasm and vision of these founding members of the society was the catalyst which led to the development of many important art collections in Ireland. In 1980 the society assembled a collection of Works on Paper which was shown at the Sense of Ireland Festival and was subsequently presented to University College Dublin. The society has continued to support Irish artists through the purchase and donation of artworks to institutions throughout Ireland. Some 40 public institutions have received works by contemporary Irish artists, amongst them, the Crawford Gallery, Limerick Municipal Gallery, The Butler Gallery, Kilkenny, IMMA, as well as hospitals, and other official bodies.
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CIAS Outings in 2008 An interesting programme of visits has been arranged for the next few months: Tuesday 19 February - at 90 Merrion Square,Artist Nathaniel Stern and gallerist Haydn Shaughnessy give a demonstration and talk on current practice in digital work. Saturday 19 April - visit to the Carlow Institute of Technology to view their collection - several donated by CIAS. Saturday 3 May - visit to Glen Dimplex Corporate HQ Saturday 21 June - visit to the home and studio of Michael Warren in Gorey, Co.Wexford CIAS members wishing to join any of these visits should contact Frank Buckley, 49 Bayview Drive, Killiney, C.Dublin. Phone 01 2821497.
There is a charge of 5.00 Euro per person to cover administration costs.
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Enquiries to:
e-mail: info@ciasnews.com
website: www.ciasnews.com
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