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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 2009 An interesting programme of visits has been arranged for the next few months: Saturday January 17 - starting 2.00 pm - visit to the RHA for a major exhibition of Ciaran Lennon - then on to the Green on Red for their exhibition of Mark Joyce's paintings followed by visits to the group shows at the Stone Gallery and the Oisin Gallery. Saturday February 28 - starting 11.00 am - visit to the Peppercanister Gallery to view a special exhibition of 20th.C Irish Art, followed by visits to the Hallward Gallery for a group show and finishing up at the Paul Kane Gallery for an exhibition of Leonard Sheil's paintings. Saturday 21 March - starting 2.30 pm - visit to IMMA where Maeve Butler will show us around a significant exhibition of Hughie O'Donoghue's paintings and we will also see a Jame Coleman exhibition. Sunday May 23 - starting 11.30 am - visit to Lyragh Estate Hotel to see an extensive collection of Contemporary Irish Art. Gay McGuinness has invited us to view his collection and also to sample fine wines from his vineyard in France. This will be followed by a visit to the Butler Gallery to see an exhibition of works by the Welsh artist Tim Davies. CIAS members wishing to join any of these visits should contact Frank Buckley, 49 Bayview Drive, Killiney, Co.Dublin. Phone 01 2821497.
There is a charge of €5.00 per person (€10 for Kilkenny visit) to cover administration costs.
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JOINING THE CIAS If you would like to join the Contemporary Irish Art Society please send your details to Adrienne Symes, Avondale, King's Hospital, Palmerstown, Dublin 20 with your subscription. Young Members €15 ; Individual €40; Couple €55, Corporate €250 Name: Address: Phone: Email: Enquiries on subscriptions to: asymes@iol.ie
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