The Model is delighted to welcome Jimmy Deeiham TD, Minister for Arts,
Heritage and the Gaeltacht to Sligo for its official reopening ceremony
following the 2008-10 redevelopment.
Initiated in the 1990s by local artists, The Model has become one of the
leading cultural flagships in Ireland. The redevelopment works completed in
2010 added purpose-built, environmentally controlled galleries and a
collection store, a state of the art performance and cinema space, and nine
artist’s studios including one residential studio and one sound studio. The
Model houses the Internationally significant Niland Collection, featuring
works by Jack.B Yeats, Paul Henry, Louis LeBrocquy and Sean Keating.
Commenting on the re-opening of the Model, Minister Deenihan said, “This
Arts Centre has fashioned a unique place in the cultural life of not only
Sligo but also the entire northwest region. It is host to countless
contemporary art exhibitions, music recitals and literary events. Behind
its success lies a simple yet powerful ideal of The Model as a true home
for the visual arts and a place that welcomes artists and helps them to
realise their artistic vision. Since first opening as the Model Arts and
Niland Gallery in 2001, The Model has served as home to the Niland
collection of 19th and 20th century paintings. Without the tireless effort
of Nora Niland the collection would not exist and it is a fitting tribute
that the collection is named in her honour. The Department of Arts has
given funding of €3.4million towards this redevelopment making it one of
our largest projects over the last few years and I am delighted to see the
fine venue resulting from this investment. ”
The visual arts programme at The Model exhibits the best of contemporary
international and Irish artists; the music programme includes classical and
contemporary music along with cutting edge comedy and the film programme
features the best of world cinema. The Model programme is augmented by an
integrated education programme targeting community groups, families and the
public.
The Model is a strong example of organisations who survive with
multi-farious funding. The Model’s key funders include the Arts Council of
Ireland, Sligo County Council, Sligo Borough Council, The International
Fund for Ireland and local patrons and cultural organisations. Income is
also generated by ticket sales, hires and The Model’s own inititatives
through a fundraising body, The Future Model Development Board, which also
promotes a Patrons and Donors scheme in the private sector.
This event is the formal reopening of The Model on completion of the
redevelopment project, celebrating its success and acknowledging those who
made it all possible.
The event will commence at 7pm, running to 9pm. The major Yeats
retrospective, The Outsider will be on exhibition in our galleries along
with Dutch artist Guido van der Werve’s film installation