An evening marking the 30th anniversary of the opening of the South Tipperary Arts Centre was held in Clonmel on Friday, April 17, bringing together artists, supporters, and members of the local community to reflect on three decades of artistic activity in the region. The occasion also saw the launch of a commemorative exhibition titled STAC at 30, which runs until June 20. The exhibition brings together works from a number of prominent Irish artists with strong ties to Tipperary, including Alice Maher, Aideen Barry, Austin McQuinn, Ursula Burke, John Burke, Patricia Hurl, Sheenagh Geoghegan and Bridget O’Gorman. READ NEXT: Repair works set to be carried out on historic Tipperary landmark in ‘coming months’ Curator Helena Tobin said the exhibition was conceived as both a celebration and a corrective to misconceptions about regional arts centres. She noted that there can be a perception that “real” artistic activity happens only in larger cities, but emphasised that this exhibition demonstrates the opposite. The selected artists, she explained, are those with strong ties to Tipperary, either originally from the county or living and working there and many of whom have also achieved international recognition. The works span from 1996 to the present day, reflecting the centre’s 30-year history while highlighting the depth and continuity of artistic practice in the region. READ NEXT: ‘What is going on?’ - ‘Huge backlog’ amid absence of ‘vital service’ in south Tipperary She added that the exhibition also marks the beginning of a year-long programme of events, including residencies, partnerships, talks, and performances, all designed to further showcase the richness and diversity of creative work emerging from the area and to honour the centre’s enduring cultural impact. Present at the official opening of the new exhibition marking the centre’s 30th birthday, were Alice Maher and Austin McQuinn, two artists whose work is part of the exhibition. Looking back through the 30 years
PICTURES: Celebrating 30 years of the South Tipperary Arts Centre with launch of new exhibition
Looking back through the 30 years since April 1996, when the arts centre first opened its doors, artists reflected on how the arts scene in Ireland has changed in those three decades.
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At the opening of STAC at 30, celebrating 30 Years of South Tipperary Arts Centre, Alice Maher Artist , Helena Tobin Artistic Director & curator STAC, Bridget O' Gorman Artist and Austin McQuinn artist. Photo John D Kelly
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At the opening of STAC at 30, celebrating 30 Years of South Tipperary Arts Centre, Alice Maher Artist, photo by John D Kelly
