ATU launches new book showcasing art graduates’ work over two decades

Staff and students in Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Mayo gathered together recently (17 April 2024) to celebrate the launch of a new book of photographs of art works created by graduates of the part-time art courses delivered in the Mayo campus over the last 25 years.

The publication titled STAMP contains 56 photographs of art works created by graduates from across Ireland, the majority of whom are practising in the west. Final year student Claire Finegan on the BA in Contemporary Arts Practice alongside ATU lecturers Dr John Mulloy, Denis Farrell and Hazel Walker began work on this publication last semester, receiving submissions from 62 artists (all graduates). The book was designed by Claire Finegan and features a painting by Sabine Lacey on the cover. It was printed by Anglo Printers, Dundalk, and copies are available in reception at the Mayo campus (Castlebar). The book is available to view online here

Dr John Mulloy, Chair of the Contemporary Arts Practices Programme Board, says: “The part-time art courses at ATU Mayo aimed to provide students with a critical engagement with contemporary visual culture in the west of Ireland, to embed the visual arts in the culture of the area and to create an innovative model of arts education in a rural context. We are very proud of the achievements of our students and graduates in helping us to reach these goals and the roles they have played as both professional artists and cultural agents in the wider community.”

Dr Deirdre Garvey, Head of the Department of Environmental Humanities and Social Sciences, ATU Mayo, says: “This is a beautiful publication and reflects the work of graduates and staff over 25 years. It also marks the contribution of the part-time art programmes provided at ATU Mayo. A recent external quality assurance review commended the programme in having a major impact on the region and that it has added capacity, capability, maturity, and resourcefulness.”

Claire Finegan and Rachel Corcoran, students of the BA in Contemporary Arts Practices, said: “We are delighted to join the new online community group for alumni of our courses. This platform will serve as an excellent avenue for us to connect, exchange information, and support one another in our artistic careers.”  The new online alumni forum was launched at the event – see: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1557497401492934/permalink/1562131697696171/?

For further information about the part-time art courses in ATU please visit: Bachelor of Arts in Art and Design (P/T) | ATU - Atlantic Technological University (gmit.ie)

ENDS

Regina Daly, Atlantic TU Communications 
Tel: +353 (0)91 742826 Mob: +353 (0)879618355
regina.daly@atu.ie  www.atu.ie/news