Excitement builds for Longford Arts Recognition Awards

Excitement is currently building across Longford ahead of the county’s first Arts Recognition Awards, which will celebrate seven individuals for their contribution to the local arts and cultural scene.

The inaugural awards, organised by County Longford Arts Service in collaboration with Longford County Council and media partner The Longford Leader, will take place at the Backstage Theatre on Friday, September 25.

The seven award recipients are Anica Louw, Michael Casey, Paul Gurney, Shelley Corcoran, Noel Monaghan, Luke Casserly and Michael Keegan Dolan.

Artists, their families, friends and supporters from across the county will gather for the ceremony, which begins at 7pm.

A distinctive award sculpture has been specially commissioned for each recipient from acclaimed glass artist and sculptor Michelle O’Donnell of Glasshammer Studios.

Based in County Offaly, Ms O’Donnell’s work is held in the White House collection. Her pieces for the awards draw inspiration from the idea of finding light in the dark, incorporating colours associated with the boglands, including golds, browns and greens.

The swirling forms also reference Longford’s Celtic heritage, creating a unique piece for each of the award recipients.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Gerry Hagan, said the awards provide an opportunity to recognise the county’s “remarkable community of artists and creative people”.

He added, “There is a real sense of excitement as we approach the first County Longford Arts Recognition Awards. This event gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the imagination, dedication and energy they bring to our county. I look forward to celebrating with the recipients, their families, colleagues and friends.”

Longford County Council Chief Executive Samantha Healy said the recipients represented the “depth and variety” of creative talent within the county.

The inaugural County Longford Arts Recognition Awards will take place at Backstage Theatre, Longford, on Friday, September 25 at 7pm.

Funded by the local democracy reporting scheme