2 September 2000

DFP MINISTER OPENS JOINT ART EXHIBITION AT KILKENNY CASTLE

The work of thirty-nine contemporary artists went on display at the opening of an exhibition of modern paintings in public ownership at Kilkenny Castle this afternoon.

The exhibition was opened jointly by Mr Mark Durkan, MLA, Minister of Finance and Personnel and Mr Martin Cullen, TD, Minister of State representing the Office of Public Works in the Republic.

Entitled, Emerging Art II, the exhibition features paintings by 19 artists from the Northern Ireland Civil Service art collection and 20 from the Office of Public Works collection which are normally displayed in public buildings in Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Speaking at the opening, Mr Durkan said: "While perhaps not being an aficionado of all modern art, I am pleased that these artists have been given the opportunity to have their work displayed for a wider audience to appreciate.

"Our Office Accommodation Branch, has purchased paintings for approximately 30 years and the collection now numbers some 1200 works.

"I don't make any promises about what may end up on my wall, but I welcome the opportunity for this cross border artistic co-operation to take place and hope that in future years it will act as an encouragement to other budding artists."

The exhibition continues at Kilkenny Castle until 29 September.