Staff and students at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Mayo gathered to celebrate the launch of a new photograph book.
The book contains artwork 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 practicing 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 all graduates.
The book was designed by Claire Finegan and features a painting by Sabine Lacey on the cover.
Dr John Mulloy, Chair of the Contemporary Arts Practices Program Board, said the part-time courses at ATU aim 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’.
He added: “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.”
ATU Mayo lecturers with the book
Dr Deirdre Garvey, Head of the Department of Environmental Humanities and Social Sciences, ATU Mayo, commented: “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 programs provided at ATU Mayo.
“A recent external quality assurance review commended the program for 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 they are ‘delighted’ to join the new online community group for alumni of our courses.
They concluded: “This platform will serve as an excellent avenue for us to connect, exchange information, and support one another in our artistic careers.”
Copies are available in reception at the Mayo campus, or can be viewed online.
For further information about the part-time art courses in ATU, please visit their website.
