Arts in the Public Arena

Public Art

The term Public Art refers to works of art in any media created by artists in response to engagement with the environment – physical, social, historical, cultural; built, natural; rural, urban; community.

Wexford County Council has pro-actively implemented the Per Cent for Art Scheme since 1997, through four phases of commissioning. Over that period, Wexford County Council has undertaken some thirty-nine commissions ranging from permanent outdoor sculptures to ephemeral time based installations encompassing many art forms.

As a pioneer for public art, Wexford County Council has benefited significantly from taking risks, breaking new ground and challenging perceptions about what defines public art practice.

Wexford County Council's Public Art Policy “People, Time and Place” will continue to act as a strategic tool for long term planning and delivery within this context.

County Art Collection

Wexford County Council established a Municipal Art Collection during 1994, aimed at: 

• Providing an opportunity for the public and staff who use County Hall to enjoy works of art of a high standard
• Recognising the importance of the individual creative artist in society 
• Providing increased access to the visual art

Since its initiation, the collection has grown to now include over 100 works, featuring mostly paintings but also some photography, drawing, print, sculptures and artists’ books.

A state of the art new building of architectural significance, which acts as the new headquarters for Wexford County Council, opened in 2011.
The new County Buildings will provide a platform for a new chapter in the provision of arts in the public arena. In particular, an education and
outreach strategy will be devised and implemented to develop the public’s awareness of the collection and facilitate access.