21-11-2013 Hayes Opens 40/40/40 Exhibition of Contemporary Art in OPW Head Office

Mr. Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) today (21 November 2013) opened ‘40/40/40’ – An exhibition of Contemporary Art celebrating Ireland’s 40 years in the European Union in the Atrium of OPW Head Office in Trim, Co. Meath.

40/40/40 is an exhibition of contemporary artworks from the Irish State Collection, which had a very successful tour of Europe where it was exhibited at the Centro Cultural Conde Duque, Madrid; the University of Warsaw, Poland; and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Palazzo della Farnesina, Rome. It was also on display for two months in Rathfarnham Castle.  The artworks have been created by 40 artists under the age of forty, who are either Irish or have chosen to base themselves in Ireland, and is in celebration of Ireland’s forty years in the European Union. The works reflect contemporary art practice across a variety of media – photography, drawing, sculpture and painting. The unique vision of each artist reflects the diversity of new work being created on our island.

Speaking at the event, Minister Hayes said, “It is my pleasure to welcome this wonderful exhibition to Trim, Co. Meath. My office, the OPW, is proud to manage the State Art Collection, which contains over 15,000 artworks and decorative objects. All of the artworks in this exhibition were acquired under the Government’s ‘Percent for Art Scheme’, which supports the work of artists living and working in Ireland. I’m delighted that we have been able to showcase some of this important collection at various locations at home and abroad. I hope visitors to the wonderful heritage town of Trim take the time to come and visit the wonderful exhibits on show here today”.

-Ends-

For further information or if you wish to interview Minister Hayes please contact Colette Davis, OPW Press Officer at 046 942 6128, 087 947 5552 or colette.davis@opw.ie