Next Wickow Artist Saloon to take place in Bray

THE Wicklow Artist Salon returns in 2023 and this year's programme is curated and facilitated by artists Philip St John, Joanna Kidney and Olivia Fitzsimons.

The Artist Salon is an artist-led initiative by County Wicklow artists for Wicklow artists and cultural practitioners. It is peer support and takes the form of a series of evening events bringing together artists in person with both a social and professional purpose - to seed learning, support interactions and encourage collaborations.

Each Salon focuses on a particular topic and features invited artists to explore important themes affecting the arts in Wicklow and beyond.

Supported and funded by Wicklow County Arts Office, all Artist Salon events allow time for the contribution of questions and opinions, along with an opportunity to mingle and chat with fellow artists afterwards.

The next Artist Salon is taking place on Tuesday, February 7 at 7.30 p.m. in the Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, and features a line up including artists Mia Gallagher, Yurika Higashikawa and Emmet Kirwan joined by facilitator Susan Coughlan to discuss the vital question of SURVIVAL.

Next to their art, money is often the first matter on artists’ minds. How do we get by? What paid work do we find most compatible with our art, and which is least compatible? What do we artists believe should be done to assist the creative community in the future?

These and other questions will be explored by guests and participants in what promises to be another informative, enjoyable and helpful evening.

Admission is free but booking is essential. Tea and coffee will be provided but feel free to bring something for the table to accompany it.

Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Tommy Annesley, said that he was pleased to see the return of the Wicklow Artist Salon adding: “These events offer artists an important opportunity to connect, collaborate and enhance the artistic landscape of Wicklow.”

Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Mr Brian Gleeson, said that he welcomes an artist led event series that builds upon the artist supports offered by Wicklow County Arts Office to provide for a rich tapestry of artists and cultural practitioners in the county.