ARTSPACE is a new facility on Oxford Island that will provide space to encourage Artists and Crafts people to work on the site. The ethos of Artspace is one of discovery, creativity and exploration. We are encouraging the local community who use the Oxford Island site to look again at the area. Visitors will also have the opportunity to see the artists at work and workshops will be offered for members of the public to get involved in the creative process. Artspace will also be a base for a number of programmes including children’s workshops, craft development courses and community arts programme.

ARTSPACE RESIDENCIES

We have two Artists in Residence at ‘artspace’ - Holger Lonze and Ann Donnelly, who will complete a 3 year residency on Oxford Island funded through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Lottery Fund. Both Artists will create art, promote exhibitions, make sculpture and provide a workshop programme at the studio.

ARTISTS BIOGRAPHIES

HOLGER LONZE
Holger Lonze is a German born sculptor who is based in Ireland. At present he is the Lead Artist for the Art in the Wetlands project in the South Lough Neagh area but he has been involved in a number of residency programmes including researcher and curator at the Eden Project and Falmouth College of Arts. Holger’s has a strong interest in boatbuilding and works closely with the South Lough Neagh Heritage Boat Group who have spent the last year building currachs and promoting their use on the Lough. During his residency at artspace Holger intends to explore Bronze Age casting and his research will include developing a manual of environmentally conscious design practices.

ANN DONNELLY
Ann Donnelly is a local artist who works in a range of media including performance, film, photography and sound. Her work often involves revisiting places and looking closely at the ordinary so it becomes extraordinary. She is an experienced practitioner who has worked in many settings including the health sector, women’s projects, youth at risk and professional theatre and film industries. Ann is also a willow enthusiast and has developed significant expertise in the cultivation of a variety of species of the plant. During her residency she hopes to examine the rhythms of the Oxford Island site and the relationships between people and the landscape, primarily through film and photography. She also hopes to work collaboratively Holger and with the community the create temporary willow structures on the site. The residencies will provide opportunities for Donnelly and Lonze to collaborate with each other, and with local and visiting Artists.
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