The 2002 symposium marked a significant moment in Ireland’s outdoor sculpture scene, showcasing the potential of Lough Boora Parklands as a site for contemporary artistic practice. Today, visitors can explore these permanent sculptures, enjoy sculpture trails, and experience the rich interplay of art, culture, and nature.
Lough Boora Sculpture Symposium – Large-Scale Art in Offaly
In September 2002, Irish and international artists came together at Lough Boora Parklands in Co. Offaly, Ireland, to create large-scale outdoor sculpture installations during an international sculpture symposium. The event brought visionary artists such as Mike Bulfin, Eileen MacDonagh, Maurice MacDonagh, Jorn Ronnau, Naomi Seki, James Fraher and Kevin O'Dwyer to the parklands, leaving a lasting legacy of contemporary art in County Offaly.
Initiated by Kevin O'Dwyer in Collaboration with Bord na Móna
The symposium was initiated and directed by Kevin O'Dwyer, in close collaboration with Bord na Móna and the Lough Boora Parklands Group. Together, they created an environment where artists could explore site-specific, large-scale sculptures that respond to the natural landscape, blending art and nature in innovative ways.
Featured Artists and Installations
Mike Bulfin – Industrial scale, dynamic sculpture in motion.
Eileen MacDonagh – sculptural form harmonizing with the parkland terrain.
Maurice MacDonagh – intricate, contemporary designs integrated into the environment.
Jorn Ronnau – A space for meditation. A small triangular room with a very special atmosphere.
Naomi Seki – works inspired by landscape, environmental issues and cultural context.
Kevin O'Dwyer – visionary installations emphasizing space, scale, and interaction.
James Fraher - photography captures the scale, creativity, and spirit of the event.
Contemporary Art in County Offaly
The 2002 symposium marked a significant moment in Ireland’s outdoor sculpture scene, showcasing the potential of Lough Boora Parklands as a site for contemporary artistic practice. Today, visitors can explore these permanent sculptures, enjoy sculpture trails, and experience the rich interplay of art, culture, and nature.
Lough Boora International Sculpture Symposium 2002
In September 2002, Irish and international artists were invited to create large-scale works of art during an international sculpture symposium at Lough Boora Parklands.
The aims of the symposium were:
To bring together Irish and international artist to create a series of land and environmental art using the natural and industrial materials associated with the working of the peatlands.
To highlight Lough Boora Parklands as a creative resource of national significance.
To build an awareness of the arts within the community, educational institutions and business community through public interaction and participation during this dynamic international event.
The sculpture symposium concept was proposed in 2001 during discussions between sculptor Kevin O’Dwyer and Bord na Mona land manager Tom Egan at the Offaly Heritage Forum. The idea was proposed to Lough Boora Parklands Group and Bord na Mona as an opportunity to highlight the Parklands as a creative resource. With the support of these organisations Kevin O’Dwyer proceeded to invite artists to participate in the symposium. O’Dwyer believed there were a number of criteria that were important for the success of the symposium. They related to artistic ability, experience with making large-scale works of art in the landscape and the capacity to work together over a three-week period. Artists selected were:
Michael Bulfin (Ireland)
Jorn Ronnau (Denmark)
Eileen MacDonagh (Ireland)
Naomi Seki (Japan)
Maurice MacDonagh (Ireland)
James Fraher (USA)
Kevin O’Dwyer (Ireland)
The artists worked with Bord na Mona employees during the symposium and created eight large-scale works of art in the landscape. The project would not have been possible without the vision and enthusiasm of the artists and the Bord na Mona employees involved. A special mention goes to Tom Egan, Seamus Barron and Liam Fox of Born na Mona, Lough Boora Parklands Manager Sharon Parr and Project Manager Ruairi O’Cuiv.
The project received support and funding from Bord na Mona, the Arts Council, Lough Boora Parklands Group, Offaly County Council, Atlantic Corridor, West Offaly Partnership, Offaly Leader + Company, Banagher Concrete, Kilcormac Development Association, Brosna Press and Gallic Distributors.
Bord na Mona and the Lough Boora International Sculpture Symposium was presented with the highly prestigious Allianz Business2Arts Award by President Mary MacAleese in 2003.
Sculpture in the Parklands
2002-2010
Learning Experiences Ireland © 2013