About Us

Est in Aug 22, “An Chéad Tine” Art Org (CLG), due to a unique need for supportive workspaces & additional exhibiting space for artists.  It is a (NP0) integral to the visual arts ecology & cultural landscape of Kilkenny & Ireland voluntarily run by a Board of Directors & artists.  Our objective is to offer a city center studio/work spaces & exhibition space for artists to develop & progress their practice in a supportive working environment that addresses key points in the creative cycle by which art is made. We focus on established & emerging artists of multi-disciplines.

 

Our gallery and studio spaces open to the public, contribute to the development of the arts in Ireland, arts in multi-disciplines.  We are an organization that prioritizes the artist and public engagement, and from our formations we have  outlined a range of actions which we undertake to deliver on our vision which lie withing the guidelines of the strategy of Making Great Art Work that reaffirms our commitment to excellence, freedom of expression and diversity in the context of a ever-changing Ireland and ever changing world of art in Ireland.  We here at An Chéad Tine have a vision that prioritises support for artists throughout their careers.  Providing professional-development opportunities for practising artists through:  Residencies that are meaningful in length, appropriately remunerated, and relevant to the requirements of artists in different artforms and practices

We have also In-house productions/co-productions.

We try work with many organisations in the cultural and economic section in Kilkenny and Ireland and are constantly growing our network which grows the network for the artists that we work with. Working with cultural and other organisations (e.g. other arts centres and venues, local-authority arts offices, festivals, libraries, schools,, etc.) to engage with people as artists, audience members, collaborators and participants

We are aware of the impact of the arts here in Kilkenny on the creative economy and are constantly rewarded by the depth and breadth of people's engagement with the programme of arts that we provide here in the public gallery space in the heart of Kilkenny.  We work to strengthen the focus that the arts are continued to be promoted as a central part of  Irish life and like that the unique aspect and the ethos of originally setting up this space to provide a diversified art programme in a everyday community setting as a shopping centre which bring arts directly to a public that otherwise may never engage or encounter it.

Governence

An Chéad Tine Art Gallery and Studios trades as An Chead Tine Art Organisaion CLG and is a non profit organisation and a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in the Republic of Ireland.  The An Chead Tine Art Organisation Board has collective responsibility for promoting the long-term viability of Gallery & Studios. The key roles of the board include supporting the Gallery and Studios to achieve its vision and mission  and the governing of the strategic business plan.. The Board provides guidance and support to the Management team and oversees the yearly events and activities of the  organisation.   An Chéad Tine Art Organisation observes and complies with the Governing Laws of the Republic of Ireland and applicable overarching EU Laws and Regulations, including compliance with the Companies Act 2014

An Chéad Tine is funded annually from the Arts Council through the Workspace Grant, and Kilkenny County Council through Community Grant & Leo Kilkenny Nighttime Economy Grants and various grants from Kilkenny Arts Office & Heritage office each year, raising income from fundraising, membership fees and open call fees,  sponsorship and partnerships, donations from friends of the association, sales of artwork in gallery on a 25 per cent commission basis.

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