ARTS Minister Michael D.Higgins recently announced that £140,00 was to be made available to develop a major new arts facility in Westport, County Mayo, writes Ian Wieczorek. The Westport Artists' Studios project proposes the provision of studio space for up to eight artists, along with exhibition and workshop space. Also included in the plan is an administrative facility which will serve resident artists and also act as a centre for a countrywide artists' network.

The venue for this initiative is the Custom House on the Quay at Westport, which came into the ownership of Mayo County Council 18 months ago. A high profile tourist area, the Quay is currently undergoing redevelopment. Plans for the studios, which involve major conversion and refurbishment of the Custom House building, have already been drawn up by an architect appointed by the County Council.

The group behind the initiative, Westport Artists' Studios, was formed two years ago by local artists and supporters. Last year an extensive feasibility study was undertaken by the group, and with widespread community support the scheme has finally met with governmental approval.

The total cost of the project is estimated at £250,000. In order to access the £140,000 from the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht it will bed necessary for Westport Artists' Studios to find matching funds of £50,000 over the next two months. Assurances of commitment to the project have been received from Mayo County Council and Westport UDC. An application for funding will also be made to the Arts Council.

Information from 098-25845.