Eilís Lavelle
Eilís Lavelle is a co-director of Workhouse Union working with artists, designers, architects, and crafts-people to develop projects examining housing, civic infrastructure, and the commons, engaging people with the spaces and places we live. Eilís was the curator of Mermaid County Wicklow Arts Centre from 2005- 2013, curating over 80 exhibitions, project, and associated events. She worked on a series of public art commissions with curator Jennie Guy working on behalf of Wicklow County Arts Office (2018-2019). She is based in Callan and is co-director of Workhouse Union with Rosie Lynch since 2016.
Bring Your Own Chair
Bring Your Own Chair was an art project taking place in rural towns and villages across the counties in the Southeast throughout 2018 and 2019. A portrait of 12 towns led by visual artist Michelle Browne and produced by Workhouse Union. The project included a series of Town Portraits, public events, international research residencies, and a primary school programme. As the heart of small towns in Ireland face decline, Bring Your Own Chair looks to share collective experiences using public space for community gatherings and actions. Participating Towns and Villages include Kilmacthomas, An Rinn, Tallow and Passage East (Waterford), Ballyhack, Taghmon, Bunclody and Courtown (Wexford) and Coan, Goresbridge, Slieverue and Kells (Kilkenny). www.bringyourownchair.ie
Workhouse Union
Workhouse Union work with artists, designers, architects, and crafts-people to develop projects examining housing, civic infrastructure, and the commons, engaging people with the spaces and places we live. Workhouse Union is working on a long-term project with Camphill Community Callan to develop Nimble Spaces, an innovative citizen-led approach to housing. Recent work explores the future of rural towns through Bring Your Own Chair (2018-2019); Town Planners (2018) co-produced with VISUAL, Carlow, and Meet You at the Green? (2017). In 2017 Workhouse Union delivered the public engagement process for a Neighbourhood Park in Ferrybank, a Skate Park in Kilkenny City and Kilkenny’s CYSPC Children and Young People’s Plan. www.workhouseunion.ie
