DUBLIN, IRELAND

Sculpture in the Parklands was presented with the prestigious Best Art/Sculpture Award 2007 at the Local Government, City and Council Awards (LAMA) ceremony held in Dublin in January. The awards gala dinner took place at the Burlington Hotel and was hosted by broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan. Minister Dick Roche presented the Best Art/Sculpture Award 2007 to Kevin O’Dwyer on behalf of Sculpture in the Parklands at Lough Boora.

The Local Government, City & Council awards were created to honour exemplary projects within the community; they seek to generate recognition of the efforts, accomplishments, and positive contributions of the individuals, companies and local government authorities for their outstanding commitment. The judging process for the LAMA awards is an integral part of the event. LAMA has selected individuals to serve as judges who have distinguished themselves in their field and who demonstrate exceptional leadership ability and vision.

Kevin O’Dwyer was joined on stage by Tom Egan of Bord na Mona who has partnered this project since the Lough Boora International Sculpture Symposium in 2002. Acting County Manager Frank Heslin and Arts Officer Sinead O’Reilly were part of the County Offaly delegation who joined in the celebration.

O’Dwyer said: This is another great tribute to the many artists, Bord na Mona employees and sponsors who have supported this project over the past 5 years. We will continue to develop the programme with exciting new artwork and the construction of a Visitor’s Pavilion in the coming year.

Sculpture in the Parklands won the prestigious Business2Arts Award in 2003 for its collaboration with Bord na Mona. The artist in residency programme is funded through the generous support of the Arts Council, Offaly County Council, Bord na Mona and West Offaly Partnership.

For further information please visit our website at www.sculptureintheparklands.com or Kevin O’Dwyer at 087 696 3779.