The Boyle Civic Art Collection is a nationally recognised collection with over 300 pieces of art from nearly every known contemporary Irish artist.
The entire collection is displayed in a number of locations throughout Boyle, with the main body of work being housed in King House.
Boyle Civic Art Collection
Founded in 1990, the Boyle Civic Art Collection, totaling over 300 pieces of contemporary Irish artworks, is one of the most prominent civic art collections in the country. The vision from the outset has been to engage local citizens in the visual arts by providing a collection of modern Irish artworks, accessible in their immediate environment. The founders, Fergus Ahern and Barry Feely, saw no reason why a small town in the west of Ireland could not build a collection of national importance. Inherent to their vision was that this collection would be owned by the people of Boyle for the people of Boyle, making this collection of contemporary Irish artworks accessible to all. All artists in the Collection are either Irish born or Irish resident. All were living at the time their respective works were acquired.
The majority of works were acquired using the sales commission earned at Boyle Arts Festival Exhibitions 1990 to 2012. Several pieces were donated by the Haverty Trust, Friends of the National Collections of Ireland, The Contemporary Irish Art Society and the artists themselves. A number of pieces were also donated by private collectors.
The Collection is maintained by the trustees for the people of Boyle and, thanks to Roscommon County Council, is housed mainly in King House where the collection is managed for exhibition and storage. Other works are located in multiple buildings in the town of Boyle.
The 2024-2026 Exhibition at King House presents 90 pieces of painting and sculpture, showcasing a broad range of media and the best of contemporary Irish artists, capturing the essence of the Boyle Civic Art Collection. It includes the first two pieces acquired in 1990 from artists Joe Hanley and John Moore – exhibited in the Main Salon on the first floor.
Boyle Civic Art Collection Trust
Chairperson: Marian Ahern
Secretary: Conor Dowling
Download the Boyle Civic Arts Brochure 2024-2026
