Artists’ Studios
Abbey Road Artists’ Studios is a joint initiative of Athlone Town Council and Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. The Studios offer a dedicated space in Athlone town for local and visiting artists. Launched in 2011 Abbey Road Studios support professional contemporary artists in a welcoming environment which facilitates peer interaction and great work! Abbey Road Studios provides a facility that will serve as a destination point for creative people looking to expand their artistic endeavours alongside other professionals. Individual studios range in size from 16 to 20 square meters.
This unique building has had many different chapters since its creation in the 1800s. Most recently it housed Athlone Fire Station. It was originally built as a Workhouse for a cost of £7,500. Opening in 1841 it housed up to 900 people.
The artists’ studios consist of four individual artists’ studios as well as a large multi-purpose upstairs space suitable for a variety of community cultural events including exhibitions, performances, workshops and seminars. Recent events included an introductory art session with the artists practicing at Abbey Road Studios, an open day giving a glimpse into the creative processes that create the artworks often shown in galleries, a screening of artist Lesley Wingfield and dancer Amelia Reiser's underwater dance film and workshops facilitated by US Art Therapist Dr. Joan Phillips. Ideas are welcome for events that will promote the work of art practitioners and others within the art community.
