Municipal Art Collection

Kildare County Council's Municipal Art Collection was established in the 1970s, led by County Architect Niall Meagher. At this time the Arts Council’s Joint Purchase Scheme was an incentive for local authorities to purchase contemporary artworks from emerging artists. Kildare County Council utilised the scheme to purchase works by Evie Hone, Patrick Pye, Patrick Collins, Charles Brady, Seán Mc Sweeney, Robert Ballagh and Norah Mc Guinness.

The collection is currently managed by Kildare County Council Arts Service and has grown to encompass over 300 works in a variety of mediums.  Kildare County Council continues to purchase work to further develop the collection under the guidance and management of Kildare Arts Service and the Kildare Municipal Art Collection Committee. See Collections Policy 2025 - 2028 here. 

Artworks from the Municipal Art Collection are displayed in public buildings across County Kildare. Selected works have also been included in a number of curated exhibitions both nationally and in the county. Kildare Arts Service facilitate access and increased awareness of the collection within the county through production of exhibitions, catalogues and artist talks. See MAC catalogues here.

Below are a selection of artworks from the collection.  Click on the images to enlarge them.