We have some exciting news under the Per Cent for Art Scheme, with the announcement of Artist Fiona Murphy for the Ballinamore Public Art Project, anticipating a November launch.
Image 1_Members of the Crafty Bunch heckling the flax with Mallon Linen, Ballinamore; as part of 'Hand to Land and Thread in Hand' project by Artist Fiona Murphy. Photographer: Brian Farrell
Image 2_TY Students, Ballinamore CS with Fiona Murphy as part of 'Hand to Land and Thread in Hand' at Leitrim School of Art, Ballinamore
Press release
Hand to Land and Thread in Hand – tracing the heritage of flax
in Ballinamore.
Leitrim County Council is delighted to announce that artist Fiona Murphy has been
awarded The Junction - Ballinamore Public Art Commission for her proposal, Hand to
Land and Thread in Hand, following a nationwide Open Call and a highly competitive
two-stage selection process. The commission is funded under the Council’s Per Cent
for Art Programme.
Rooted in Ballinamore’s flax growing and linen-making heritage, Fiona Murphy’s site-
specific design takes the form of an undulating, fabric-like seating structure at The
Junction in Ballinamore, Co Leitrim. Drawing upon twists of linen for its form. Its surface
features mosaic in warm ochres, yellows, browns, flecks of gold, and accents of flax-
flower blue, with the artwork harmonising with the surrounding architecture. The
sculpture’s organic form, evoking the twists and folds of linen fabric, invites visitors to
rest, explore, and interact.
Community collaboration is central to the artwork’s creation, and as part of this
approach, Fiona Murphy has been delivering a series of workshops with Transition Year
students at Ballinamore Community School and is working with a local craft group
selected through a separate Open Call earlier this year. The group is developing a
companion project as part of the Creative Ireland programme, building on social
engagement and the participatory ethos at the heart of the artist’s design and concept.
“This project is about weaving together the threads of history, place, and community,”
said artist Fiona Murphy. “I want the sculpture to reflect Ballinamore’s heritage in a way
that feels alive – something people can sit on, touch, and be part of. Working with the
Crafty Bunch craft group and Ballinamore Community School Transition Year Students,
have contributed in shaping not just the details of the piece, but its spirit.”
Fiona Murphy’s design process places community engagement at its core with
members of the community and different groups engaging in the process, contributing
to the Artist Brief and working with Fiona throughout the development of her
commission.
“We are thrilled to see Fiona’s concept and vision take shape,” said Philip Delamere,
Arts Officer, Leitrim County Council. “Her proposal stood out for its sensitivity to place,
respect for local traditions, and commitment to working hand-in-hand with the
community. As well as a sculpture it’s a shared creative journey that will further build on
Ballinamore’s thriving cultural landscape.”
The completed work will be unveiled in November 2025.
This commission is part of Leitrim County Council’s Public Art Programme, funded by
the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under the Per Cent for Art
Scheme. This funding enables the Council to commission high quality and ambitious
contemporary art for the public to experience and enjoy in everyday settings throughout
County Leitrim. The Council extends its gratitude and appreciation to all stakeholders
and collaborators: The Junction - Leitrim School of Art, Ballinamore Youth Action
Project, and The Hub; Ballinamore Community School, the Crafty Bunch, Southwest
Leitrim Rural Social Scheme, Ballinamore Library, Mallon Linen and Ballinamore
community for their continued support and collaboration.
For more information about this project contact Joeleen Lynch, Public Art Project
Manager, Leitrim Arts Services, Leitrim County Council: joeleenlynch@gmail.com.
The Commission will be launched in November 2025. If you would like to be kept
updated please email joeleenlynch@gmail.com, to be added on the Mailing List.
