BECOME A FRIEND
Our Story
An Chéad Tine Art Organisation – Supporting Visual Arts in Kilkenny
Established in July 2022, An Chéad Tine Art Organisation is a not-for-profit collective born from a unique need: to provide supportive, affordable workspaces for visual artists in County Kilkenny. Run voluntarily by a Board of Directors and practising artists, we are proud to be an integral part of the visual arts ecology and cultural landscape of Kilkenny.
Our mission is simple yet vital: to nurture visual artists at every stage of their careers. We offer professional, city-centre studios and exhibition opportunities, helping artists to develop, create, and thrive within a supportive, vibrant community.
Our Studios and Workspaces
We first opened our doors in August 2022 at No. 9 Ormonde Road, Kilkenny. Thanks to growing demand, we expanded in April 2023 to a larger site at No. 10 De La Salle House, The Parade, Kilkenny, where we now host six studio spaces.
Further growth followed, with additional studios at An Chéad Tine Art Gallery and temporary project space at St. James’ Park, Kilkenny. Our studios are open to emerging and established artists, providing the time, space, and community necessary to push creative practices forward.
An Chéad Tine Art Gallery – Making Space for Kilkenny Visual Arts
In Summer 2023, we proudly acquired a new gallery space on the 1st Floor, Dunnes Stores, Kieran Street, right in the heart of Kilkenny City.
Opened by TD John McGuinness during the 50th anniversary of the Kilkenny Arts Festival, our inaugural group exhibition "Making Ground", curated by Shannon Carroll, set the tone for a vibrant programme ahead. In our first year alone, An Chéad Tine Art Gallery hosted:
-
6 Group Exhibitions
-
3 Solo Exhibitions
-
Workshops, poetry readings, and art classes
Our exhibitions are contemporary and dynamic, selected via open submission calls, ensuring fair access and opportunity for artists across Ireland. The gallery's mission is to promote local and Irish artists, champion their work, and make visual art accessible to everyone — locals and visitors alike.
Our Team
Our work is only possible thanks to the dedication of our management team:
-
Mary Doyle Burke (Director)
-
Liam O’Neill (Management Team)
-
Marco Di Sante (Management Team)
Special thanks also to Katie Quinn (local manager at Dunnes Stores Kilkenny) and Niamh Curry, along with our brilliant team of volunteers who invigilate exhibitions and support operations day-to-day.
If you are passionate about visual arts and would like to join our team of volunteers, please contact Liam O’Neill at: isgoneill@gmail.com.
Join Our Creative Community
An Chéad Tine is proudly run by artists, for artists. We believe in the power of creativity to connect people and enrich our city. If you value what we do, consider becoming a Friend of An Chéad Tine for just €100 per year. Your support helps us keep Kilkenny’s visual arts scene alive, thriving, and accessible to all.
Benefits of Becoming a Sponsor
1.
Priority invitation to exhibition openings
2.
Complimentary invitations
3.
Your name or your Business Name on the Sponsors/Friends of An Chead Tine display wall in gallery which will be erected for our first celebrations/exhibition opening during Kilkenny Arts Festival on 9th Aug 24
4.
Your name or your Business Name on the Sponsors/Friends of An Chead Tine list advertised on our website.
5.
Acknowledgement of your sponsorship in the local newspaper and online exhibition reviews.
Let’s Work Together
Individual Donations
Make a Donation to support the financial running of An Chead Tine Art Gallery.
Your support, no matter how much, makes a huge difference to the artists we support and to the sustainability of this community centred gallery.
Your donation will allow us to continue to provide an inspiring and exciting art program for the general public
You can make a donation on the link below or on our Go Fund on our Home page
Alternatively please contact us by email at an.chead.tine@gmail.com
Make a Donation
