ROSCOMMON ARTS CENTRE, ORIGINAL PROPOSAL AND HISTORY
In 1996, WAR / Roscommon Co. Co. were successful and received £250,000 to begin work on the building. When a County Arts Officer was appointed, Roscommon Arts Office took over the Arts Centre proposal as financially it was not possible for W.A.R to continue. The second stage of the application identified a green field site for a new building to hold the Roscommon Arts Centre, while W.A.R retained the studios.
The creation of professional arts activity by WAR allowed for the negotiation and development of an arts space and arts centre within the County. WAR attracted interest from the Arts Council drawing attention to the arts in Roscommon. WAR's efforts were instrumental in obtaining funding for the arts centre.
'Working Artists Roscommon have a central role to play in all this cultural development, firmly positioning the contemporary artist as central not only to the celebrating of our heritage, but also to the enrichment and strengthening of our contemporary lives.' Adrian Munnelly, Director of Arts Council of Ireland, Arts Council Press Release, June 1994