The Custom House Studios 

The studios originated back in the 1980's among locally based artists who recognised the need for a base or centre for the Arts - for studio space and an exhibition space.  Mayo County Council and Westport Town Council became involved  at a later stage - by making available the old Custom House at the Quay as a site for the project.

The building has been carefully restored to conserve its historical architectural features, housing 7 studios, a printmaking workshop and a gallery space.  Studios are available at a rent of €25 per week which includes utilities, and are rented for a period of 1 year, with an option to renew for a second year.  One studio is set aside for short term stays for visiting artists.

The Custom House Studios were established at the Quay in Westport through a partnership involving  the Artists Group in Westport, Westport Town Council, Mayo County Council, the Department of Arts, and the whole Westport community.

The aims of the project are :

1. To provide studio space for artists
2. To provide exhibition space for artists
3. To provide access to the local community and visitors to high quality arts events
4. To provide young artists with facilities to work in the County.

The studios originated back in the 1980's among locally based artists who recognised the need for a base or centre for the Arts - for studio space and an exhibition space.  Mayo County Council and Westport Town Council became involved - by making available the old Custom House at the Quay as a site for the project.

The building has been carefully restored to conserve its historical architectural features, housing 7 studios, a printmaking workshop and a gallery space.  Studios are available at a rent of €25 per week which includes utilities, and are rented for a period of 1 year, with an option to renew for a second year.  One studio is set aside for short term stays for visiting artists.

The print room is available for artists to use on an ongoing basis.  Materials and equipment are available at the studios at reasonable prices.

The Gallery is situated on street level in a major commercial area, with high visitor numbers from an international base.  Each exhibition runs for approximately 3 weeks.

There is a high level of local recognition of the value of the studios to the town and it's environs, in the provision of a quality arts facility and programmes.

The Custom House Studios ensures artists and the work artists do are integrated into the local community and are given real tangible supports to continue and develop their work.  This has the potential to provide an added cultural benefit for the local community, as well as contributing to an enriched mix of tourism products for the town, while at the same time providing valuable high quality public relations opportunities all of which can only further increase the reputation of the town, both as an excellent tourist and business destination and a good place to live in.

For further information please contact

John Mc Hugh

Manager Custom House Studios

The Quay

Westport

Co Mayo

098 28735

customhouse@eircom.net