Leitrim County Council announce The Junction – Ballinamore Public Art Commission

From Leitrim County Council.
24 September 2025.

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 thecommunity. 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.

Image: Members of the Crafty Bunch heckling the flax with Mallon Linen, Ballinamore (April 2025); as part of ‘Hand to Land and Thread in Hand’ project by Artist Fiona Murphy. Photographer: Brian Farrell