The Mall, Sligo, Ireland
T : +353 71 9141405 / F : +353 71 9143694 / info@modelart.ie

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The Model Arts and Niland Gallery was opened in 2001 as a partnership between Sligo County Council and the previously existing Model Arts Centre. It is now widely recognised as one of the most important and dynamic contemporary arts centres in Ireland and has a growing international profile as a centre of excellence in the arts. Focusing on visual art, film, literature and music the Model presents a multi-disciplinary programme that is inclusive, dynamic, contemporary and innovative.


The Model is committed to providing access to contemporary culture for all its audiences, locally, nationally and internationally. It places the artist and creativity at the core of its activities and wherever possible supports the research and production of new work across the art forms. Just some of the highlights from 2006 were exhibitions from Patti Smith, Jaki Irvine and Patrick Hall; an innovative music series developed with Donal Dineen; and young model, a ground breaking out of school programme for teenagers. 2007 will see artists such as Nina Canell, Sean McSweeny, Runa Islam and Gerard Byrne followed by the visual highlight of the year, and the Model’s final show: Andy Warhol: The Factory 1963-1968, co-produced with the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh.


The Model’s ARTISTIC AIMS are, and will continue to be:

  • To provide an inspiring programme of leading contemporary culture that is open to all audiences and is mediated through integrated educational activity
  • To create a special place that is open and welcoming to all audiences to learn and think about contemporary culture
  • To lead and innovate within the contemporary culture sector in Ireland and internationally
  • To make the Niland Collection, one of the most significant collections in Ireland, accessible to a general and specialist audience and to ensure it’s continued growth
  • To be an unparalleled destination arts space in Ireland that is locally relevant and internationally significant

After the redevelopment, the Model will be a flagship arts space that will draw many visitors to the North West.