10th December 2003

Leading artist commissioned for Coolkeeragh ESB

Coolkeeragh ESB has announced the artist commissioned to record the various construction phases of the development of the new 400 MW power plant.

Leading Northern Ireland artist, Simon McWilliams, has been chosen to chronicle the ongoing development of Coolkeeragh ESB and the opening of the new station in early 2005.

Coolkeeragh ESB together with The Playhouse Arts Centre in the Northwest launched the community arts initiative which also involves artists developing art within four post primary schools in the area.

The creative partnership has received support from Arts & Business New Partners, funded by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.

Commenting on the initiative, David O'Dwyer, General Manager, Coolkeeragh ESB said, "The development of Coolkeeragh ESB power plant is very much live and on schedule. The art initiative will chronicle the progress of the plant from now to completion in 2005 and it is fitting that Simon McWilliams, whose work captures a vibrancy and living quality in buildings in paints, has been selected.

"At Coolkeeragh ESB we are committed to developing community initiatives and we see this initiative as promoting art within the City as well as helping to develop some budding artists of the future."

Simon who has a wealth of experience of work in this field rarely undertakes commissions, "I am generally not attracted to commissions because they can be based on a preconceived idea which is not the artists", said Simon.

Explaining his reasoning for accepting the commission, he said, "However after visiting the site of the new gas turbine station I was immediately enthused by the subject matter and realised that I would be able to make a painting without making compromises. I have made a number of paintings in the past which were of an industrial nature and from my various visits to the site at Coolkeeragh there is a wealth of information there for a really interesting painting."

The Playhouse in Derry which plays a significant role in the promotion of arts within the City and assisted Coolkeeragh ESB in the selection process is delighted that the project is being undertaken by Simon. Max Beer, Fundraising & Marketing Officer, said, "Simon is at the forefront of visual arts practice in Northern Ireland and has produced an impressive portfolio of industrial landscape painting that is both sensitive and vibrant. The Coolkeeragh ESB development is very impressive, giving lots of scope for an artist of Simon's vision. It is also very pleasing to be able to bring an interactive art programme into schools, allowing children to see for themselves how an idea comes to fruition."

For further information contact

Claire Aiken or Shane Finnegan

At Aiken PR Tel: 028 90 663000

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