Cavan artist aims to use scheme to make work more accessible

A Kingscourt artist has been announced as Cavan's recipient of the Platform 31 scheme.

Alan James Burns was the artist announced today as one of the 31 artists across the Republic - one for each local authority's arts office - to receive the funding and developmental support. Along with receiving mentor advice, he will have the chance to engage with the other 30 Platform artists.

Alan is probably best known for bringing his sound installation 'Entirely Hollow Aside from the Dark' to the Pollnagollum Cave at Boho Waterfall in 2017.

“I am extremely grateful for the award and the supportive and encouraging space Platform 31 provides," said Alan. "Through the award, I will expand and develop my practice by critically incorporating further accessibility considerations into my artworks, such as exploring strategies for creating ASD-friendly events and meeting wider mobility needs in my outdoor events and installations.

"Most of all, I am looking forward to working closely with the Cavan Arts Office, who have been phenomenally supportive of my arts practice, and to coming together with a peer network of 31 talented and experienced artists across different art forms from all over Ireland, to learn and share with each other.

"After having been so isolated over the last two years, I look forward to the sense of community established by the award and to having many conversations that can shape the trajectory of my work in positive and unforeseen ways.”