Capturing attention are exciting new public artworks which were launched in Fermanagh this week.

Unveiled at Carrowshee Park, Lisnaskea, was the art piece, Carroysl for Peace, while the Larganess Centre, Florencecourt, was the location for the official unveiling of Growing Together.

The community of Carrosyl gathered at Carrowshee Park this week, to celebrate the unveiling of the sculpture by artists Maree Hensey and Mark Ryan, entitled Carroysl For Peace.

The Carrowshee Park and Sylvan Hill Community Association coordinated the project, during which they worked with the community and artists Maree and Mark to create an iconic, contemporary and innovative artwork.

The project was supported by the ‘Building Peace through the Arts – Re-Imaging Communities’ programme which is funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the European Union’s Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE III) managed by the Special EU Programmes Body and the International Fund for Ireland. The programme supports arts projects that promote a shared future and build positive relations within and between communities.

Carrosyl for Peace is a reflection of the theme Connections and relates to those connections between the people, the heritage and the diversity in Carrosyl. The impressive large blue metal sculpture is also a symbol of inclusion, representing those in every estate that make up the area.

Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland said: “The Building Peace Through The Arts programme is about bringing people together. For diverse communities this can be particularly challenging and all too often people can feel isolated. Through their collective work with the artists and their community, Carrosyl have celebrated their differences and created a safe, new gathering place, which welcomes all. The result of their work is very much in the spirit of the Building Peace through the Arts programme and we look forward to the community celebrating and using the space.” Engagement and consultation with the community have been at the core of this project. Oonagh McAvinney, South West Area Manager, Housing Executive in Fermanagh said they are so impressed by the work that has been carried out to deliver this project. “What a remarkable entrance to the area the sculpture now creates,” she said.

Meanwhile, at another unveiling in Fermanagh on Tuesday, Killesher’s new public art piece, Growing Togther, was officially launched at the Larganess Centre.

Growing Together by artist and sculptor Kevin Killen was part-financed through the Building Peace Through The Arts – Re-imaging Communities programme.

“We are delighted that Killesher Community Development Association have chosen to recognise their beautiful history and the talents that make up their community today and to use these as the foundation of a project which will promote this rural area’s commitment to continued cooperation and collaboration,” said Roisin McDonough, The project which resulted in the creation of Growing Together, was initiated and co-ordinated by Killesher Community Development Association following a lengthy community engagement process involving a cross-section of local groups within the parish of Killesher. People of all ages and backgrounds participated in a community artist facilitated open day last June where they found out about the project and were invited to give their views and share their stories.

The creation of the final art piece, which is located beside the Larganess Centre within the Tully Mill, was by artist Kevin Killen who took his inspiration from the famous Florencecourt Yew Tree - a local landmark that has stood the test of time. Fondly referred to as The Mother Tree - it is believed that almost all the Irish Yew specimens commonly grown in churchyards of all denominations throughout the world come from this one tree, which was planted nearby in the mid 1700s from a sapling found on the slopes of Cuilcagh Mountain and is still growing today. Words and images incorporated into Kevin’s sculpture are representative of the parish community of Killesher.

“The project was seen by the Association as an ideal way of celebrating our history and encouraging the ongoing efforts of our community to create a vibrant and attractive shared space through the use of creative arts in the public realm,” said Reggie Cunningham, Chairperson of Killesher Community Development Association.