Fingal Arts Office is pleased to announce Martina O’Brien as the recipient of the Loughshinny Boathouse Studio Award. The objective of this award is to provide a fully funded studio for a professional visual artist to research and develop new work in response to the coastal environment of Loughshinny and surrounding areas.

The coastline of Fingal is a wonderful natural amenity and an important wildlife resource for the many plants and animals that live in the diversity of habitats found around its shores. This initiative provides funding to enable the artist to observe and explore Fingal’s biodiversity, coastal habitats and climate change impacts. The former boathouse, located in the beautiful coastal village of Loughshinny will provide an ideal space for the artist to undertake research, interact with environmental scientists and engage with local communities. As part of her nine-month residency from September to 2026 – May 2027, Martina will develop and create new work centering on Fingal’s marine environment.