Artmart Studios was an independent, self-initiated studio space that ran from 2009 - 2011. It branched from *S.L.A.M (Sligo Local Artists Movement) when they were using it as their main hub during the lead up to their group show Art Crawl ‘09 in conjunction with Culture Night.

The primary function of the building was for its members to use the upstairs space to work and further develop their practise as emerging artists and to leave the downstair space open to local artists to use for exhibitions, workshops and events. Together it’s members also curated group exhibitions in conjunction with major events in Sligo Town such as Cairde Arts Festival and Culture Night Sligo.

WE (Lisa, Sophia & Siabhra) would like to thank everyone who showed their support and offered to help out, whether it was through sponsorship for exhibitions or just coming in to give a hand. And a special thanks to the Artists who wanted to use our space to show their work. We greatly appreciate it.

Thank you to the folks who came to our openings to look at the excellent art we put on show and for taking part in our events, without you the gallery would have been very empty. What this page now reflects is an archive of everything that happened at Artmart Studios...enjoy.

*S.L.A.M (Sligo Local Artists Movement) was a network developed in 2009 with artists Lisa Cannon, Shane Finan, Sophia Murray and Siabhra O’ Brien. The concept of S.L.A.M was to inspire initiative & community. Giving artists in the northwest the opportunity to generate and curate their own exhibitions, events and talks through sponsorship from local businesses and the volunteering of other artists.

In 2009 the members of S.L.A.M presented Art Crawl ‘09 in conjunction with Culture Night. Using the ideology of S.L.A.M, the members opened up a dialogue with local proprietors and businesses to sponsor Art Crawl. With the aid of friends and local artists, the members of S.L.A.M curated a group show, exhibiting the works of local and national artists in vacant properties that were transformed into gallery spaces for one weekend in Sligo town.

See footage of Art Crawl ‘09 Culture Night Sligo:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPry5ARgk5Q