'Significant' artworks 'lost and damaged' in Limerick fire
THE DEVASTATING fire at Limerick city's Sailors' Home has left the art community heartbroken, as "significant" artworks by renowned artist Orla Barry, spanning countless hours of her creative journey, have been "lost and damaged."
The Sailors Home was scheduled to be one of the venues for the forthcoming 40th EVA International, and the organisers had been using the venue for staff training and preparatory work in the week leading up to the fire.
EVA equipment and other display materials were also damaged.
A spokesperson for the exhibition said: "While we are liaising with Orla and our insurers towards restitution, we are deeply saddened and shaken by the loss of these artworks by one of Ireland’s most important artists with whom we’ve worked closely in recent years."
Despite the immense setback, the organisers commend the fire service, gardaí and other first responders to the fire for their collective efforts, and are determined to press forward with the 40th EVA International set to take place in venues across the city, launching on August 31.