Purchase of Camille Souter's Mayo cottage for artist residency confirmed

THE Achill Heinrich Böll Association has confirmed the successful purchase of the cottage in Dooagh where renowned Irish artist Camille Souter once lived and worked.

The milestone was formally announced by Dr. Kathleen Smyth, chairperson of the association, during the 22nd annual Heinrich Böll Memorial Weekend.

The association plans to transform the cottage into a funded artist residency in Camille Souter’s memory, offering professional artists a space to live, work and create on Achill Island with financial support.

Camille Souter lived in Dooagh on Achill Island from 1958 into the early 1960s and then returned to live and work there in the mid 1980s until her death in March 2023. She chose to live and work in one of the oldest original cottages in the village which she had maintained in almost its original unique condition.

This new initiative builds on over 30 years of the association’s experience managing the Heinrich Böll Cottage residency, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the arts and preserving cultural legacies on the island.

Fundraising efforts, which included generous contributions from individuals, foundations, companies and the auction of donated artworks, successfully secured the purchase. Special thanks were extended to all donors, Camille’s family and friends, and key supporters such as deVeres Irish Art Auctions, the Sunflower Charitable Foundation, and Community Foundation Ireland.

With the cottage now secured, the association is moving forward with planning restoration and improvement works. Applications for government funding will follow, but additional matching funds will be required - meaning fundraising efforts will continue to ensure this vision becomes a reality.

Dr. Smyth thanked the dedicated sub-committee and volunteers who helped bring the project to this point and emphasised the association’s determination to honour Camille Souter’s legacy and inspire new generations of artists.