About Us

Welcome to Cúige, a vibrant creative hub nestled in the heart of Mullingar, where the counties of Westmeath and Meath come together to celebrate the imagination and artistic spirit. Originally named after the fifth province of Ireland, Cúige is more than just a name – it’s a movement to re-establish the centre of Ireland as a gathering place for creativity and culture.

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Cúige Studios was founded by Rachel Coyne and Andrea Cullen, who took the keys to the space in February 2022 and opened its doors to the public in June 2022. The studio houses four creative businesses, including Andrea’s Bronte Design House and Rachel’s The Artists’ Mess, while the fifth space is dedicated to the community. Since opening, Cúige has supported over 150 creatives and artists, offering them a space to grow, collaborate, and share their work with the world.

At Cúige, Andrea and Rachel are passionate about highlighting the diverse artistic talents of Westmeath and creating opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration. Whether it’s through painting, printmaking, and illustration, or photography, spoken word, theatre, contemporary dance, design and folk music, Cúige is a vibrant celebration of creative expression in all its forms, with a strong commitment to sustainability and the circular economy.

Rachel Coyne, a visual artist with a fine art degree from ATU Galway and experience at the New York Studio School, teaches life-drawing and multimedia art classes at Cúige. Rachel is currently attending a Masters Degree in Painting at the Royal College of Art in London.

Andrea Cullen, a multidisciplinary artist and designer with BA. degree in Fashion Design from LSAD and Masters in Design from NCAD, while also running her design business, Bronte Design House Andrea is the creative director of Bressie's "Where Is My Mind “Live” Podcast Tour and since has taken on new clients, Dermot Whelan and the band Driven Snow.

Together, Rachel and Andrea are proud to offer a place where creativity can flourish, where people can connect with art, and believe in the power of community, with sustainability and the circular economy at the heart of our ethos. Our space is dedicated to supporting not only artistic expression but also a sustainable future for our local environment. We host a diverse calendar of events, including live performances, workshops, industry panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and group exhibitions, all designed to foster engagement, connection, and inspiration within the creative community of Mullingar and beyond.

Located just an hour from Ireland’s capital, Mullingar is home to a wealth of creative talent – artists, designers, engineers, educators, performers, musicians, writers, and producers. Yet, the town has long needed a space to highlight and nurture these valuable resources. Cúige is that space – a place for the community to gather,

What we are all about

In Cúige Studios, the tagline "Art, Design, and Performance" reflects the vibrant and diverse creative disciplines nurtured within the space. Each element highlights a specific aspect of the studio’s mission to foster collaboration and community engagement.

We believe in the power of community. Our space hosts a diverse calendar of events including live performances, workshops, industry panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and group exhibitions.

  • Design embraces the innovative and strategic elements of creativity. With businesses like Bronte Design House and expertise in branding, fashion, and multimedia design, Cúige places a strong emphasis on the transformative power of design. This includes everything from visual storytelling and branding to product design and fashion. Design at Cúige fosters a collaborative environment where artists, designers, and creators of all backgrounds come together to inspire and innovate.

  • Art at Cúige refers to the rich tradition of visual expression housed in the space. From paintings and prints to multimedia installations, art in Cúige celebrates creativity in all its forms. The studio serves as a canvas for both emerging and established artists, offering a platform to share their work with the wider community. The focus on art also encompasses workshops, exhibitions, and life-drawing classes, ensuring that visual art remains at the core of the studio’s offerings.

  • Performance embodies the dynamic, living expression of creativity. Cúige Studios is a space for live performances across various disciplines, from theatre and contemporary dance to folk music and spoken word. Performance connects artists with their audience, creating a space for storytelling and emotional engagement. The studio hosts live events, performances, and workshops, allowing performers to showcase their talents and inviting the community to experience the vibrant, evolving creative energy of Mullingar.