VAI News
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Clodagh Boyce interviews Beulah Ezeugo about her curation of TULCA Festival 2025.
Check it out now by clicking here!
Image: Chris Zhongtian Yuan, still from All Trace Is Gone, No Clamour for A Kiss, 2021-22, single-channel video, 16mm film transferred to HD video, 21 mins 52 secs; image courtesy of the artist and TULCA Festival.
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We are pleased to present VAN November/December 2025 – the last issue of the year, which foregrounds a number of upcoming events. This includes Columns on Dublin Gallery Weekend (6–9 November), the RDS Visual Art Awards (21 November 2025–26 January 2026), and Dublin Art Book Fair (4–14 December), as well as an interview with Beulah Ezeugo, curator of this year’s TULCA Festival of Visual Arts (7–23 November).
Among other feature articles for this issue, Aengus Woods interviews John Daly about the 30th anniversary of Hillsboro Fine Art, Joanne Laws interviews Katie Breckon and Kate O’Shea about THE IMMA Fremantle Residency Exchange, and there are Member Profiles fromMary Fahy, Stephen Doyle, and Sorcha McNamara.
This issue also includes reports on recent VAI events and activities: Brian Kielt discusses VAI’s Connected Horizons programme; while Joanne Laws and Thomas Pool report on Get Together 2025, including the networking event at TU Dublin on 8 September, and the online conference, New Institutional Approaches to Curating, happening on 16 September.
Timely coverage of recent exhibitions around the country includes: Jason McCarthy at Droichead Arts Centre; Alice Maher at Kevin Kavanagh; ‘SYSTEM ARMING’ at Luan Gallery; ‘New Irish Art’ at Lavit Gallery; ‘Of Peras and Apeiron: ends and infinity’ at Solstice Arts Centre; and ‘Bíodh Orm Anocht’ at Ormston House.
On The Cover
Mair Hughes, Spoil Shelter, 2025, from The Borderlands / Y Gororau project; photograph by Mair Hughes, courtesy of TULCA Festival of Visual Arts.
First Pages
5. News. The latest developments in the arts sector.
6. Roundup. Exhibitions and events from the past two months.
Columns
8. Piering Eyes. Cornelius Browne recalls the mystery and lore of Atlantis House in Burtonport, County Donegal.
Dublin Gallery Weekend. John Daly gives details of Dublin Gallery Weekend 2025, taking place from 6 to 9 November.
9. Art Made By Walking. Lian Bell outlines the importance of walking as creative practice and a refusal of productivity.
Dreaming Disability Futures. Alex Cregan discusses a recent disability justice workshop at Void Art Centre.
10. Flock. Guest Curator Dr Selina Guinness outlines programme highlights for Dublin Art Book Fair in December.
11. A Greener Future. Stephen Beggs outlines the activities of Green Arts NI – a sustainability network for Northern Ireland.
Issues of Our Time. Niamh O’Malley discusses the 2025 RDS Visual Art Awards at the RHA.
Organisation Profile
12. A Crazy Vocation. Aengus Woods interviews John Daly about the 30-year evolution of Hillsboro Fine Art.
Festival / Biennial
14. Strange Lands Still Bear Common Ground. Clodagh Assata Boyce interviews Beulah Ezeugo, curator of TULCA 2025.
16. A Borderless Romance. Rachel Macmanus reports on Convergence Festival presented by Live Art Ireland in August.
Exhibition Profile
17. Ends and Infinity. Aengus Woods reviews a recent exhibition at Solstice Arts Centre.
18. Hometown. Dorothy Smith discusses Jason McCarthy’s recent exhibition at Droichead Arts Centre.
Critique
19. Alice Maher, Sibyl I, 2025.
20. Alice Maher at Kevin Kavanagh
21. ‘SYSTEM ARMING’ at Luan Gallery
22. ‘New Irish Art’ at Lavit Gallery
24. ‘Bíodh Orm Anocht’ at Ormston House
VAI Event
25. Connected Horizons. Brian Kielt reports on VAI’s ongoing Connected Horizons programme.
26. Get Together 2025. Joanne Laws and Thomas Pool report on Ireland’s annual networking event for visual artists.
29. New Institutional Approaches to Curating. Joanne Laws and Thomas Pool report on VAI’s inaugural curatorial presentation.
Residency
30. Jump Cuts & Tree Judgements. Joanne Laws interviews Katie Breckon and Kate O’Shea about THE IMMA Fremantle Residency Exchange.
Member Profile
32. The Spirit of the Place. Cristín Leach reflects on the Brigid’s Well paintings of Mary Fahy.
33. The Dysphoric Age. Stephen Doyle outlines their evolving practice and recent exhibition at Highlanes Gallery.
34. Echolocations. Sorcha McNamara outlines the evolution of her artistic practice.
Last Pages
36. VAI Lifelong Learning. Upcoming VAI helpdesks, cafés and webinars.
37. Opportunities. Grants, Awards, Open Calls, and Commissions.
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Job Vacancies
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The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre run a variety of craft workshops for children and adults throughout the year. We are putting an open call out to Artists/Crafts People in relation to our Easter Workshops for kids. We would love to hear from people with craft ideas for workshops using wood, mosaics, glass, fabrics, willow etc. All ideas welcome.
For more information and to apply please contact Colette Lawless at in...@tseac.ie
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We need someone with a strategic mindset and a strong commercial instinct. Our next Head of Sector Development will be imaginative yet practical – able to see the big picture and translate it into actionable steps.
Click here for more information and to apply
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Seasonal role (3–5 days/week) at a busy West Cork flower studio and cutting gardens. Looking for a creative, practical person with strong detail, fitness, and interest in floristry, weddings, installs, and garden care. Must hold full, clean Irish manual licence. Hours 9:30–6, Tues–Thurs/Fri, some Sats. Pay €15+/hr DOE, training, discounts, pension, leave. Closed Nov–Feb (ideal for artists).
Click here for more information and to apply
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Opportunities Ireland
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GOMA Waterford is excited to announce an open call for exhibition proposals for available dates in its 2027 programme.
We invite artists across all visual arts disciplines to submit proposals that push boundaries and reflect a bold, ambitious vision.
Deadline: 18 November 5pm
Click here for more information and to apply
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GOMA Gallery of Modern Art Waterford is inviting applications for its 2026 Emerging Curator Award.
The Award is designed to provide a platform for emerging curators to research, prepare, and present a month-long exhibition at GOMA Gallery, Waterford in 2026.
This paid opportunity is open to emerging curators.
Deadline for applications: 18 November 2025 5pm
Click here for more information and to apply
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Longford Lights is a February light festival celebrating participation and social engagement. See brief for details.
Budget for existing work €500 -€1500
We may award up to 2 commissions for creation of new work to a maximum value of €2500
Click here for more information and to apply
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Age & Opportunity invites proposals from artists and producers for ready-to-tour performing arts productions to be presented during the Bealtaine Festival in May 2026. Selected projects will receive a platform for presentation as part of the Bealtaine Festival, partial financial support of approximately €5,000.
Click here for more information and to apply
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Opportunities International
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Scheduled from 20th June to 27th September 2026, the twentieth Horizons “Arts-Nature” en Sancy contemporary art event is to feature highly original plastic artworks of an ephemeral nature, created specifically for the Massif du Sancy.
The call for projects launched by the Sancy Tourist Office is for the creation of 10 artworks to be installed across the towns and villages of the Massif du Sancy local council community.
Deadline for receipt of applications: 30 november 2025.
Click here for more information and to apply
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Residencies
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TBG+S/TOKAS International Residency Exchange supports an artist to spend three-months in residence at TOKAS, 1 Sept — 30 Nov, 2026. The awarded artist will have access to on-site private accommodation (single room) and shared studio access at TOKAS Residency, Sumida City, Tokyo, a €8,000 stipend, and professional networking opportunities.
Click here for more information and to apply
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The Incubation Space Award is intended to enable innovative artists / arts companies / collectives – working in any artistic discipline – to research and develop new works or collaborative methodologies, over a period of one to six months, through the provision of a dedicated work-space in Unit 4, James Joyce Street.
The Award provides a free, good sized, bright work space/studio, approx. 70.5m2. The Units consists of kitchen and washroom facilities, large heated studio and wireless broadband.
Click here for more information and to apply
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Commissions
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This is a commission for a mural on the gable-end of a property on Parnell St overlooking Parnell St Parklet. This commission is suitable for artists who have a proven track record of delivering public realm mural work.
Themes for the work should focus on the theme of ‘Pigtown’ and Limerick’s history of bacon factories. Art works should be sensitive to the location, and the specific building.
Click here for more information and to apply
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dlr Arts Office invites emerging artists to submit proposals for the creation of new work to be performed in public spaces in the County.
We would like ideas for work that explores and imagines the future of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.
This opportunity is for emerging artists who have a connection to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.
Click here for more information and to apply
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Funding / Awards
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The Individual Arts Bursary Awards Scheme is for a Limerick based artist working in multiple art forms, including Visual Arts, Circus, Dance and Literature.
The bursary offers up to €4,000 for artistic and professional development.
Click here for more information and to apply
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Limerick City and County Council provides funding to individuals and groups whose work promotes public engagement with the arts, enhances artistic standards, or supports professional development. Eligible disciplines include visual arts, music, literature, film, architecture, design, and performance arts.
Funding Available
The Grants under the Arts Act scheme fund for 2026 is €20,000:
• Typical awards: €150–€500.
• Exceptional awards: Up to €1,000.
Click here for more information and to apply
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Workshops
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In Spring 2026, Arts & Disability Ireland, The Lir Academy, National Academy of Dramatic Arts and Mind’s Eye Audio Description will run a training course in Audio Description in Dublin.
The Course will equip learners with the necessary skills and techniques to work as free-lance audio describers in theatre, with transferable skills for film, television and visual arts.
Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an Information and Audition Day which will take place in Dublin on Tuesday 25 November, from 11.30 – 15.30 at The Lir Academy.
Click here for more information and to apply
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Artform School of Art offers residential artist-led seaside art courses in the beautiful coastal village of Dunmore East, Co. Waterford for all skill levels in a variety of styles and media, hosted by some of Irish leading artists, and taking place in Artform light-filled seaside studio with 24hr access for each artist.
Click here for more information and to book
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Recreate the influential nude by Gustave Courbet (1866) with artist Lady Blue Dream. Open to artists of all levels of experience, this class offers an opportunity for you to recreate this painting, or provide your own interpretation. Initial work will be followed with a break with wine & soft drinks, providing a chance to hear the story of your muse for the class. Home-made charcoal, easels, viewfinders, art supplies will be provided, though feel free to also bring your own.
For more information and to book please contact: thenak...@gmail.com / 0863781033
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Tutor: Michael Timmins
This two-day workshop introduces the fundamentals of stone lithography. Learn to draw on limestone with greasy crayons, etch and fix your image with gum arabic, and print a small black-ink edition. The course covers essential techniques including registration, proper paper tearing, and safe studio practice—perfect for anyone curious about traditional lithographic printing.
Click here for more information and to book
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Tutor: Niamh Flanagan
Discover the Art of Printmaking – Without Getting Your Hands Dirty!
Curious about how Fine art prints are made?
This 4-week Print Appreciation Evening Class is a fantastic opportunity for anyone with an interest in Fine art printmaking to delve into the fascinating world of print without needing any prior experience.
Click here for more information and to book
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As the evenings get cozy, join us in the gallery with some relaxed sketching surrounded by art and inspiration.
This is an informal, self-guided session giving you time to draw at your own pace. A member of our team will be on hand with gentle tips and suggestions to help you get started.
Suitable for age 15+. All levels are welcome, and materials are provided. If you would prefer to bring your own, please note that only pencils are allowed in the gallery (no wet materials or oil/chalk).
Click here for more information and to book
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In this live online Introductory Workshop, beginners will be introduced to the Art of Japanese Black Ink Painting and will learn about materials, basic brushstrokes and techniques used for painting grasses, flowers, trees and mountains.
Tutor: Karen Colbert MFA, VAI Member
Click here for more information and to book
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Led by Camilla Fanning, MFA NCAD, and member of Graphic Studio Dublin and Cork Printmakers, this engaging, hands-on workshop is ideal for artists eager to use sketchbooks to evolve ideas and support their artistic practice. Explore landscape sketching through guided outdoor sessions, learning in-situ recording, ‘shorthand’ techniques, and practical logistics. Enjoy independent sketching in nearby woodland, then return to the studio to share, reflect, and discuss your work.
Click here for more information and to book
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As part of Limerick Arts Office, Limerick City and County Council ‘Grants under the Arts Act’, the Virtual Museum of Art (VMA) are hosting an Art & Tech Day at Limerick School of Art & Design – TUS, Clare Street Campus on Thursday 27th November from 12pm to 3pm.
Perhaps you’re a creative, curious about the potential of the intersection of art and technology or maybe have a general interest in this field, please note…all are welcome!
An expression of interest Form is available on the website link.
(12 spaces available).
Click here for more information and to book
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This online workshop is connected with my solo show Book as an object in Linenhall arts centre. I will share my research and explain how to build an unreadable book with simple materials to explore the multifaceted nature of books beyond their conventional role as vessels of text. Through Bruno Munari’s Fantasia to find creativity between creativity, fantasy and imagination. Use any materials you like, colored pencils, watercolor, scissors, glue, to build a book. 20 and 27 November from7:30 to 9:30 pm.
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Last two spots on Sunday 16th and Sunday 30th November. Please do join me. I have been working with greenwood for the last two years now. Join me in a one day workshop where we explore the essential greenwood techniques and make a beautiful Vase in riven wild Irish ash. The workshops are limited to two people and are €90 each including materials.
For more information and to book please contact: co...@colinharris.ie / 086 8764390.
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Join Susie Quinn for this 2 -day Lino Print workshop in the Custom House Studios + Gallery. In this workshop, Susie will guide you through the complete process of lino printing from drawing and developing your own image to completed print.
For more information and to book please call 098 28735 or email in...@customhousestudios.ie
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Studios
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The Piercetown Residency, administered by the RHA School, runs from Dec 2026 to Dec 2027. Includes: house, studio, outbuildings at €400 per month plus utilities. Not suitable for sculptors. Located in beautiful countryside approximately 8km from Cashel, applicants are advised to have access to private transport.
To apply, please email the following to an...@rhagallery.ie:
• CV
• Six examples of your work (JPEG)
• A short work proposal outlining your time at the residence
Apply by: 4pm, 28 November 2025
Click here for more information and to apply
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Temple Bar Gallery + Studios invites applications from artists for Six Year Membership Studios, Three Year Membership Studios and Project Studios (one year). In this open call, five Three Year Membership Studios and two Project Studios will be allocated between March and October 2026. Two Six Year Memberships will be allocated between June 2026 and January 2027.
Click here for more information and to apply
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The Cow House Studios Open Residency Program is intended to offer artists critically valuable time and space to become immersed, research, and make new work. This residency aims to minimize distraction and ensure that momentum gained while working in the studio can be acted upon, helping to make even shorter stays highly productive. Applications are open to Irish and international cultural practitioners working in any discipline.
Price: €560 weekly
Click here for more information and to apply
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For Sale / Wanted / Other
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Are you interested in the arts in Clongriffin and Belmayne?
DCC Arts office will hold a “Town Hall” style meeting in the Junction, Clongriffin on Monday November 17th 2025 at 6:30pm to 8pm. The purpose of this meeting is to hear from everyone (Artists, Residents and Organisations) interested in making your area a better place for the arts, culture and creativity.
We will have an introduction from members of the Arts Office team and a facilitated discussion to brainstorm ideas and delve deeper into possibilities for the arts in the area.
Click here for more information and to attend
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We recommend that you check all eligibility criteria carefully. As the All Ireland representative body we aim to advertise opportunities available to all artists. But with new restrictions, some opportunities may only be available to artists in the Republic of Ireland, the EU or specifically in Northern Ireland or the UK.
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International Memberships
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