Joanna Hopkins discusses her art practice and a recent community ecology project at Nephin National Park.

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Image: Joanna Hopkins, Palimpsest, 2025; film still © and courtesy of the artist.

Sinéad McCormick discusses the evolution of the BAVA programme on Sherkin Island.⁠
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Image: BA in Visual Arts student, Mary Sullivan, At Home At War, 2018, installation on Sherkin Island for the BAVA graduate exhibition, ‘A Dialogue with the World’; photograph by Jed Niezgoda, courtesy of the artist and TU Dublin.⁠

Séamus McCormack discusses the UK-based organisation supporting emerging and early-career artists for over seven decades.

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Image: ‘New Contemporaries 2026’, installation view, South London Gallery; photograph by Oli Cowling, courtesy of the artists and New Contemporaries.

Maeve Connolly considers the value and achievements of Pallas Projects/Studios as the organisation celebrates 30 years.

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Image: John Smith, Hotel Diaries (2001–2007), Pallas Projects, Dominick Street, March 2011; photograph by Roya Miller, courtesy of the artist and Pallas Projects/Studios.

VAN May/June 2026 issue foregrounds visual art projects, events, and exhibitions taking place across Ireland and internationally. Among feature articles for this issue, Maeve Connolly considers the value and achievements of Pallas Projects/Studios, as the organisation celebrates 30 years, Séamus McCormack discusses New Contemporaries, a UK-based organisation supporting emerging and early-career artists for over seven decades, and Rachael Gilbourne interviews Alberta Whittle on the occasion of ‘Fisherwoman, Fisherwoman’, her two-person exhibition with Camille Souter at IMMA.

Several columns for this issue foreground access, with Áine O’Hara outliningthe importance ofdigital access for those managing chronic illness, and Miguel Amado highlighting the need for inclusive curatorialmethods to work with disabled, D/deaf, and neurodivergent artists.

In Focus explores the theme of Island Landscapes: Andrew Duggan, Sophie Fetokaki, and Seán Ó Dálaigh, report on their current project, Planetary Archipelagos; Mary Flanagan discusses a residency and exhibition undertaken by Jo Killalea on Inis Meáin; while Sinéad McCormick discussesthe evolution of the BAVA Programme on Sherkin Island.

This issue also includes timely coverage of recent exhibitions nationwide: Sinéad Ní Mhaonaigh at An Gailearaí in Donegal; Michael Corrigan at SO Fine Art Editions in Dublin; Andy Parsons at Queens Street Studios in Belfast; Helen O’Leary at The Dock in County Leitrim; Hilary Kinahan at Esker Arts Centre in Tullamore; ‘MOTH’, a group exhibition at Backwater Artists Studio in Cork; Lauren Gault’s ‘bone stone voice alone’ at Dundee Contemporary Arts; and Bryony Dunne’s ‘The trackmaker was a sluggish mover’ at the Irish Architectural Archive in Dublin.

On The Cover:

Alberta Whittle, Autumn Equinox – abolition invocation, 2023, acrylic on linen, painted wooden frame with fretwork, beads, cowrie shells and shackle, installation view, Irish Museum of Modern Art, March 2026; photograph by Ros Kavanagh, courtesy of the artist and IMMA.

FIRST PAGES 

6          Roundup. Exhibitions and events from the past two months.

8          News. The latest developments in the arts sector.

COLUMNS

9          Péint Bheo. Cornelius Browne explores linguistic and environmental themes in the paintings of Sinéad Ní Mhaonaigh.

Theory of the Dot*Artists Andrea Francke and Matthew De Kersaint Giraudeau discuss an episode of their podcast, recently recorded at NCAD.

10        Digital Access. Áine O’Hara outlinesthe importance ofdigital access for those managing chronic illness.

Inclusive Curating. Miguel Amado highlights the need for enhanced methods to work with disabled, D/deaf, and neurodivergent artists.

11        The Event Horizon. Matt Packer examines the curatorial rationale for an exhibition at IMMA in 1996.

How Shall We Do This? Lian Bell reports on a recent symposium on shaping a feminist art resource centre in Ireland.

12        How to Build Your Legacy. Ruth Hallinan discusses NIVAL’s newtoolkit for artists’ archiving.

Infrastructure As Armature. Aisling Murray considers some recent creative producer training in cork

13        Funding Advice. VAI Advocacy OfficerBrian Kieltoutlines funding advice and resources for visualartists.

IN FOCUS: ISLAND LANDSCAPES  

14        Planetary Archipelagos. Andrew Duggan, Sophie Fetokaki, and Seán Ó Dálaigh, report on their current project focusing on divided islands.

15        Mí an Mhárta. Mary Flanagan discusses a residency and exhibition undertaken by Jo Killalea on Inis Meáin, Aran Islands, County Galway.

16        Decentralised Integration. Sinéad McCormick discussesthe evolution of the BAVA Programme on Sherkin Island.

ARTIST WORKSPACES

18        Guildhall Taphouse Studios. Cara Donaghey discusses a new artist-run studio space next to the historic Guildhall in Derry.

Patrick Street Studios. Clodagh Kenny discusses a new artist workspace that she recently opened in Dún Laoghaire.

CRITIQUE

19        Helen O’Leary, ‘Soft Spot’, installation view, The Dock.

20        Michael Corrigan at SO Fine Art Editions

21        Andy Parsons at Queens Street Studios

22        Helen O’Leary at The Dock

23        Hilary Kinahan at Esker Arts Centre

24        ‘MOTH’ at Backwater Artists Studio

SOCIALLY ENGAGED PRACTICE

25        Yes, But Do You Care? Clodagh Assata Boyce reports on Marie Brett’s screening event at IMMA.

EXHIBITION

26        Fisherwoman, Fisherwoman. Rachael Gilbourne interviews Alberta Whittle about her two-person exhibition with Camille Souter at IMMA.

28        Adaptation or Extinction? Michael Hill considers evolutionary and temporal connections across two recent exhibitions.

INTERNATIONAL

30        New Contemporaries. Séamus McCormack discusses the UK-based organisation supporting emerging and early-career artists for over seven decades.

ORGANISATION

32        Artist-Run Time. Maeve Connolly considers the value and achievements of Pallas Projects/Studios as they celebrate 30 years.

MEMBER

35        Palimpsest. Joanna Hopkins discusses her art practice and a recent community ecology project at Nephin National Park.

36        A Brightness at the Edge of Things. Oisín Tozer discusses a recent project and its adaptation into a solo exhibition in Green on Red Gallery.

37        We Are Her Continuation. Aisling Coughlan discusses the evolution of her practice and her current exhibition at Axis Ballymun.

LAST PAGES

38        Opportunities. Grants, awards, open calls, and commissions.

39        VAI Lifelong Learning. Helpdesks, cafés, and webinars.

In the latest edition of the miniVAN, comedians Roger O’Sullivan, Maria Cunningham, and Ailish McCarthy discuss their work as performers, clowns, and activists in a series of essays exclusively for Visual Artists Ireland! They are interviewed by fellow comedians and writers Jack Dolan and Lauren O’Neill, as well as miniVAN Commissioning Editor Thomas Pool.

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The miniVAN is the online magazine published by Visual Artists Ireland. With uniquely commissioned content, The miniVAN explores the visual arts with an accessible view of all aspects of careers and practice that make up our visual community.

From: Department of Culture, Communications and Sport

Published on: 1 April 2026

The scheme will open for applications at 1pm on Wednesday 15th April 2026.

Before applying for the scheme it is important to note the following

– The scheme is for professional practicing artists only

– Applicants must be based in the Republic of Ireland at time of application

– Funding for 2,000 applicants is available, it is expected that the number of eligible applicants will exceed that number, therefore eligibility does not confer an entitlement to receive the payment

– Applicants will be required to prove that their artistic practice is largely based in Ireland

– Applicants will need to provide three approved proofs of their professional artistic practice in order to demonstrate eligibility

– Annual audits will take place to reconfirm eligibility

– The names of successful applicants will be published which is common practice for the receipt of State funding

– Successful applicants will need to be tax cleared by Revenue and must register as self-employed if they are not already and provide an annual Revenue Form 11 to ensure tax compliance

– Successful applicants will be required to remain primarily based in the Republic of Ireland for the duration of the scheme

Artists seeking to apply for the Basic Income for the Arts can find application guidelines here.

For all queries about the application process, email: basicincomeforthearts@ccs.gov.ie

The application portal will open at 1pm on Wednesday 15th April 2026

The deadline for application is 5pm on Tuesday 12th May 2026

The Visual Artists’ News Sheet is guaranteed the most affordable and cost effective platform for publicising art events, exhibitions, arts services, artists’ materials & equipment, notices of commissions & other opportunities for artists. We print and distribute 6000 copies per issue of this 40 page newspaper throughout Ireland six times a year, ensuring that your advertising is read as timely and relevant.

All advertising queries should be directed to:

Thomas Pool
News Provision
T: 01 672 9488
E: news@visualartists.ie

The deadline is fast approaching and if you have yet to reserve ad space please do so as soon as possible. We only have Inside Pages space left available.

As part of VAI’s push to become a more green organisation we now use biodegradable packaging for individual subscribers of the VAN.

Alongside the print advertising that we continue to offer in The Visual Artists’ News Sheet – VAI’s bi-monthly publication – we also offer digital banner adverts within VAI’s twice weekly eBulletin as well as promotional posts across VAI’s extensive social media platforms.

When placing an advertisement in the VAN, you can now maximise your audience with this new bundle (comprising an ad in the eBulletin, with the additional option of a targeted promotional post across VAI’s social media platforms) for an additional fee of €155.

We have recently simplified the process for our Facebook advertisements, and have optimised the pricing to produce over 10,000 views per post. If your target audience is smaller this can be adequately adjusted upon request.

As a result of this highly successful programme, we are excited to offer you a the VAN, eBulletin and Social Media Advertising Bundle, which comprises three strands:

1. Print Advertisement (The VAN) – A well respected and durational advertising option, best suited to the promotion of forthcoming or seasonal programmes, events and opportunities.
2. Digital Banner Advertisement (VAI eBulletin) – A responsive advertising option within our eBulletin (twice per week). This option is best suited to the promotion of immediate or short-term programmes, events and opportunities.
3. Social Media Advertising (VAI Facebook Page) – A targeted advertising option to run in conjunction with Digital Banner Advertisements, best suited to the promotion of immediate or short-term programmes, events and opportunities.

Advertisers now have the option to promote different programmes or opportunities in print and online. These bundles are flexible with the needs of our advertisers in mind, to ensure that your ad is seen by the maximum amount of VAI readers and subscribers.

Who Are We?

• Visual Artists Ireland is a trusted space and respected information resource.
• VAI is in a unique position of having contact with artists, arts professionals and arts organisations on a weekly basis, through the various services we provide.
• Recent VAI figures show that we directly engage with more than 80% of visual artists in Ireland.

VAI Reach & Engagement:

• VAN Readership = 5,600
• eBulletin Mailing List = 12,000 subscribers (with a click rate of 46%)
• Facebook = 31,000 followers
• Instagram = 13,400 followers
• Twitter = 16,200 followers

Returns for Advertisers:

• Access to a concentrated visual arts audience across Ireland, Northern Ireland and beyond, who regularly engage with our services across multiple platforms.
• Access to over 44,000 social media followers, located nationwide and internationally.

Additional Perks for VAI Member Organisations

• VAI Member Organisations can now enjoy a 10% discount on all advertisements placed in the VAN as well as in the eBulletin.

You can refer to our updated 2025 Advertising Rate Card for a list of competitive prices, as well as technical specifications for your advertisements.

Please do get in touch to discuss these options or to book an advertising slot across one or more of these platforms. Since demand is already high and space is limited, advertisements will be placed on a first-come-first-serve basis.

To reserve advertising space contact Thomas at news@visualartists.ie

From Temple Bar Gallery + Studios

18th March 2026

Temple Bar Gallery + Studios (TBG+S) is pleased to announce Joanne Reid as the recipient of the Paul Robinson Studio Award 2026, proudly sponsored by leading law firm Arthur Cox LLP.

The Paul Robinson Studio Award supports an emerging artist of talent and promise to develop and focus their artistic practice during their Project Studio Membership at TBG+S. The award is created in the memory of Paul Robinson, a partner and much-loved member of the Arthur Cox team for over 20 years and TBG+S Board Member from October 2013 to November 2017. He is warmly remembered with great fondness and respect for his many contributions to the organisation, support of artists and his engaging interest in contemporary art.

Joanne Reid is the recipient of the Paul Robinson Studio Award in 2026. Working primarily in sculpture, her work often begins as an intuitive response to materials, objects and spaces that form our built environment. Reid’s material vocabulary draws primarily from the urban environment and construction sites, often using steel, plywood, timber, plaster, and concrete. Reid is interested in our desire to reproduce the natural world and the history of ornament in architecture and is influenced by art historical compositions, such as the still life.

Select exhibitions include: Residues of the Garden of Eden, The Complex, Dublin (2025); Thresholds to the Unseen, Solstice Arts Centre, Meath (2024); Sample Set, Studio 1, Temple Bar Gallery + Studios (2023); Home Bodies, Glandwr, Dublin (2021); Dearly Beloved: ARTWORKS ,VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art, Carlow (2019); Futures, Series 3, Episode 2, RHA Gallery, Dublin (2018).

From Temple Bar Gallery + Studios

16th March 2026

Temple Bar Gallery + Studios (TBG+S) is pleased to announce the awarded artists from the open calls for Six Year Membership, Three Year Membership and Project Studios.

Six Year Membership Studios have been awarded to Jaki Irvine and Niamh O’Malley. Three Year Membership Studios have been awarded to Caoimhe Kilfeather, Diaa Lagan, Michelle Malone, and Aileen Murphy. Project Studios have been awarded to Colm Keady-Tabbal, Thaís Muniz, Joanne Reid, and Eoghan Ryan.

Six Year Membership Studios offer long-term tenure to exceptional visual artists living in Ireland for which an open call is made every six years. Three Year Membership Studios offer a long-term tenure to artists who have developed an established, professional practice. Project Studios offer a one-year tenure to artists who are developing exciting emerging practices and demonstrate talent and potential. An open call for Three Year Membership and Project Studios is made annually.

The artists were awarded studios by a selection panel including current TBG+S Studio members and established curators based in Ireland and internationally. The selected artists are representative of the exceptionally high-quality and rigorous contemporary art practices in Ireland today. Studios are subsidised with support from the Arts Council, with additional support for one Project Studio annually through the Paul Robinson Studio Award, sponsored by Arthur Cox LLP.

TBG+S received a large number of high-quality applications for Studio Membership and would like to extend our gratitude to all artists who took time to submit to the open call.

TBG+S looks forward to welcoming the incoming artists to the Studios and the community of artists.

2026 Studio Membership Artists

Jaki Irvine places music and sound at the core of her moving-image installations, often composing and performing soundtracks while collaborating in improvisation with musicians. These improvised exchanges introduce openness, responsiveness, and a live sensibility into her work, allowing video editing, rhythm and sounds to evolve intuitively, blurring boundaries between the known and unknowable, practice and performance.

Colm Keady-Tabbal is an artist based in Dublin and New York.

Caoimhe Kilfeather makes work across sculpture, photography, film, and installation. Her practice grows from hands-on studio experimentation and research into architecture, ritual, memory and landscape. She is especially interested in everyday, vernacular structures and how their materials and histories shape the way people feel towards and understand a place.

Diaa Lagan is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice weaves together mythology, history and contemporary realities to explore the complexities of human experience. Through metaphorical narratives and symbolic imagery, He reinterprets ancient myths and cultural archetypes to reflect contemporary socio-political conditions. Lagan’s work examines how language functions as both a visual system and a carrier of cultural knowledge across diasporic histories.

Michelle Malone practice is based on her experience growing up in a variety of social housing systems in inner-city Dublin, primarily Oliver Bond flats. Her multi-disciplinary installations comprise sculpture, image-making, oral histories, audio, and text. Her practice seeks to give material voice to working-class histories from the perspective of lived experience. It is her belief that it is much needed in the art industry to let marginalised people tell their own story.

Thaís Muniz practice explores the intersections of inherited and acquired identities, memory, transit, and inward love as a methodology of radical self care. She creates intimate and collective spaces through film, performance, workshops, sculpture, and print, responding to the geopolitics of place. Muniz’s work engages in the reimagining of realities by employing mechanisms of refusal, education, dreaming, and personal magic.

Aileen Murphy approaches painting and its history with care and a playfully disobedient spirit. Her large-scale paintings, drawings, and collages explore the body, humour, psychological states, and fantastical imagery. She layers motifs, forms, and techniques in ways that blur boundaries between figuration and abstraction.

Niamh O’Malley is works with moving image alongside sculptural materials including glass, wood, metal, and stone. Through objects and recorded fragments, she produces material and physical gestures that revive and reanimate a form, an architecture, or a moment. Her works gesture towards enabling or offering protection, conveying sensations of touch, and more – of grabbing, holding, or caressing surfaces, offering a moment of tether and precarious poise.

Working primarily in sculpture, Joanne Reid’s work often begins as an intuitive response to materials, objects and spaces that form our built environment. Reid’s material vocabulary draws primarily from the urban environment and construction sites, often using steel, plywood, timber, plaster, and concrete. Reid is interested in our desire to reproduce the natural world and the history of ornament in architecture and is influenced by art historical compositions, such as the still life.

Eoghan Ryan works across moving image, installation, performance, puppetry, and collage to explore how power circulates socially and through mediated culture. His process involves sustained periods of editing and documentation focused on specific people, sites, objects, or songs, developing fable-like reflections on the collective and the personal as institutions. These institutions range from states of being and nation-states to the cultivation of provisional culture, in art as in bacteria.