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Visual Artists Ireland |
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Established in 1980, Visual Artists Ireland (formerly the Sculptors’ Society of Ireland) is an organization for professional visual artists from Leinster, Munster, Connacht and Ulster. This all-Ireland body is funded by the Arts Council of the Republic (An Chomhairle Ealaíon) and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. With a current membership of more than 1,200 painters, sculptors and other Irish artists, to whom it offers a diverse range of resources and facilities, and for whom it acts as a dedicated voice and lobby group, it is now has the largest membership of any artist group in the visual arts of Ireland. History Originally known as the Sculptors’ Society of Ireland - a body established more than 25 years ago to raise the professional standing of sculptors and promote Irish sculpture as an appreciated art form in Ireland, as well as being a noteworthy advocate of the Percent For Art Funding scheme - the organization changed its name to Visual Artists Ireland in 2005. This led to a rapid increase in membership, and it now accomodates all creators of visual art, including those working in Irish painting, photography, ceramics, stained glass, precious metals, plus modern art forms like assemblage, collage, installation, conceptual, performance, land and video art, as well as sculpture. Board Management Visual Artists Ireland (Ealaíontóirí Radharcacha Éire) is an artist-based organisation. In general its governing board of directors is composed of artists who have the relevant professional criteria, although other non-artist individuals with specific expertise may be added to the board. The latter typically contains up to eight full-time artists and up to five non-artist experts. At present, it comprises: Liam Sharkey (Chair), Therry Rudin (Vice Chair), Roger Bennett, Paula Duffy, Richard Guiney, Tim Lloyd, Brian Fay, Susan MacWilliam, Kevin O’Dwyer, Maoiliosa Reynolds, and Anya von Gosseln. Resources For Members Visual Artists Ireland offers members a variety of facilities, services and resources to support visual artists working in all media. It communicates these resource options - including details of new commission schemes, art grants/bursaries and other commercial possibilities in the Irish art industry - through its free twice weekly email newsletter which is full of news and opportunities for artists. Examples of Opportunities The diverse list of 2008 opportunities publicised to members by Visual Arts Ireland, includes: - Facilitators for Art Workshops at the
Belfast Ormeau Baths
Gallery. Training Visual Artists Ireland organizes a range of training courses and workshops for members. The programme generally includes a variety of workshops. Lobby Group Visual Artists Ireland is a dedicated voice representing the interests of individual artists, and the visual arts in general. Its lobbyist program focuses on the larger issues affecting the livelihood and status of Irish-based artists - including EU arts and culture policy - although it also handles individual requests for intervention (eg) in relation to disputes over rt contracts and commission terms. More Information This is merely a brief overview of some of the opportunities offered by Visual Artists Ireland. For the complete story, and details of how to apply for membership, contact: Visual Artists
Ireland (Ealaíontóirí Radharcacha Éire) |
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• For facts about famous artists in Ireland, see: Guide to Irish Art. • How to Update This Mini Review of Visual Artists Ireland - Society of Art. © visual-arts-cork.com 2008 All rights reserved. |