About the Open Call

This award is presented biannually to one visual artist based in Ireland. It has a monetary value of €15,000 and includes an additional €2,000 for mentorship support over the two-year timeframe. In addition, the award includes a solo exhibition at Wexford Arts Centre in September 2027 working with Curator Catherine Bowe. Facilitated by Wexford Arts Centre, the award winner will have the opportunity to link with the Art and Design Campus of South East Technological University and will be encouraged to develop connections over the period of the award. As part of this partnership, the Art and Design Campus of South East Technological University will offer the award winner self-directed opportunities to engage with the staff and students and also avail of practical resources such as studio space and access to equipment for a period. The artist will have the opportunity to potentially collaborate with students or staff to realize their work in a mutually beneficial research or production capacity and partake in the Visiting Lecture Series. ELIGIBILITY: The term ‘emergence’ connects to the central purpose of this award which is to support visual artists with the development and promotion of their practice. The award is open to artists of any age with a third level visual arts education and three years of post-graduate experience or the equivalent in self-guided practice. ENTRY CRITERIA: Notably, the award is aimed at artists at the earlier stages of their careers or those re-engaging in their practice after a period of time or absence. However, we welcome interest from artists who may have previously created and publicly presented a modest body of independent works and are eager to progress in their professional and creative development. In addition, artists who demonstrate innovative experimentation in their practice are encouraged to apply. REQUIRED INFORMATION: Applicants are asked to make a clear case as to why the award would be of value to their practice and professional development at this time, and how it will enable them to progress to the next stage in their career. Proposals should be for new work and where appropriate, be site-specific. Applicants should also consider the context of Wexford County and how they might engage with the Art and Design Campus of South East Technological University in their proposal.

What is Offered

Monetary prize of €15,000, €2,000 for mentorship support over two years, a solo exhibition at Wexford Arts Centre in September 2027, and opportunities to engage with South East Technological University including access to studio space, equipment, and potential collaboration with staff and students, and participation in the Visiting Lecture Series.

Requirements

Open to visual artists based in Ireland, of any age, with a third-level visual arts education and three years of post-graduate experience or equivalent self-guided practice. Aimed at artists in earlier career stages or those re-engaging their practice. Applicants should have a modest body of independent works and demonstrate innovative experimentation. Proposals must be for new work, site-specific where appropriate, and engage with Wexford County and South East Technological University.

How to Apply

Submissions must be emailed to info@emergenceaward.ie and include: 1. An up to date CV; 2. A statement about your work (350-450 word limit) clearly stating professional development needs and desired mentorship support/mentor; 3. A proposal for new work (350 word limit); 4. Timescale breakdown; 5. Budget breakdown; 6. Examples of work (10-15 Jpeg images, or links to 3 films/videos/audio works). All information must be formatted in one document, adhering to specified naming conventions for files.