***VAI News***
Visual Artists Ireland is delighted to let you know about a number of new pieces of audiovisual equipment we have available to hire. New equipment includes 4 HD Optima Projectors, 3 DLP Projectors, A Sony Blu-ray Disc Player, 2 stereo amplifiers and a set of IMG Stage Line speakers. This new equipment is in addition to our already well stocked equipment hire room which includes Optima, NEC and BenQ Projectors, a number of cameras, tripod, MAC editing suite and flatbed scanner. For a full list of items available for hire see: http://visualartists.ie/resources/equipmenthire
Visual Artists Ireland offers these items for hire at very affordable rates to members of the organisation. If you are not yet a member you can join online and enjoy equipment hire along with a number of other great membership benefits. For more on VAI membership see: http://visualartists.ie/join/
In Northern Ireland, VAI offers competitive equipment hire rates through our partner organisation Digital Artists Studios. For details see our website for artists in Northern Ireland visualartists-ni.org
Visual Artists Ireland is now accepting submissions for the Artists’ Books stand in the Common Room area at Get Together 2013 on Friday 28 June at National College of Art and Design. This will be a great opportunity for artists and publishers to display their publications to a large number of artists, curators and arts workers.
No more than five copies of a book should be sent, and each book should not exceed 30 x 30cm in size. They can be dropped off at our offices or sent by post. There will be no charge or commission taken by VAI but publishers must organise for the return of any unsold items. A VAI representative will man the stand throughout the day, but we cannot take responsibility for any damage or loss incurred.
Please email lily@visualartists.ie with details of the book you intend to submit (title, size, price, quantity, short description). Publications must be received by 5pm, Friday June 14th.
For further info call: +353 (0)1 672 9488
Send your publications to: Visual Artists Ireland, Central Hotel Chambers, 7/9 Dame Court, Dublin 2
‘Making It’ is a new column for the Visual Artists News Sheet, in which artists present accounts of the day-to-day challenges now facing artists in the current economic climate; at home and abroad. Artists are invited to register their interest in writing these columns –around 750 – 850 words (which leaves room for one image). We can offer a fee of E100.
At a time when workers worldwide are on the move, emigrating to find better employment and educational prospects, Visual Artists Ireland think it vital that these issues are aired and considered. A specific question that is of interest to us is why artists have stayed or left Ireland. We are also very interested in the challenges faced by artists from abroad who have chosen to come to Ireland.
Overall the aim of the column is offer accounts of the common and particular problems being faced by artists in Ireland and Internationally.
The issues would include – reduced access to studio space, materials, exhibition and residency opportunities; the downturn in art sales; limited networking opportunities – issues of lack of support / isolation; difficulties finding the economic means to support ones practice ie – from grants to the limited availability of art related employment – including teaching, museum and gallery work etc; all the challenges of juggling parental / family responsibilities with an art practice.
To register your interest – email a couple of lines, outlining your current circumstances; to the editor of the Visual Artists News Sheet, Jason Oakley at: jason@visualartists.ie
Wednesday June 26, 2013 – Wednesday July 24, 2013
Visual Artists Ireland
Description:
CRITICAL JOURNALISM
AN ART-WRITING MASTERCLASS WITH CRISTÍN LEACH HUGHES.
PRESENTED BY VISUAL ARTISTS IRELAND IN ASSOCIATION WITH AICA IRELAND.
E30. VAI members
E60. Non-members.
Includes FREE admission / participation in VAI’s Get Together 2013 Friday 29 June NCAD)
Session 1 – (2pm – 5pm) Wed 26 June
Session 2 – (2pm – 5pm) Wed 24 July
Venue: Visual Artists Ireland’s Offices, Dublin 2.
Spaces: 12
‘Critical Journalism’ is aimed at current and emerging ‘art-writers’ – individuals with an interest in art-writing / journalism for print, online and broadcast media.
Tutor
Cristín Leach Hughes – Art Critic for The Sunday Times Ireland since 2003. Freelance TV and radio contributor, currently a regular reporter for RTÉ Television’s The Works. (http://cristinleach.com/)
Context
‘Critical Journalism’ offers a constructive response to a lack of media coverage of the visual arts sector, which in turn is frustrating the sector’s attempts to reach, develop and maintain audiences.
‘Critical Journalism’ is prompted by a sense of urgency – in the current economic climate, more than ever, the visual arts sector has to address media and publics in new ways; in order to assert its robustness and counter perceptions that it is an un-essential luxury or soft target for funding cuts.
Format / Content
Discussion / ‘Crit’ Format, that takes place over two afternoon sessions.
Cristín Leach Hughes will lead participants through a range of approaches and strategies, sharing more than fifteen years experience of print, online and broadcast journalism and offering practical insights into pitching, researching, writing and editing your work for mainstream media. The course will include practical assignments and feedback.
The two sessions will also serve as forum for considering and devising new forms of arts analysis, reportage and publicity – for print, online and broadcast media – addressing both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
‘Critical Journalism’ is an associated project of this year’s edition of Visual Artists Ireland’s Get Together (Friday 28 June at NCAD, Dublin) – a networking and information event, with participants acting as ‘roving reporters’ for the day.
The Valerie Early Residency Award is a commemoration of our late friend and colleague Valerie Earley, who worked with Visual Artists Ireland as Membership Manager for over 17 years. We wanted to provide a lasting memory of Valerie and hope that this award is one way that Valerie’s care for our artist members will continue into the future.
Applications are now sought for the 2013 inaugural Visual Artists Ireland Valerie Earley Residency Award. The award provides for a two-week retreat at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre. It includes two weeks self-catering accommodation plus a studio.
The Tyrone Guthrie Centre is set “in a tranquil, beautiful setting amid the lakes and drumlins of County Monaghan. With the advice and encouragement of his family Sir Tyrone Guthrie bequeathed his family home and estate to the State with the proviso that it be used for the benefit of artists. It was an inspired decision and one that has positively reshaped the cultural landscape of Ireland forever.”
This award is open to all VAI Members. For further details on the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, and to apply, go to: www.tyroneguthrie.ie/information-for-artists/application-information
In your application clearly state: your name; VAI membership number; the validity date that is marked on your membership card (NB applications will only be accepted with validation of up to date membership of Visual Artists Ireland) and that you are applying for the Valerie Early Residency Award.
All applications should be made directly to the Tyrone Guthrie Centre. No applications directly to Visual Artists Ireland will be accepted. The application process is subject to the standard terms and conditions of the Tyrone Guthrie Centre.
CLOSING DATE: Friday 28 June 2013
The Visual Artists Ireland ‘Show and Tell Evening’, provides artists with the opportunity to give a presentation on their practice in an informal setting where they can network and meet people with similar ideas and interests.
The Belfast Artists Show and Tell took place yesterday, Tuesday, 23 April at VAI headquarters. Many thanks to all our presenters for making the journey to Dublin and talking about your work. The presenters were Jane Butler (www.janebutler.net), Amy Brooks (www.amylouisebrooks.com), Miguel Martin (www.miguelmartin.co.uk), Sara O Gorman (www.saraogorman.com), Liam Crichton (www.crichton-ross.com), Tonya McMullan (www.tonyamcmullan.co.uk) and Sinead Bhreathnach Cashell. (www.uncertainremains.wordpress.com).
For images from the event see: http://alturl.com/i7nr3
Membership & Professional Development Assistant
(part-time temporary contract)
Visual Artists Ireland is the all Ireland representative body for professional visual artists and operates a wide range of professional development and education events throughout the year including workshops, peer discussion groups, seminars and talks. The management of membership services and the delivery of the Professional Development Programme is greatly supported by our relationship with local and international visual art professionals and partner organisations throughout the island of Ireland including: Local Authorities, visual arts venues and others. To assist with both membership services and the professional development programme we wish to employ a Membership & Professional Development Assistant on a part-time contract basis to provide administrative support.
Reporting to and assisting:
Monica Flynn / Professional Development Officer; to assist with tasks as assigned by the Professional Development Officer as outlined below.
Bernadette Beecher Office Manager & Adrian Colwell Listings & Membership Assistant; to assist with tasks relating to membership development and subscriptions as outlined below.
Terms of Engagement:
2 days / 12 hours per week as agreed with managers.
10.30am – 5.30pm (lunch 1-2pm)
Fee: A fee of €108 per week for the term of the contract
Duration:
From 14 May – 28 Jun and 3 Sept – 20 Nov
The overall area of work will involve:
Liaison with Professional Development Partner Organisations and Venues in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland and administrative tasks relating to the Visual Artists Ireland Professional Development Training Programme in Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. This may include: travel to venues independently, and where appropriate, accompanying the Professional Development Officer to meetings and assisting with the following tasks in relation to the programme.
This programme runs in Northern Ireland and in Republic of Ireland (Feb – Jun, Sept – Dec).
Calls and correspondence with members of VAI with regard to subscription renewal and surveys of their professional needs.
Main place of work: Visual Artists Ireland, Central Hotel Chambers, 7- 9 Dame Court, Dublin 2 and other locations as required for VAI Professional Development events.
The Candidate: We welcome applications from visual arts graduates or those with definite curatorial or arts management career interests or artists with admin experience who wish to work on a short contract. An ability to be methodical and attentive to detail will be required. Good communication skills and a pleasant telephone manner are very important. While much of the work will be delegated by the relevant managers above,if you wish, there will be an opportunity to develop an individual project that compliments our programme. As we are a small organisation, this role will suit candidates who like a varied work environment and who enjoy engaging with people.
The ideal candidate will be a Visual Arts or Arts Management graduate who would like to gain further experience in a professional visual arts environment and further develop their administrative skills and knowledge. The cover letter is an opportunity to tell us about your professional interests and career goals. Please also let us know how familiar you are with Microsoft Office programmes such as Excel, Word and any previous experience you have of using WordPress.
Responsibilities
- Tasks relating to membership renewals including calls and correspondence to members and supporting events which encourage new membership.
- Surveying members about their needs through phone call conversations
- Maintaining records and dealing with payments relating to membership subscriptions
- Tasks related to the delivery of workshops; room and equipment set up, photocopying of handouts, organising refreshments, sitting in on workshops (when appropriate) and reporting back to the Professional Development Officer as part of evaluation of the training programme.
- Marketing tasks relating to the Professional Development Programme including: gathering descriptions of sessions; tutors bios and venue details and inputting this information on the VAI Online Events Booking System; collating this material for independent Professional Development e-bulletins and VAN advertisements; direct marketing to artists groups and studios by email and phone; submitting material for free web and e-mail listings. Also liaising with partner organisations regarding co-marketing of the programme providing them with the necessary information.
- General admin in relation to Venue and Partner Liaison – confirming dates, times, equipment needs and tasks relating to marketing and attendee details and numbers.
- Liaising with Professional Development Facilitators with regard to their: availability; workshop content; letters of agreement; biographical details; equipment; travel; accommodation and payments.
- Handling bookings from artists wishing to participate in the workshops, providing and seeking advance information from participants for tutors, sending e-mail reminders, seeking and processing payments in line with the existing admin and financial procedures in place at VAI.
- Gathering evaluation material following workshops and contributing to the evaluation of individual workshops and overall programme through first-hand experience
- Contact with third-level colleges regarding VAI Information Sessions and Membership drives liaising with the Membership Manager regarding dates and arrangements for these sessions.
- Should you identify a project that you would like to organise or assist on, that is complementary to the VAI Professional Development and Membership Programmes, we are happy to support you to develop this as a personal project.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should email a covering letter and CV outlining your relevant administrative experience and interest in the role to: monica@visualartists.ie
Deadline:
10.00am, Wed 8 May
Interviews to take place later in that week if possible.
GET TOGETHER 2013
A day of engaged sharing, networking and information provision
Friday 28 June, 2013
National College of Art & Design, Dublin
The Get Together 2013 gives practicing artists and those involved in the contemporary art world the opportunity to hear from and engage in discussion with invited international and local speakers about a number of key concerns and opportunities.
This day-long event comprises four strands that will run simultaneously: Short Information Briefings, Art Writing, Current Trends in Academia and Cultural Corridors. The Common Room Cafe will provide a social space through out the day for taking time out, networking and gaining information. A Speed Curating event will also take place, where artists and curators will meet in quick-fire sessions. During lunch, our keynote speaker (TBA) will deliver a talk, and the day will culminate with a wine reception where discussions from the day can be continued in an informal way. There will also be a prize draw, where the winner will receive an original work by Nathalie du Pasquier entitled Sligo (5). Your paid registration will entitle you to a ticket as well as entry on the day.
FULL DETAILS AND BOOKING
Early booking is advised – Early Bird discounted rates available now. Full details from http://visualartists.ie/education-2/current-programme/?ee=113
COMMON ROOM CAFE – CAll TO ORGANISATIONS
The Common Room Café is a social space within the Get Together 2013 event, where people can take time out, relax, network and also gain access to some of the opportunities made available to them by various visual art organisations.
This can come in the form of a stall within the Common Room Café displaying services and/or facilities, an information pack, representatives, or a platform to provide advice to the artists and curators who will be in attendance. We expect the attendance to be well in excess of 350 people. This is an opportunity to showcase what your organisation offers visual artists. There is a fee of 25 Euro to be part of The Common Room Cafe. If interested or for further information please email admin@visualartists.ie
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Visual Artists Ireland is calling for enthusiastic and flexible volunteers to help with the Get Together on Friday June 28th in the NCAD, Dublin. This will involve various duties and vital experience in running symposia. Selected volunteers will gain free entry to the Get Together along with travel expenses, lunch and access to the after party. For further information and to apply to be involved, please contact admin@visualartists.ie
Visual Artists Ireland is pleased to announce that the Get Together 2013 will take place on Friday, June 28th at the National College of Art & Design, Dublin. A day of engaged sharing, networking and information provision; the Get Together gives practicing artists and those involved in the contemporary art world the opportunity to hear from and engage in discussion with invited international and local speakers about a number of key concerns and opportunities. This day-long event comprises four strands that will run simultaneously: Short Information Briefings, Art Writing, Current Trends in Academia and Cultural Corridors. The Common Room Cafe will provide a social space through out the day for taking time out, networking and gaining information. A Speed Curating event will also take place, where artists and curators will meet in quick-fire sessions. During lunch, our keynote speaker (TBA) will deliver a talk, and the day will culminate with a wine reception where discussions from the day can be continued in an informal way.
There will also be a prize draw, where the winner will receive an original work by Nathalie du Pasquier entitled Sligo (5).
Early bird ickets are available until 1 May 2013.
For full details and bookings see: http://visualartists.ie/category/jobs-ops/vai-professional-development-training/
For enquiries telephone 01 6729488 or email admin@visualartists.ie
We have received the following communications from our European partner Culture Action Europe concerning EU budgets for 2014 – 2020. They are looking for our support in raising concerns about further cuts to EU budgets.
“We are getting worrying indications concerning the possible impact of the cuts proposed by the national Governments to the EU budget for 2014-2020.
Pressures to cut funds to culture in favor of other policy have grown during the last days and there could be a real risk to see the funds for the Creative Europe programme substantially cut down.
We are using all channels to send clear and strong messages to the European Commission and the European Parliament.
Your voice is urgently needed as well…”
They have prepared the following letter that they are asking for support with.
_________________________________________________
To: José Manuel Barroso,
President of the European Commission
Europe, 8th of April 2013
Dear President Barroso,
At a time of intense financial austerity, the European Commission took, under your direction, a small but significant step by proposing an increase to the cultural budget through the Creative Europe programme. The increase proposed was very small in financial terms but had a high value in signaling a strengthened role for arts and culture in the building of Europe’s future.
Indeed, investing in culture, education and research not only generates prosperity; it is essential to foster both freedom of expression and creative thinking which, in turn, lead to sustainable prosperity. Moreover, cultural exchange brings hope and fosters civic engagement thus contributing to repair torn social fabric. Ultimately, culture means practicing democracy and giving content to citizenship.
Therefore, the step taken by the European Commission in proposing an increased EU budget for culture cannot be totally undone. It is a sum too limited to be an important part of any negotiated budget cuts. And it is an idea too great to be dealt away with too swiftly.
We know that democracy is a slow and delicate process. We know that economic and political compromise is required. We know that there are growing pressures to cut funds for culture but we believe they must be rejected.
We believe that the moment for clear positions has come: we urge you to stand strong with the Creative Europe proposal and safeguard the proposed budget allocation despite any short‐sighted criticism. It is a necessary sign of commitment to the future of European citizens as well as a necessary condition to continue building bridges and trust between the cultural sector and the European institutions.
Furthermore, culture designs new narratives for Europe, narratives that you have personally supported and nurtured. Unjustified cuts to the Creative Europe programme will not only undermine this endeavor but will also be incomprehensible to the cultural sector.
We supported the Commission’s proposal for increased funding for culture and education and we publicly acknowledged its significance. We will definitely further support decisions ensuring that European culture, and the narrative for Europe that it underpins, continues to thrive and we ask that no choice be made that might undermine this.
Signed
Mercedes Giovinazzo, Director of Interarts and Chair of CAE’s Executive Committee
Luca Bergamo, Secretary General, Culture Action Europe
Emina Visnic, Director, POGON
Chris Torch, Founder and Senior Associate, Intercult
Simone Dudt, Secretary General, European Music Council
Henrik Zipsane, Director, Jamtli
Alex Meszmer, member of the National Committee of Visarte
Katherine Heid, Network Manager, Opera Europa
Isabelle Battioni, General Delegate, ACCR – Réseau européen des centres culturels de rencontres
Ferdinand Richard, President, Roberto Cimetta Fund
Paul Collard, Chief Executive, Creativity, Culture and Education
Philippe Fanjas, Director, French Orchestras Association
Noel Kelly, CEO / Director, Visual Artists Ireland
_________________________________________________
If you wish to support this letter then they ask you to
“send an email at advocate@cultureactioneurope.org with the following text: I, surname name, function and organisation, subscribe the above letter to the President of the European Commission and authorize to publish my full name in the list of signatories.
Best regards
On behalf of the Executive Committee
Mercedes Giovinazzo, chair of the Executive Committee
Luca Bergamo, Secretary general”
We would like to highlight our own call for support as we look to Ireland’s preparation for the 2014 budget. Timelines have changed from previous years as the budget will be submitted to Europe in October. We have prepared a brief video asking for support. If you would like to offer assistance in your local area or as an individual then please contact our advocacy officer Alex Davis.
