For 2012, all who sign up for or renew Visual Artists Ireland membership are in with a chance of winning a copy of ‘Creative Ireland: The Visual Arts’ – an attractive record of the early 21^st century contemporary visual arts in Ireland.  For more info see here.

Full details on VAI membership can be found here

Membership of Artelier is by ‘invitation only’ to ensure it is only used by professional visual artists and is safe for members. Members can request an invitation by contacting us through our Artelier webpages.

This is a great opportunity to meet fellow artists around the world and potentially find artists with studios looking to exchange with the city you live in.  You can also find and arrange free accommodation or a studio on holiday or when working overseas, or indeed, find someone to look after your studio or apartment while you are away.

Artelier keeps your exact location and personal contact information private until you choose to let individual artists know where you are.

1. People have unsubscribed. It is possible to fix this by simply resubscribing.
2. As the eBulletin contains links and information about opportunities, some spam filters mistake it for junk mail.  There are a few remedies for this.

• If your email hosting company has automatic spam filters, you need to check with them how to allow emails from visualartists.ie;
• Your virus checking software may also have spam filtering.  This needs to be configured so as to allow emails from visualartists.ie;
• and lastly your email software package may also have spam filtering.  You need to configure it so as to allow emails from visualartists.ie.

These are the most common reasons for people not receiving the eBulletin.  We would also like to remind people that although they may receive the bulletin, it doesn’t mean that your membership is up to date. If you are in doubt then call us or email valerie@visualartists.ie to find out if you are fully paid up.  As we are about to announce new services for members of Visual Artists Ireland, its a very good time to join or renew.  We hope to be able to broadcast our good news for members early next week.

kind regards

Noel Kelly
CEO / Director
Visual Artists Ireland

VAI publication ‘Creative Ireland: The Visual Arts’ is in big demand. We have just received a significant order from the Department of Foreign Affairs who wish to send copies to each of their missions abroad.

We had the Arts Council Workspace Grant panel meeting in the offices last week. We can announce that in total, 48 applications were received and of those 22 have been offered a grant. Applicants have been informed of the decisions already and the full list will be published on the Arts Council website very soon.

In addition, we are working hard putting the final touches on our own Arts Council application for Annual Funding.

We are nearing the completion of our management of the RPA Docklands Commission. We had a very successful final stage panel meeting and will be able to announce the winning artist in the coming weeks.

In news from our Professional Development Programme..the next workshops coming up are: Documenting your Work with Tim Durham (18 Nov) and Public Art Clinics with Sarah Searson & Cliodhna Shaffrey (24 Nov). For more info see: http://visualartists.ie/education/

The November/December VAN is out – It is packed full of great articles, opportunities, reports and much much more. All VAI members should have received their copy in the post by now. The News Sheet is available to pick up free of charge in some galleries and arts centres. However, the most effective way to ensure that you receive the Visual Artists’ News Sheet both regularly and promptly is to become a member of VAI.

In order for the app to be searchable by location, county or venue we require your Google coordinates as part of your listing submission. Full details on how to find your coordinates is available here: http://visualartists.ie/contact/eguidelines

Submissions for events and exhibitions sent using our online form, which facilitates the inclusion of images, Google maps and direct web links, will be prioritised. You will find the submission form here:   http://visualartists.ie/contact/ebulletin-submit-event/

The addition of maps will provide users with a GPS like location service to your venue.

Tomorrow Thursday (27 Oct, 12.30–13.30) is the first in a series of Common Room talks as part of our Professional Development Programme. Artist Susanna Caprara will be here in the VAI office talking about Palazzo Rinaldi Artists’ Residency in Italy. This event is free so if you are in town with some spare time, do pop by for what should be a very interesting discussion.

Two of our Professional Development events have been rescheduled – ‘Documenting your Work’ will now take place on Friday 18 November and ‘Preparing Proposals’ will take place in the New Year. More info: http://visualartists.ie/education/2011-2.

VAI Director Noel Kelly has been busy as usual. He recently gave a presentation in Helsinki that covered the current social, economic and fiscal status of the visual artist in Ireland [2011]. This was based on the findings of our current survey (on Survey Monkey) and is the topic of an article in the forthcoming November /December edition of the VAN.

In addition, Noel is preparing a presentation of the survey report for the International Association of Artists meeting in Berlin next week.

We are very excited about a proposed residency exchange between Helsinki and Northern Ireland. We are in discussions with HIAP (Helsinki International Artists Programme) about the creation of the exchange and hope to have further information soon. This will be in addition to the Artists Studio Exchange Programme for members.

In an exciting development for Creative Ireland, we have had requests for it to be sent to the copyright library division of the National Library. Creative Ireland is our recently published critically curated volume of 100 leading Irish artists,

We have been working very hard on the development of a smart phone app for the visual arts. The app, an initiative of Mayo County Council Arts Office, will platform a nationwide ‘Artist’s Network’ and be an extension of our listings service. We hope to launch the first stage (the iPhone app) in the New Year.

We’ve received a great response to our call for proposals for the Luas Cherrywood public art commission. The deadline has now passed and shortlisted artists will be notified in 10 November.

Finally, The Arts Council RFO application process opened this week so we will be very busy preparing budgets and documentation over the next month.

Dublin, Ireland Friday, 16 September 2011 Visual Artists Ireland, the All-Ireland representative body for professional visual artists, today announced preliminary findings of their recent survey The Social, Economic & Fiscal Status of the Visual Artist in Ireland 2011.  Based on the survey undertaken in December 2008, the 2011 survey has found that the income of professional visual artists in Ireland has collapsed. Of the 292 artists surveyed, 82.25% earn less than €10,000 from their creative practice.  This is a sharp decrease when compared to 67% in 2008.  The number of artists relying on finding alternative sources of income has increased, but the overall income figures remain low.  55% of professional visual artists earn less than €10,000 from their total income (creative and non-creative).  This is a sharp decrease from 33% in the 2008 survey.

The report shows that over 42% of artists’ households have been in arrears in the past 12 months.  This is an increase from 24% in 2008.  The report also shows that over 79% of visual artists will rely on state pensions in the future.  Artists continue to have issues with Social Welfare, and call on the Department of Social Protection and the Revenue Commissioners to recognise the issues that take place on a daily basis across the country.

The report, to be published later this year, indicates that the expectation for professional visual artists to work and exhibit for free has increased as venues and the art market continue to suffer from a reduction in available funding.  Visual Artists Ireland continues to call on government to create a cultural partnership forum in the lead up to the forthcoming budget to address the inequalities that are now commonplace in the arts in Ireland.

[Contemporary Visual Art in Ireland 2000 – 2011]

curated/edited by Noel Kelly & Seán Kissane
ISBN: 978-1-907683-11-4

€25.00 plus p&p

Postage is by standard parcel mail.
€3.00 – Ireland & Northern Ireland
€7.50 Great Britain
€10.40 Europe & Rest of World

100 Irish Artists,
100 Colour Plates,
6 Commentaries from respected writers such as: Mebh Ruane, Colin Graham, Valerie Connor; Fiona Kearney, Brian Hand and Noel Kelly**

Due for publication in September, Creative Ireland: The Visual Arts will fast become the most desirable visual arts book this season.

Creative Ireland: The Visual Arts presents an attractive record of the early 21^st century contemporary visual arts in Ireland, with 100 artists who have been selected for their specific contribution to the contemporary arts in the first years of the 21^st Century.  Aimed at a general audience, as well as the art connoisseur and enthusiast, each artist is profiled with an iconic example of their practice shown in full colour.  The texts are engaging as they explain Ireland within the context of the early 21^st century, and the impact that this has had socially, economically and culturally.

The book is in an attractive format, and is priced at a level that makes it affordable.

To purchase:

1. Provide the Title and ISBN number to your local book seller and ask them to order it for you.
2. Order it directly from Visual Artists Ireland by phone (01) 6729488
3. by email,
4. Amazon.co.uk

100 critically selected artists
6 acclaimed commentators
2 acknowledged editor/curators
1 Book

Creative Ireland: The Visual Arts is a critically curated volume of 100 leading Irish artists accompanied by texts which contextualise the societal, economic, and academic background in which they have created their careers.  Each individual artist is accompanied by a synopsis of their career, and the curators’ response to the specific works shown in the book.  Their story is unique as they swing between the economic good times, and now continue to create within a world of new social and economic realities.  Far from being a dry volume, Creative Ireland: The Visual Arts shows a vibrancy and is permeated with an on-going air of hope for the future of contemporary visual arts.

We will be closed for business on that day and unavailable to take calls or respond to emails. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

We will reopen for business as usual on Monday, 25th July 2011 at 9:30am in our new offices. Please note that our telephone numbers will change.

Visual Artists Ireland,
Central Hotel Chambers,
7/9 Dame Court,
Dublin 2
Tel: +353 (0)1 672 9488
Fax: +353 (0)1 672 9482
Email: info@visualartists.ie

Find us on Google Maps

In its second year, the award recognizes the work of a student who through their presentation at their graduate show is showing ability and also a keen awareness of presentation and professionalism. The winner receives €1000 in prize money that includes the purchasing of a work to be placed in the Visual Artists Ireland collection.

With a mix of mounted photographs, neon signage, and slide projections, Ruth Connolly’s work “deals with creating a common bond within society, by breaking down the barrier between the private and the public”. Speaking about the work purchased through the award, Noel Kelly, CEO of Visual Artists Ireland commented “Ruth’s work ‘Private Thoughts, Public Spaces’ displayed a keen awareness of staging, framing, and lighting. Her topics have a resonance for everyman, and the pared back presentation ensured that a wide range of audiences could engage with her work.’

Further details on Ruth’s work can be found on her website at http://www.ruthconnolly.com

Today, Visual Artists Ireland announced The Visual Artists Ireland Daily; the perfect way to catch up on world events when taking a moment out from the work day.

Combining news from the Visual Artists Ireland website with art world and other business news, The Visual Artists Ireland Daily is the ideal read.

The Visual Artists Ireland Daily is in addition to Visual Artists Ireland eBulletin that provides detailed news and opportunities for professional Visual Artists.  Combined with The Visual Artists News Sheet, the Visual Artists Ireland website, VAI Facebook, Twitter and Linked In pages, Visual Artists Ireland has continued to increase the number of ways that Visual Artists can keep up to date with what is current in the world around them.

Keep an eye open for an two more exciting new projects to be launched in September and October…  More details later in the year…

The new calendar features details on forthcoming deadlines, visual art exhibitions, events, festivals, talks and conferences across Ireland.  The calendar is broken down across regions, and provides details of exhibitions openings and what’s on across Ireland on a day to day basis.

The feature is yet another free service provided by Visual Artists Ireland to increase awareness of the visual arts across Ireland.

Visual Artists Ireland’s information is also available through Twitter (@VisArtsIreland), Facebook (Visual Artists Ireland), an eMailing list, and Newsfeeds so that people can easily find out what is going on around the country.

As the most extensive repository of news, events and commentary on the visual arts in Ireland, VAI is now providing access to the published information through a searchable online archive.  Through this web resource, users will be able to read, browse, and search the extensive amount of information that VAI publishes on an annual basis.  The project is a continuation of VAI’s strategy to make as much information about the visual arts available to both the general public and to researchers.

Speaking about the project, VAI CEO Noel Kelly said “we are approached on a consistent basis for information of events both local and internationally.  The provision of this resource allows access for researchers from around the world and will provide them with a very comprehensive understanding of what is happening in the arts in Ireland.  It is also a very interesting record of news and opportunities that have been made available to visual artists since late 2005.”  Kelly continued “as well as providing a coherent record, the archive allows readers to access the information as portrayed in the words of their time.  I am grateful to the project team who have pulled this project together in a very short space of time, and know that it will be a valuable resource.”

The Visual Artists’ News Sheet has been devised primarily as an information resource for artists in Ireland. It is published 6 times a year in a 36 page, colour/B+W, tabloid newspaper format. It is useful, practical and relevant, it is regularly produced and widely distributed, it draws on a diverse range of contributors and assumes a broad readership amongst visual artists. This publication is a valuable and much needed resource for all artists practising in Ireland.  Current issues are free to members, and are available through outlets across the country.  The online archive is made available back to the end of 2005.

Founded in 1980, Visual Artists Ireland is the all Ireland development and resource body for professional visual artists. It provides services, facilities and resources for artists, operates an artistic programme and acts as an advocate for the interests of professional visual artists.

In the article the following VAI research was mentioned as significant:

“If the number of artists has also been increasing, it is sobering to read that a survey carried out by Visual Artists Ireland in 2008 found that 67% of artists earn less than €10,000 a year with women artists earning less than men. Ryan cautions that creative expression is threatened if too much time is spent out of the creative environment. A lot rests on the shoulders of those distributing public funding, future movers and shapers, if good art is to survive.”

The full text can be found at http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/weekend/2011/0219/1224290194128.html

A resource pack for visual and applied art students and recent graduates.

This pack has been put together for the benefit of visual and applied arts students and recent graduates making the transition into professional  practice in Ireland.  With more visual and applied arts courses available than ever before, the number of aspiring artists continues to grow. The visual arts attract many talented and creative people so the sector can be very competitive.

This pack is intended to give students and recent graduates an idea of the practical areas they will need to consider and the options open to them following graduation.

Your qualification is just your first step to becoming a professional artist.

For more info see: VAI Student Pack

Besides our current edition ‘Printed Project 12: Circulation’ edited by Katya Sander, you can also find back issues.

Printed Project’s forthcoming edition ‘Printed Project 13: Virtual Fictional’ is edited by Kevin Atherton and will bring together a range of artists practices that both reflect upon and utilize strategies drawing upon notions of meta-fiction, virtual space, hoaxes and misdirection.

www.printedproject.ie
www.amazon.co.uk

http://www.newsstand.co.uk/652-Culture-Magazines/13985-Subscribe-to-PRINTED-PROJECT-Magazine-Subscription.aspx

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Printed-Project-Circulation-Katya-Sander/dp/1907683011/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274883230&sr=1-16

Issue 13 of Printed Project ­ ŒVirtual Fictional¹ curated / edited by Kevin Atherton will be available for purchase in early July. Further details will be announced soon