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

http://visualartists.ie/resources/equipmenthire

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

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

Visual Artists Ireland

Map and Directions | Register

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.

Register

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 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

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.

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

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 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.

The session will explore professional development for mid career artists, with a presentation from key note speaker Cecily Brennan and group discussion on how to create new opportunities for work, exhibition and other forms of artistic output.

Arts Council of Northern Ireland, 77 Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6AQ

T: +44 (28) 90385200 /  E: info@artscouncil-ni.org

www.artscouncil-ni.org

The award is open to all Visual Artists Ireland members and will be in the form of a two week residency in the Tyrone Guthrie Centre. The residency will be self-catering based, and will provide accommodation and a studio facility. Further details on dates and the application process will be announced in the next few weeks.

-Artists name
-Title of work
-Commissioning body
-Date advertised
-Date sited / carried out.
-Budget
-Commission type
-Project Partners
-Brief description of the work

Work must have been undertaken in the last 6 months.
Send your info ASAP to Publications Assistant, Lily Power at: lily@visualartists.ie
Deadline 29 March 2013.

We are inviting artists to attend the last of this terms  free unique art series of introductions, which will be held at:

-  F.E McWilliams Gallery & Studio (Banbridge) Wednesday 20th of March at 11:00am

If you are interested in securing a place at this unique networking event, please register here.

Each visit will have maximum number of 15 places; priority will be giving to members of Visual Artists Ireland. Book now to avoid disappointment.

For any other information e-mail:

Feargal O’Malley
Northern Ireland Manager
Visual Artists Ireland

Email: feargal@visualartists-ni.org
www.visualartists-ni.org
www.visualartists.ie

The key objectives of the campaign are:

1. Funding increase to cultural programming to support Arts Council, Arts Council Northern Ireland, Local Authority, and Borough funded spaces.
2. Funding applications assessments to include clearly defined expectations regarding equitable payments to visual artists to support the planning, delivery, and supports required for exhibitions.
3. Guidelines for payment rates for visual artists.
4. Contractual obligations by all parties to be set in place at the beginning of each project that outline expectations of all parties and payment schedules for work completed.
5. Payments to be made in full in a timely manner.

Further details can be found in the Advocacy Section of our website, or by contacting our Advocacy Officer Alex Davis.

The meeting will take place in our offices: Visual Artists Ireland, Central Hotel Chambers, 7/9 Dame Court, Dublin 2.

The purpose of the meeting will be to hear the ideas and suggestions from interested parties, and will go to formulate structured planning for the delivery of a set of guidelines for artists payments that can be used for the delivery of visual arts programmes across the variety of galleries and other venues in the sector.

If you or your organisation are actively exhibiting or working with visual artists then we would value both your attendance and your input to this process.

The agenda for the day is simple:

1. Brief background to the current situation;
2. To hear ideas and presentations around existing or potential models;
3. Agree actions based on items 1 & 2 and to potentially set up a sector wide working group.

If you wish to put forward your suggestions, or present on the current practices of your organisations, then please contact us beforehand so that we can plan the day. We wish this day to be both collegiate and open in terms of discussion, and appreciate the time that you can give to making it happen.

RSVP: alex@visualartists.ie before March 15th 2013 for attendance.
RSVP: alex@visualartists.ie by return for presentations.

We are also planning a meeting of individual artists and local area groups in early April to further discuss the details of the ASK! HAS THE ARTIST BEEN PAID?  We will be reporting on developments of the project in Northern Ireland later in March.

One of the key articles in this edition is ‘Moving Beyond Token Fees’, in which Noel Kelly, CEO Of Visual Artists Ireland, reports on the findings of VAI’s Survey On Payments For Visual Artists, undertaken in December 2012.

In this issue along with friends and colleagues we celebrate Valerie Earley, Visual Artists Ireland’s Membership Manager ,who sadly passed away on the 9th of January 2013, after a two-year fight with cancer. The words of love and appreciation printed on these pages represent only a small fraction of the tributes to Valerie that we have received.

This edition also features two ‘Career Development’ case studies, by Peter Richards and Dennis McNulty. The public art sector, an important source of work for artists is addressed in Remco De Fouw’s detailed account of conception, fabrication and installation of a major commission. Elsewhere, Ciara McMahon discusses in a ‘How is Made’ feature, her project The Aesthetic Screening Clinic and Bridget O’Gorman profiles ‘Dig Where You Stand’, a year-long residency-based project in South Tipperary.

Annette Moloney showcases the depth of knowledge and experience amassed by artists collaborating with the public / communities, as facilitated by the Arts Council’s Artist in the Community scheme, managed by Create – which was recently celebrated at the ‘AIC10’ event at IMMA. Further exploring the public realm, Michelle Browne discusses the outcomes of her research project, prompted by her experience of being a mother and an artist – Walking (with a buggy) in the City.

International perspectives are provided by articles on Brian O’Doherty’s keynote speech at last year’s Frieze Art Fair and Dublin City Council Arts Office’s project at the 2012 Liverpool Biennale. Closer to home, our regional focus profiles visual arts activity and resources in Mayo.

We are delighted to present Commemoration – A Forward-looking Act by Joanne Laws, the winner of the Visual Artists Ireland / Dublin City Council Arts Office critical writing award, that addresses the theme of the visual arts responses and contributions to the ‘decade of centenaries’.

This issue includes the first of three thematic articles by Sinead Hogan exploring art and philosophy, prompted a recent growing mutual interest between the disciplines. This first text addresses the nature of this relationship as well as considering the question ‘why now?’

All this as well as the roundup, columnists, news and opportunities…

The best way to get your hands on a copy of  the Visual Artists’ News Sheet is to become a member of Visual Artists Ireland. Membership is open to all artists and entitles you to an annual subscription to the Visual Artists’ News Sheet as well as a host of other benefits.

We are have spoken to a number of debt collection agencies. For a fee (usually a percentage of the monies owed) they will take on responsibility for recovering the debt and will initiate legal proceedings and incur costs of same if necessary.

Visual Artists Ireland can now announce that we have partnered with a leading solicitor and debt collection agency as a referral service for artists.

The firm specialises in debt recovery. Initially, they will issue a formal letter of demand to the debtor following which they will proceed to issue and serve proceedings if required. During the course of the proceedings they will also contact the debtor in an attempt to resolve the matter and have the debt paid.

The Terms of Debt Recovery Services are as follows:

1: Letter Before Action – 18 Euro +VAT +55c postage.
A letter is sent to the debtor informing him/her that he/she has 7 days to respond. If there is no response proceedings are issued.

2.: Issue Proceedings – Various Costs.
Artists will be advised of the options available to them and the associated fees.
Special commission rates apply to members of Visual Artists Ireland when a file is open and when monies are recovered.

 For further info contact: Niamh Looney | E: niamh@visualartists.ie | T: 01 – 6729488

Avoiding Disputes:
While it is impossible to avoid all prospect of becoming involved in a dispute over payment, it is possible to minimise the chances of a dispute occurring. It is also possible, with proper handling, to prevent a disagreement from escalating into something more serious, and to contain the damage resulting from a dispute. For more read our article by solicitor Linda Scales on Handling Disputes – http://visualartists.ie/resources/infopool-2/legaltechnical-guides/handling-disputes/

Contracts:
In their professional lives, artists enter into many contracts: they sell their works; they are commissioned to produce works; they exhibit in galleries; they give permission to reproduce their works for various purposes. All of these activities involve entering into contracts. In fact, virtually all professional dealings of the artist will involve the question of contract. And when something goes wrong in those dealings, and the artist seeks advice, the first issue that must be addressed is; “Was there a valid contract?” . It is of utmost important that artists use contracts for all aspect of their professional engagements. It may seem overly formal or a hassle but when things go wrong a written contract will carry a lot of weight should you enter into legal proceedings. For more info and sample contracts you can use see: http://visualartists.ie/resources/infopool-2/legaltechnical-guides/contracts/

We are inviting artists to attend this free unique art series of introductions, which will be held at:

• - Millennium Court Arts Centre (Portadown) on Wednesday 20th of February at 11:00am
• - Golden Thread Gallery (Belfast) on Wednesday 27th of February at 12:00pm
• - F.E McWilliams Gallery & Studio (Banbridge) Wednesday 20th of March at 11:00am

If you are interested in securing a place at one of these unique networking events, please register by clicking on one of the venue names above.

Each visit will have maximum number of 15 places; priority will be giving to members of Visual Artists Ireland. Book now to avoid disappointment.

For any other information e-mail:

Feargal O’Malley
Northern Ireland Manager
Visual Artists Ireland

Email: feargal@visualartists-ni.org
www.visualartists-ni.org
www.visualartists.ie

The survey undertaken at the end of 2012 shows that out of 580 exhibition opportunities, 79.66% provided no fee to the artist for their participation. Further figures indicated that production costs were not met in many cases, and in a large percentage (43.3%) of cases, artists were asked to either pay or contribute to the administration costs of their exhibitions.  77.8% of artists received no fee for education or outreach programmes. Of these 31.9% received a contribution towards travel expenses for these events.

In his statement, Noel Kelly, CEO of Visual Artists Ireland, stated “This is a clear indication of the desperate situation that the visual arts finds itself in as a result of the draconian cuts that have been inflicted on the sector.” He continued “Clearly there is an expectation that artists are so grateful for the opportunity to have their work seen by the public that there is no need to offer them payment at a meaningful level. Our figures show that even when payments are received, they fall far below even minimum wage.”

It is obvious that this mode of practice is not only inequitable but also fails to recognise the professionalism of visual artists. It has lead to an increase in the number of artists living under the poverty line, or seeking to create new lives either outside of Ireland, or outside of the visual arts sector as a whole. There is a need for the government to step forward and to guarantee funding levels that extend to visual artists, and that increased supports for funding agencies such as the Arts Council are put in place as a matter of urgency.

Visual Artists Ireland is now in communication with the Arts Council to discuss in detail potential solutions for this problem.

Case Studies:

The full extent of the problem can be seen in case studies that are part of the survey:

Artist 1: Age group 55 – 64, with a job to subsidise their work as an artist, with studio rent, heat, and electricity costs of between 250 and 299 Euro per month had 4 solo exhibitions and 6 group exhibition in 2011/1012. Out of these, 3 of the solo exhibitions had no artist’s fee, and 1 provided 500 Euro. Out of the 6 group exhibitions (6+ artists in show) one offered a fee of 700 Euro. No production costs were paid, but the galleries covered the administration costs.

Total Exhibition Income: 1200 Euro for 2011/2012

Artist 2: Age Group 35 – 44, with a job to subsidise their work as an artist, with part time access to a studio, studio rent of between 100 and 149 Euro per month had 1 solo exhibition and 8 group exhibitions in 2011/1012. The solo exhibition had a fee of 1000 Euro Out of the 8 group exhibitions one offered a fee of 200 Euro. No production costs were paid. Some galleries covered the administration costs but some were paid for out of the artist’s own pocket.

Total Exhibition Income: 1200 Euro for 2011/2012

Artist 3: Age Group 45 – 54, full time professional artist, with part time access to a studio, studio rent of approximately 50 Euro per month had 3 group exhibitions in 2011/1012. They were not paid for any exhibition. Some production costs were paid, and in all cases administration costs were covered.

Total Exhibition Income: 0 Euro for 2011/2012

Full details of the survey can be obtained from

Visual Artists Ireland
Central Hotel Chambers
7/9 Dame Court
Dublin 2

Info@visualartists.ie
Phone (01) 672 9488

Skills Requirements:  Understanding of contemporary art practice and administration (preferable).

Please Note: This is an Internship. An allowance of €50 per week will be paid in addition to your current Social Welfare payment. See eligibility criteria above.

Full details: http://jobbridge.ie/i.aspx?v=735558

Deadline 6 February 2013.

Please submit a CV and Covering letter to bernadette@visualartists.ie

We are inviting Valerie’s friends, colleagues – anyone and everyone who was touched by her spirit – to submit a few words of remembrance and celebration of Valerie’s life.

The copy date is Friday 8 Feb. There is no word-limit on this (neither max nor min), you’ve the space to say what you want to say, in as many or few words as you are comfortable with. We might have to edit down longer pieces, but we will also be constructing a webpage where texts in their entirety can be posted.

Your text should be emailed to: jason@visualartists.ie

Please do feel free to spread the word about Valerie’s tribute pages in the VAN; and the invitation to contribute.

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincere regards,

Jason Oakley
Publications Manager

[Contemporary Visual Art in Ireland 2000 – 2011]

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

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

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.

Now available through D.A.P. Publications in the United States. More details can be found on the D.A.P. website.

The Visual Artists News Sheet is available to pick up free of charge in 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 Visual Artists Ireland. Membership is open to all artists and entitles you to an annual subscription to the Visual Artists’ News Sheet as well as a host of other benefits.

Our offices will be closed from December 21st 2012 to January 3rd 2013. We look forward to continuing to provide you with our help and support in 2013.

Noel Kelly
Director / Chief Executive Officer
Visual Artists Ireland