Timeline
Visual Artists Ireland is the current trading name of the Sculptors’ Society of Ireland. The Sculptors’ Society of Ireland was established in 1980. It was initially set up to improve the professional standing of sculptors, raise the profile of sculpture and develop the quality and scope of commissioning procedures and opportunities. As one founding member succinctly described it – “to make the country see sculpture as part of everyday living”.
In addressing these needs the Society initiated sculpture symposia and thus provided opportunities for sculptors to work with new materials, new contexts and fundamentally, to engage in dialogue with their peers. Exhibitions and conferences likewise provided much needed platforms for contemporary Irish sculpture, offering to critically appraise and encourage the development of the art form in Ireland. The SSI ‘Newsletter’ offered artists access to information and a forum for discussion around their practice.
The Society was also instrumental in facilitating the 1988 implementation of Percent for Art legislation in the Ireland, developed codes of practice for the commissioning of public art and led by example by taking on the management of commissions.
Since its inception the Sculptors’ Society encouraged the broadest possible definition of sculptural practice encompassing object making, lens-based media, digital arts, installation and performance. This open and inclusive policy as well as an enhanced programme of services and resources led to a significant increase in membership in the years following the demise of the Artists Association of Ireland in 2002.
In 2005 the Sculptors’ Society decided to undertake a re-branding of the organisation and adopt the business name Visual Artists Ireland. The organisation now caters for all visual artists and is the only all-Ireland representative body for professional visual artists.Visual Artists Ireland (VAI) has been actively engaged in advocacy campaigns to support and improve the conditions for visual artists in Ireland. Here’s a chronology of key advocacy campaigns and initiatives undertaken by VAI since 2007
2007-2011: Building a Foundation for Advocacy
2007: Preliminary Research on Status of the Artist in Ireland
- VAI initiates on the ground research into concerns and work conditions of artists across Ireland. Isolation, a lack of information, and the need to find a place in an exclusionary sector are identified as the three key issues.
2008: The Three Pillars
- VAI develops The Three Pillars as a more structured approach to Artists supports, adopting: Advocacy & Advice; Information Provision; and Life Long Learning as the Three Pillars upon which VAI’s future work will be based.
2009: Advocacy for Fair Pay and Working Conditions
- VAI initiates campaigns focusing on fair pay and working conditions for visual artists. The organisation starts to push for the right for artists to be paid in the arts sector.
2009: Get Together: Ireland’s Day for Visual Artists
- VAI’s holds the first Get Together, a day dedicated to visual artists featuring panel discussions, information desks, clinics, speed curating, and opportunities to hear artists discussing their ideas and work.
2010: Visual Artists’ Charter
- VAI develops the Visual Artists’ Charter, outlining the rights and expectations for visual artists, including fair payment, working conditions, and recognition of intellectual property rights.
2011: Research on Economic Conditions
- VAI conducts and publishes research on the economic conditions of visual artists in Ireland, providing a foundation for evidence-based advocacy. The report highlights low income levels and precarious employment conditions among visual artists.
2011: “The Social, Economic, and Fiscal Status of the Visual Artist in Ireland” Report
- Publication of a major research report detailing the social, economic, and fiscal status of visual artists. This report becomes a key tool in VAI’s advocacy, highlighting the need for systemic changes to support artists and with the first ever reference to artists living “under the poverty threshold”, and is used to initiate the “Ask! Has the Artist Been Paid?” campaign.
2012-2014: Strengthening Policy Influence
2012: Engagement with Policymakers
- VAI strengthens its engagement with policymakers, participating in consultations and providing testimony to advocate for improved funding and support for the arts.
2013: Public Awareness Campaigns
- Launch of public awareness campaigns around the slogan “Ask! Has the Artists Been Paid?” to highlight the contributions of visual artists to society and the economy. These campaigns aim to garner public support and influence policy changes.
2014: Tax Exemptions and Social Welfare
- Advocacy efforts focus on tax exemptions for artists and ensuring visual artists can access social welfare benefits. VAI begins working with social protection to address the unique financial challenges faced by artists.
2013-2019: Major Policy Wins and Expanding Research
2013: Policy Results on Artists Right to be Paid
- Funding bodies introduce Artists Right to be Paid as a stipulation of funding, with a three year lead in for adoption. The policy is adopted across all art forms.
2015: Policy Submission on Fair Pay
- VAI submits comprehensive policy proposals to the government advocating for fair pay standards in publicly funded art projects and exhibitions.
2016: Brexit
- VAI presents, at a European level, the potential impacts of Brexit on Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
2016: Second Edition: “The Social, Economic, and Fiscal Status of the Visual Artist in Ireland” Report
- Publication of a major research report detailing the social, economic, and fiscal status of visual artists. This report continues to support VAI’s advocacy, highlighting the need for systemic changes to support artists.
2017: Increased Funding for the Arts
- VAI’s advocacy contributes to an increase in government funding for the arts. The organisation continues to lobby for sustained and increased investment in the arts sector.
2019: VAI hosts visit of Luca Jahier, President of the European Economic and Social Committee to culture sector of Northern Ireland
- The visit focuses on Peace and Borders in Europe, with a particular view of how Brexit will impact on Northern Ireland cultural projects that work in border areas and with themes of reconciliation and cross community co-operation.
2013-2019: Major Policy Wins and Expanding Research
2013: Policy Results on Artists Right to be Paid
- Funding bodies introduce Artists Right to be Paid as a stipulation of funding, with a three year lead in for adoption. The policy is adopted across all art forms.
2015: Policy Submission on Fair Pay
- VAI submits comprehensive policy proposals to the government advocating for fair pay standards in publicly funded art projects and exhibitions.
2016: Brexit
- VAI presents, at a European level, the potential impacts of Brexit on Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
2016: Second Edition: “The Social, Economic, and Fiscal Status of the Visual Artist in Ireland” Report
- Publication of a major research report detailing the social, economic, and fiscal status of visual artists. This report continues to support VAI’s advocacy, highlighting the need for systemic changes to support artists.
2017: Increased Funding for the Arts
- VAI’s advocacy contributes to an increase in government funding for the arts. The organisation continues to lobby for sustained and increased investment in the arts sector.
2019: VAI hosts visit of Luca Jahier, President of the European Economic and Social Committee to culture sector of Northern Ireland
- The visit focuses on Peace and Borders in Europe, with a particular view of how Brexit will impact on Northern Ireland cultural projects that work in border areas and with themes of reconciliation and cross community co-operation.
2018-2020: Focus on Equity and Inclusion
2018: Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
- Launch of initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion within the visual arts sector. VAI advocates for policies that support underrepresented artists and address barriers to participation.
2019: Social Protection for Artists
- VAI advocates for improved social protection measures for artists, including better access to job seekers allowance. Job Seekers Allowance for Artists is introduced and the first recognition of the work and definition of a professional artist, using VAI’s definitions of membership, are adopted by government in the Social Welfare system.
2020: COVID-19 Response
- In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, VAI launches emergency support measures for visual artists. This includes advocating for financial relief packages and providing resources to help artists navigate the crisis. VAI sets up group of advisors with weekly updates to government. Government sets up first direct helpdesk for artists to ensure that the greatest possible number of artists can receive supports.
2020: Basic Income for Artists
- VAI actively advocates for a basic income for artists as a means to provide financial security and allow artists to focus on their creative practices without the constant pressure of financial uncertainty. This advocacy is backed by research highlighting the economic hardships faced by artists.
2021-2024: Adapting to New Challenges
2021: Digital Transformation Support
- VAI focuses on supporting artists in adapting to digital platforms. Advocacy efforts include securing funding for digital training and infrastructure to help artists reach new audiences online.
2022: Basic Income for Artists – Pilot
- VAI advises in the design and implementation of the pilot scheme. They provid insights on eligibility criteria, payment structures, and evaluation methods to ensure that the pilot effectively met the needs of visual artists. As the pilot rolled out, VAI supports artists applying for the scheme.
2022: Sustainability and Environmental Advocacy
- VAI begins to incorporate sustainability and environmental concerns into its advocacy work. This includes promoting sustainable practices within the arts sector and advocating for funding to support environmentally friendly art projects.
- VAI presents evidence to Oireachtas committee on Developing Arts in Irish Localities.
2023: Comprehensive Policy Review
- VAI conducts a comprehensive review of its advocacy strategies and policies. This review aims to ensure that VAI’s advocacy remains effective and responsive to the evolving needs of visual artists.
- VAI concludes research into new models for sustainable support for visual artists in non-urban areas.
2024: Advocacy, Policy, Archives
- VAI issues new guidelines addressing the non-payment of artists by some Festivals & Events, and the Role of Open Calls.
- VAI is commissioned by the Arts Council to deliver a 30 month project to look at the supply v. demand of visual artist workspaces in Ireland.
- VAI issues policy on VAI’s Non Partisan Approach & Policy.
- VAI completes last stage of public electronic archive of Sculpture Society Newsletters and Visual Artists News Sheet.
- VAI receives donation of the late Ciarán Bennett, Art Critic & Writer, library.
2025: Advocacy, Policy, Infrastructure
- VAI issues The Visual Artists Bill of Rights, an update to The Visual Artists Charter based on changes achieved since 2012 based on Advocacy work, Government, Local Government, EU, and Funding Bodies legislative, directive and policy changes.
- VAI announces the launch of a pilot project that investigates the implementation of research into the provision of low cost artist studios, in collaboration with Dublin Town and Irish Life.
Visual Artists Ireland has consistently advocated for the rights and wellbeing of visual artists since its founding as The Sculptors’ Society of Ireland in 1980. From foundational efforts to improve pay and working conditions to more recent campaigns addressing digital transformation and environmental sustainability, VAI’s advocacy has evolved to meet the changing landscape of the visual arts sector. The organisation continues to play a crucial role in ensuring that visual artists in Ireland are supported, valued, and able to thrive in their professional careers.
Key SSI Sculpture Symposia & Exhibitions; VAI National Events
1980s
1983 Arklow Steel Symposium, hosted by Tyrells of Arklow Engineering.
1984 ‘Cumar na gCloch’ Stone Symposium, Roe O’Neill and Walsh Quarries, Dublin Mountains.
1985 Celbridge Concrete Symposium, Celbridge, County Kildare.
1985 Hazelwood Symposium, Hazelwood Park, County Sligo.
1985 Cork 800 Symposium, Cork City.
1986 Letterfrack Symposium, Connemara, Galway.
1986 Dun Laoghaire Sculpture Symposium, Dun Laoghaire.
1987 Limerick Symposium, Limerick City.
1987 Skibbereen Sculpture Symposium, Skibbereen, County Cork.
1988 Millennium Sculpture Symposium, Dublin
1988 International Sculpture Symposium, Project Arts Centre, September
1989 Trees Exhibition, Sligo
1990s
1990 Boglands Sculpture Symposium, Wicklow Mountains, August 1990
1991 Espace Exhibition, The RHA, Dublin
1992 Ahenny Slate Quarries Symposium, County Kilkenny, June-July 1992
1992 Annaghmakerrig Sculpture Symposium, Tyrone Guthrie Centre, County Monaghan, May 1992.
1992 Kingscourt Brick Symposium, Kingscourt Bricks Factory, County Cavan, July-August 1992
1992 ‘See Through Art’, Exhibition, Municipal Gallery of Modern Art
1993 Tir Saile Sculpture Symposium, County Mayo
1993 Castlewellan Castlewellan, County Down
1993 Random Access, Exhibition, Irish Life Centre, Dublin [Selected by: Finola Jones, Gerard Byrne, Ronan McCrea]
1993 Random Access Sound Art Symposium, Irish Life Centre, Dublin
1993 Random Access Video Art Symposium, Irish Life Centre, Dublin
1994 Fernhill Gardens, July 1994
1995 Benburb Sculpture Symposium, October
1995 Armagh, County Antrim
1995 Skibbereen Sculpture Symposium, a former workhouse.
1996 Devil’s Glen Symposium, County Wicklow, Autumn 1996
1996 Achill Island Symposium
2000’s
2002 ‘Space for Production’, Exhibition
VAI Get Together: Annual Networking Event
2012 VAI Get Together 2012, Limerick School of Art & Design, 15 June 2012
2013 VAI Get Together 2013, NCAD, 28 June 2013
2014 VAI Get Together 2014, Irish Museum of Modern Art, 23 May 2014
2015 VAI Get Together 2015, Irish Museum of Modern Art, 15 May 2015
2016 VAI Get Together 2016, Irish Museum of Modern Art, 26 August 2016
2017 VAI Get Together 2017, Irish Museum of Modern Art, 15 September 2017
2018 VAI Get Together 2018, Irish Museum of Modern Art, 21 May 2018
2019 VAI Get Together 2019, TU Dublin Grangegorman, 14 June 2019
2022 VAI Get Together 2022, The Royal Society of Antiquarians, Merrion Square, 22 November 2022
2023 VAI Get Together 2023, Esker Arts Centre, Tullamore, 2 October 2023
2024 VAI Get Together 2023, Irish Museum of Modern Art, 19 November 2024