About us

Visual Artists Ireland (VAI) has been championing the interests of visual artists across Ireland since its founding in 1980. Born from a collective desire for stronger representation and practical support, VAI has grown into the country’s national membership organisation dedicated to painters, sculptors, photographers, curators, educators, and all other visual art forms. Over four decades, VAI has shaped policy, campaigned for fair pay and working conditions, and built an enduring network that amplifies artists’ voices in both cultural and civic spheres.

At its core, VAI delivers a dynamic mix of advocacy, professional development, legal guidance, and community-building. Members benefit from targeted workshops on everything from marketing strategies to copyright law, personalized legal clinics to safeguard creative rights, and timely alerts about exhibitions, residencies, and funding opportunities. Through artist talks, online forums, and the ever-popular Visual Artists Café, VAI cultivates collaboration, mentorship, and peer support—ensuring no artist ever needs to navigate their career in isolation.

Today, VAI stands as a vital hub where creativity meets community. By uniting artists, influencing national arts agendas, and providing hands-on resources, VAI empowers individuals at every career stage to thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to Ireland’s rich visual arts landscape.

Governance

Visual Artists Ireland

VAIAdminUserJuly 11, 2025

Timeline

Our Vision

Our Mission

Governance / Compliance | Visual Artists Ireland

Our Policies & Beliefs

#ATrustedSpace

The hashtag #ATrustedSpace was adopted in 2020 to clearly indicate that Visual Artists Ireland provides a space that is free

Advocacy for Social, Economic and Fiscal Status

Visual Artists Ireland (VAI) is deeply committed to advocating for the rights and wellbeing of visual artists across the country.

Artists Payment Guidelines

In consultation with artists, arts organisations and funding bodies, as well as key expert organisations internationally, the following guidelines were

Basic Income for The Arts Pilot Scheme

The Irish Government has launched a new and pioneering pilot scheme to support artists and creative arts workers. The Basic

Child Protection Statement

Organisations classed as providers of relevant services under the Children First Act 2015 are required to have Child Safeguarding Statements. This means

Code of Conduct for Members

Our membership comes from a very wide range of political and personal belief systems. Some are very strongly held and

Conditions and Definitions of Membership

“Any person may become a member of the Society provided that they fulfil the criteria set out by the Board

CSR Commitment

The Board and management of The Sculptors Society of Ireland trading as Visual Artists Ireland are committed to: Business &

Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Action Plan

All Artists, All Art, All Welcome We are committed to supporting a diverse rangeof creative people, communities, and activity, promoting

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Statement

At Visual Artists Ireland, we are committed to fostering a culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in all aspects

Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG)

ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) management includes having robust governance systems, risk management and controls; working to serve our customers in

Equitable Treatment of Artists

Stemming from our actions concerning the right for visual artists to be paid, further work allowed us to formulate a

Human Rights & Equality Policy

Visual Artists Ireland is committed to eliminating discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and protect the human rights of staff and

Jobs & Opportunities Advertising Policy

In 2011 VAI initiated research into The Social, Economic, and Fiscal Status of the Visual Artist in Ireland. One of

Our Green Approach

Recognising the environmental impacts that our activities can cause, and the urgent necessity to adopt sustainable solutions as a way

Our Green Journey

To track and report the carbon footprint of the production, each production area has been reviewed. The following actions have

Our undertaking to our donors and funders

We, The Sculptor’s Society of Ireland trading as Visual Artists Ireland (VAI), are now compliant with the Statement of Guiding

Policy on the Right for Artists to be Paid

Following the 2011 survey, The Social Economic and Fiscal Status of the Visual Artist in Ireland, Visual Artists Ireland (VAI)

Privacy Policy

The Sculptors Society of Ireland CLG trading as Visual Artists Ireland (“us”, “we”, or “our”) operates the https://visualartists.ie website (the

Social Welfare for Professional Visual Artists

On Monday, 12th June 2017 a new pilot initiative which acknowledges the professional status of visual artists and writers applying

Sustainable Development Goals

The 2012 Rio de Janeiro United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development placed before us a series of objectives related to environmental,

The Unity Tree – Inclusion, Trust, Collaboration and Support

The Unity Tree serves as a powerful symbol within the visual arts community, embodying the principles of collaboration, support, education,

The Visual Artists’ Bill of Rights

Preamble The Visual Artists’ Bill of Rights establishes fundamental protections, entitlements, and standards for artists working within Ireland and the European Union.

VAI Guideline on Payment for Visual Artists: Open Calls, Festivals & Events

There is growing concern amongst VAI members about organisations using open calls as a means to avoid paying artists fairly.

VAI Social Media Policy

Visual Artists Ireland understands that the internet provides unique opportunities to participate in interactive discussions and share information on particular

VAI’s Non-Partisan Approach & Policy

In the diverse and vibrant art scene of Ireland, Visual Artists Ireland (VAI) operates as a neutral and unbiased support

Visual Artists Ireland’s Ethics Framework

Our Purpose We exist to create and sustain a trusted space where visual artists are valued, supported, and empowered at