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
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
Equitable Treatment of Artists
Stemming from our actions concerning the right for visual artists to be paid, further work allowed us to formulate a
Good Fundraising Practice
The introduction of standards by the charities’ fundraising sector is an important act in its own right and provides an
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 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