VAI Lifelong Learning

CREATING AND CURATING SPACES (THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX) One of the most common questions we get is “how can I get an exhibition?” Networking and building a relationship with galleries is important but may take several years to pay off. Open calls might only select 10% of submissions. The approach we will look at here…

Do you have an area in your practice you need help with or would just like some advice on where to go next? Artists can book a Help Desk session that will be held online. These Help Desks will be free of charge for Members and Non Members for the duration of the current crisis.…

‘What is an artist led initiative? How are they established? And what are the benefits of working this way? We explore the ups and downs, high and lows, the nuts and bolts with some of Ireland’s leading working examples. This week’s Visual Artists Café is in collaboration with South Dublin County Council Arts Office. We will welcome…

This Visual Artists’ Café will put our Co. Wicklow based members in the spotlight in a ‘show & tell’ format. Featured will be 6 artists giving 6 different snapshots of the Wicklow based Visual Artist in 2020 and beyond; work, motivations, challenges and acclimation. What we experienced. What we learned. We hope you can join…

As an artist, you are required to write about your work for press releases, marketing purposes and for proposals or applications. Conveying concise information in a well-written artist’s statement, biography and CV will assist people in gaining an understanding of your practice. This is a twenty minute one-to-one session. Joanne will offer strategic advice on…

What does a peer critique session look like? Having somebody to talk to; removing the sense of being in it on your own; getting constructive advice and feedback that goes beyond friends telling you “It’s great” helps you to push your work further. VAI Peer Reviews are designed to do just that! To allow you…

Digital installation artist, Aoife Dunne creates immersive, interactive environments fusing sculpture, video, sound, performance, costume & technology. Presenting on her work – Transcending Time ”I have always been interested in the complex relationships that exist between the viewer, the artist and the context in which the work is made and exhibited. When lockdown began, I started…

It is extremely beneficial for artists to have their work seen by curators. Outside of the potential for exhibitions, there is also the valuable opportunity to engage in a critical discussion of their practice. The webinar will give you an insight into how curators may engage with your work and interpret it differently to your…

Visual Artists Ireland Café – Smithfield Commission As part of the Sculpture Dublin public engagement programme, Visual Artists Ireland is organising a series of cafés that bring together artists, arts organisations and audiences, and connect them with local projects. This Café introduces Smithfield Square Lower and the immediate vicinity of the new sculpture commission. The awarded…

Do you have an area in your practice you need help with or would just like some advice on where to go next? Artists can book a Help Desk session that will be held online. These Help Desks will be free of charge for Members and Non Members. Help Desks can be on any topic…

What do we do now? Artists living and working Ireland have already felt the huge impact of Coronavirus on their working practice. Access to studios has been limited Exhibitions have been postponed or cancelled There are fewer opportunities because of gallery schedules being pushed It has become harder to build and maintain professional networks The…

This session is aimed at artists who feel they need to gain an overview on how to put together proposals for a variety of contexts. This session will look at how to target opportunities relevant to your practice and outline issues that you may need consider when approaching different opportunities such as Arts Council /…