Show & Tell: a fast paced presentation by up to 10 artists on their current work, areas of interest, or concepts that they are currently exploring in their practice. The format is also open to curators, writers, and artistic directors to show their current ideas or modes of engagement.

The events have taken off so well that we are currently planning for 10 of them to take place in different parts of Ireland over the next 4 months. These will be advertised in the eBulletin. The next one is in Roscrea and will be hosted by The Damer House Gallery. There are details on how to book under our Professional Development pages.

We are also looking at two international ones.  We won’t say too much now, but we have been approached to give consideration to Irish artists who have had to emigrate and who are looking for both support and ways to integrate into art scenes abroad… so more about that as we have confirmations in place.

In the meantime, there are three versions of Show & Tell which are held around the country.

• General – VAI works with artists and arts officers in local areas to develop a show and tell. There is an open call for participants in our eBulletin, Facebook, and Twitter accounts. The event is free for VAI members with a small charge for non-members that goes towards refreshments for the evening.
• Studio / Artist Led Initiatives – VAI works with specific studios and artist led initiatives to enable them to host a Show & Tell for their members and general audience. This is a free service to VAI Organisational Members, with a flat rate for organisations who are not members of VAI. Entrance to the event is free for VAI members, studio artists, and members of artist led initiatives who are hosting. There is a small charge for non-members that goes towards refreshments for the evening.
• Gallery/Studio Patrons or Friends Schemes – Galleries and studios can offer Show & Tell as one of the benefits for their Patrons or Friends Schemes. Studio/Gallery artists present their work to the invited audience. It is also possible for the Studio/Gallery to elect to have an open call for artists to participate if they wish. This is a free service to VAI Organisational Members, with a flat rate for organisations who are not members of VAI.

If you have a group of fellow artists, or are a Studio, Artists Led Initiative, or Gallery and would like to host a Show & Tell, then please contact Noel (noel@visualartists.ie) and he will be happy to assist you.

VAI Show & Tells are part of our Local Area Group support services. More details of these and our Visual Artists Cafés can be found on our website.