Visual Artists Ireland

Visual Artists Ireland Visual Artists Ireland is the Representative body for professional visual artists in Ireland.
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VAI is dedicated to ensuring that Ireland's visual artists, from across all cultural, social, economic and gender identity backgrounds, are equipped with, and can gain equitable access to, the resources, networks, and support they need to thrive. VAI research has identified: Isolation; a Need for Support; and a Need for Information as the three primary areas of concern for visual artists. Each of

these impact areas are directly referenced by a range of services which are clearly directed towards our vision statement “We dare to dream of a time when artists will live in a world of opportunities.” Through the delivery of Networking, Support, and Information services, we allow individual artists and artist groups to develop their careers, develop a capacity to take advantage of the opportunities, and to share knowledge. We do this through: Advocacy; Advice; Membership Services; Lifelong Learning; and Information Provision. Vision
We dare to dream of a time when visual artists will live in a world of opportunities. Mission
Our Mission is to create a trusted s**ce where visual artists are valued and have access to supports and knowledge that supports and allows them to develop at all stages of their professional career. Strapline
Supporting Visual Artists at all stages of their professional careers. We remind all users of our Social Media services of our Social Media Policy https://visualartists.ie/about/governance_/vai-social-media-policy/

Event | Fabric & Figure at United Arts ClubA Fashion and Life Drawing event by Stephanie Johnson as part of Dublin Indep...
04/09/2026

Event | Fabric & Figure at United Arts Club
A Fashion and Life Drawing event by Stephanie Johnson as part of Dublin Independent Fashion Week 2026
Celebrate the intersection of Fashion and Life Drawing in this unique event. Experience live a presentation of original garments by Stephanie Johnson, brought to life through a series of dynamic, timed poses. The audience are invited to observe and draw the designs, exploring the relationship between fabric, form and the figure in an engaging, creative setting.

A Fashion and Life Drawing event by Stephanie Johnson as part of Dublin Independent Fashion Week 2026 Celebrate the intersection of Fashion and Life Drawing in

The First Frontier Was the Horizon | Group Exhibition at Solstice Arts CentreAs part of the 20th anniversary celebration...
04/09/2026

The First Frontier Was the Horizon | Group Exhibition at Solstice Arts Centre
As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations of Solstice Arts Centre, The First Frontier was the Horizon showcases the work of many emerging and established contemporary artists originating from County Meath.

As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations of Solstice Arts Centre, The First Frontier was the Horizon showcases the work of many emerging and established con

After the the After | Karl Burke and Lucy Gunning at Lismore Castle ArtsAfter the the After by Karl Burke & Lucy Gunning...
04/09/2026

After the the After | Karl Burke and Lucy Gunning at Lismore Castle Arts
After the the After by Karl Burke & Lucy Gunning
How do we sustain artistic practice at a time when cultural s**ce is becoming increasingly
precarious and privatised?
Do we move outside?
Can we move outside?
Bright-eyed and eager, we examined a number of alternative outdoor sites at Lismore guided by
Paul, mainly within the castle grounds and gardens, in search of zones for Karl and Lucy. The
visit took place on the hottest day of the year.
Image courtesy Lucy Gunning

After the the After by Karl Burke & Lucy GunningHow do we sustain artistic practice at a time when cultural s**ce is becoming increasinglyprecarious and pr

NEW WORK | John Carson at Golden Thread GalleryGolden Thread Gallery presents NEW WORK, a major new exhibition by intern...
04/09/2026

NEW WORK | John Carson at Golden Thread Gallery
Golden Thread Gallery presents NEW WORK, a major new exhibition by internationally acclaimed multidisciplinary artist John Carson.
Originally from Northern Ireland and now based in Pittsburgh, USA, Carson's practice spans film, sound, installation and public art. Combining humour, research and personal narrative, his work explores themes of history, identity, place and belonging.

Golden Thread Gallery presents NEW WORK, a major new exhibition by internationally acclaimed multidisciplinary artist John Carson.Originally from Northern Irel

The Sectarian Murder Series | Paul Seawright at Golden Thread GalleryPaul Seawright revisited and photographed the sites...
04/09/2026

The Sectarian Murder Series | Paul Seawright at Golden Thread Gallery
Paul Seawright revisited and photographed the sites of Sectarian attacks during the 1970’s close to where the artist grew up in Belfast. The texts accompanying each photograph are from newspaper reports at the time and document the murders of innocent civilians, killed for their perceived religion. Reference to Protestant or Catholic background was removed from the text.
Seawright is best known for his alternative visual analysis of locations and subjects dominated by mainstream media.

Paul Seawright revisited and photographed the sites of Sectarian attacks during the 1970’s close to where the artist grew up in Belfast. The texts accompanyin

Cornucopia? | Martin Lyttle at O'Connell Gallery, ClonakiltyFor this new body of work, stone sculptor Martin Lyttle draw...
04/09/2026

Cornucopia? | Martin Lyttle at O'Connell Gallery, Clonakilty
For this new body of work, stone sculptor Martin Lyttle draws on the ancient image of the cornucopia — the horn of plenty — as a starting point for exploring abundance, consumption and our relationship with the natural world.

Working in local stone and most usually from off-cuts and waste material, Lyttle has created a series of elegant hand-carved sculptures inspired by seeds, fruits, nuts and pods.

For this new body of work, stone sculptor Martin Lyttle draws on the ancient image of the cornucopia — the horn of plenty — as a starting point for explorin

Event | En Plein Air at Ballina Killaloe BridgeThe 2nd Annual En Plein Air event takes place on the historice bridge in ...
04/09/2026

Event | En Plein Air at Ballina Killaloe Bridge
The 2nd Annual En Plein Air event takes place on the historice bridge in the twin towns of Ballina/Killaloe in Co.Tipperary.
All are welcome!

The 2nd Annual En Plein Air event takes place on the historice bridge in the twin towns of Ballina/Killaloe in Co.Tipperary.All are welcome!

Between Cloud and Ground | Ciara Campbell-Crawford at Market Place Theatre and Arts CentreBetween Cloud and Ground marks...
04/09/2026

Between Cloud and Ground | Ciara Campbell-Crawford at Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre
Between Cloud and Ground marks a new body of work from ceramic artist Ciara Campbell-Crawford, introducing new forms that reach beyond the vessel into open s**ce. Inspired by the vast, dramatic skies of Ireland, where light shifts in an instant and clouds gather with dramatic intensity, these pieces capture a landscape in constant motion.
At the heart of the work are birds in flight: fleeting, purposeful, free.

Between Cloud and Ground marks a new body of work from ceramic artist Ciara Campbell-Crawford, introducing new forms that reach beyond the vessel into open s**c

Into the Aphotic - an underworld | Suzanne Carroll at Droichead Arts CentreThe aphotic is the dark where no light reache...
04/09/2026

Into the Aphotic - an underworld | Suzanne Carroll at Droichead Arts Centre
The aphotic is the dark where no light reaches. Carlingford Lough has its own kind of dark; sediment-thick, tidal, closing over quickly. Drawing on the lough’s marine science, Suzanne Carroll paints its unseen depths in oil and encaustic, makes her own pigment from its shore, and catalogues what the tide leaves behind. Gathered and cared for, then catalogued and classified with AI, each object asks the same question: what did this cost, and how did it get here?

The aphotic is the dark where no light reaches. Carlingford Lough has its own kind of dark; sediment-thick, tidal, closing over quickly. Drawing on the lough’

Event | Afterimage: Photography in the Digital Age Opening at The DockPlease join us at The Dock for the opening recepti...
04/09/2026

Event | Afterimage: Photography in the Digital Age Opening at The Dock
Please join us at The Dock for the opening reception of Afterimage: Photography in the Digital Age at 6pm, Friday 11 September. Following an introduction to the exhibition by Darren Campion, curator at Photo Museum Ireland, the evening will continue with artist Alan Butler in conversation with Mary Conlon, Director of The Dock. Admission is free and all are welcome. Exhibition runs from 11 September — 14 November 2026.

Please join us at The Dock for the opening reception of Afterimage: Photography in the Digital Age at 6pm, Friday 11 September. Following an introduction to the

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First Floor, 2 Curved Street
Dublin
D02PC43

Opening Hours

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Tuesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm

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+35316729488

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