Cork County Council’s Arts Office is delighted to announce an open call for applications to the Emerging Visual Artist Award 2027, supporting County Cork artists at a pivotal stage in their professional development.
Now in its third year, the award is designed to help an emerging visual artist take the next step in their career through financial, curatorial and professional support.
The award provides a bursary alongside the opportunity to develop and present a solo exhibition at Cork County Council’s LHQ Gallery. In addition, the successful artist will benefit from practical support from the Arts Office throughout the development and exhibition process.
CREATING ‘PATHWAYS’
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Bernard Moynihan, welcomed the launch of the award.
“We are proud to continue investing in emerging visual artists through this award, which is about much more than an exhibition opportunity. The transition from education or early practice into a professional career can be challenging, and artists often need a range of supports at this stage of their development. This award provides that multi-faceted support, combining financial assistance, professional guidance, mentoring and a significant exhibition opportunity.
“Our aim is to enable artists to take the next step in their careers, to build confidence in their practice and to create pathways for future opportunities.”
The inaugural recipient of the Emerging Visual Artist Awards, Isabel English, developed a new body of work exploring what psycho-medical care and a sense of home mean in the contemporary world. Combining sculpture, text and photography, the resulting exhibition was presented at LHQ Gallery and marked an important milestone in her developing practice.
The second award recipient, Maitiú MacCarthaigh, received support through the 2026 Award. Their work looks at the experience of a fictionalised gay farmer using materials often found in the agricultural co-op.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible, applicants should be at an early stage in their career, regardless of age, have created and exhibited an original body of work, and be able to demonstrate a commitment to developing their career as a professional artist. Eligible artists must currently live in Cork county or be originally from Cork county (as defined by the current county administrative boundary).
The successful applicant will receive a solo exhibition at LHQ Gallery in 2027 together with a bursary to support the production of new work. Cork County Council Arts Office will also provide professional curatorial support throughout the development process, with opportunities for mentorship and career development guidance as part of the award.
LHQ Gallery is based in the County Library on Carrigrohane Road. The gallery presents work by artists at all stages of their careers and its programme is supported by the Arts Council.
Contact arts@corkcoco.ie for queries, full guidelines or application forms. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 6th November.
Applications will be assessed by an independent panel.
