Emerging Visual Artist Award

Application Guidelines

Cork County Council invites applications for the Cork County Council Emerging Visual Artist Award 2025. This is a combined bursary and exhibition award leading to a solo exhibition at the Cork County Council LHQ gallery in Autumn/Winter 2026. This award is designed to support and promote artists in the early stages of their professional career.
Aims: 

  • To further an emerging artist’s practice at a key stage in their early career.
  • Provide time and support for development of a new body of work.
  • Assist public and critical recognition of the artist’s work through exhibition.
  • Provide professional curatorial support as part of the development process.

We seek to support those who demonstrate:

  • An evolving, distinctive artistic voice.
  • An ambition for and commitment to their practice.
  • A potential to develop their practice.
  • How they will benefit artistically and professionally through this award.

An emerging artist is someone who:

  • Is in the early stage of their career, regardless of age.
  • Has completed education in their practice within the last three to seven years. This could be a degree in fine art, or other related training not necessarily gained in an academic institution.
  • Has created and exhibited a body of original work.
  • Is committed to furthering their career as a professional visual artist.

Eligibility:

  • Eligible artists must currently reside in Cork County or be originally from Cork County (as defined by the current county administrative boundary) but now living elsewhere.
  • May not be in full time employment.
  • May not be an undergraduate student.

What the Bursary provides:

  • A solo exhibition at LHQ Gallery in 2026.
  • Financial support up to €3000.
  • Curatorial and Mentor support.
  • Exhibition Marketing and Documentation.

How to apply:

Please send your application to [email protected] in as a single PDF document (maximum file size 10mb), to include:

  • Completed application form with an outline of intended expenditure within the maximum bursary available (up to €3000): this may include including studio rent, materials, Artist Fee and other costs associated with making a body of work.
  • An up-to-date CV to include details on education, solo and group exhibitions and other related experiences;
  • Artist statement: 500 words max.
  • A project proposal: 1000 words max. This proposal will outline the scope of the envisaged project leading to and including an exhibition at the LHQ Gallery. Include a projected timeline with LHQ Gallery exhibition to take place in the autumn of 2026.
  • Examples of previous work in digital format; Full details for each image is required, i.e. title, medium, measurements, date of work. Links to video or other works are acceptable.

Closing Date for receipt of completed applications is Friday 30 May 2025.

Document Summary