About
Backwater Artists Group is one of the largest and longest-established artist-led initiatives in Ireland. Established in 1990 by artists for artists, we are a thriving community of 110+ visual artists.
Located in the heart of Cork city, on Wandesford Quay, we provide high quality affordable studios space, with security of tenure and access to facilities for professional visual artists. Through a bespoke programme of tailored supports, we ensure that artists have access to a high level of professional development opportunities, mentorship, exhibition opportunities, guidance and advice, which support them in creating sustainable practices and careers.
We support the next generation of artists by awarding bursary, mentorship and exhibition opportunities to recent graduates.
We share what we do with large and diverse audiences, across the city and beyond, through our Exhibition & Engagement Programme.
Our Backwater Artists Network provides support and opportunities for artists working outside of the complex, to engage with our community and avail of the support necessary for the development of a professional art practice.
Backwater Artists Group is a CLG and a Charity.



Our mission is to support and advocate for visual artists, allowing them to thrive, to foster a deep appreciation and enthusiasm for the visual arts within the community and to keep a site of artistic production at the heart of Cork City.
Our Values
- Artist-Led Ethos: Visual artists are at the very heart of Backwater Artists Group, we are proud to be an artist-led organisation and our primary focus will always be on support and advocacy for artists by artists.
- Creative Exchange: At Backwater Artists Group, we believe in the potential of creative knowledge exchange. We are committed to the continued development and provision of a vibrant, inclusive and accessible creative space, where different ideas, knowledge and perspectives can be shared, explored and exchanged for the benefit of everyone involved.
- Partnership, Collaboration & Engagement: At Backwater Artists Group, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to develop an enthusiasm, understanding and appreciation for the arts. Our approach to public engagement, partnerships and collaboration to nurture a deep and meaningful connection between artists and the world – sparking curiosity, stimulating minds and inspiring the next generation of visual artists.
- Equality & Inclusivity: At Backwater Artists Group, we consider all people without bias. We embrace inclusivity, equality, diversity and fairness in all areas of our practice. Our approach is driven by a proactive desire to build a thriving community of working artists within our organisation, which is built on mutual respect, professionalism, openness, kindness, and support.
- Leadership, Transparency & Integrity: At Backwater Artists Group, we acknowledge and embrace our leadership role within Cork’s visual arts environment and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of transparency, integrity and professionalism in all our activities.
Strategic Pillars
Over the next five years we will focus on these three strategic pillars:
• Supporting Artists
• Partnership, Collaboration & Engagement
• Our Organisation

The Team
Board of Directors
Orla O’Byrne
Chairperson
Padraig Spillane
Director
Dyane Hanrahan
Director
Roger Buckley
Director
Fiona Kelly
Director
Dermot Harrington
Director
Aoife McCann
Director
Evelyn Mitchell
Director
Company Information
Company No. 203784 Registered Charity No. Chy 11875
Our charitable purpose is
- To foster and promote the visual arts in Cork City and the wider Munster region and to promote the study and improved understanding of the art generally.
- To establish, promote and operate workspace, equipment and exhibition space for artists on the basis of services to members’ need and generally to promote an interest in the arts.
- To establish operate and maintain a centre for the creation and display of art and to provide work shop facilities for art work and anything ancillary thereto.
The Company is currently working towards being compliant with the Charities Governance Code. The Company will be fully compliant by October 2024.
Backwater Artists Paying the Artist Policy (2025): Direct Download Link
Backwater Artists Environmental Policy (June 2024): Direct Download Link
Backwater Strategic Plan (2024 – 2028): Direct Download Link