Testimonials on our Backwater Artists Network

Membership of the BAN has proved to be of great benefit to my practice, providing me with all of the opportunities that participating in an artists’ organisation can provide: exhibition prospects, openings for sales, connections with other art- practitioners, and possibilities to attend art-related talks and courses (usually CPD courses).
Andrew Carroll, BAN member

Being part of the BAN has proven to be essential in my practice as an artist. Access to workshops, exhibitions and making connections with other Artists is vital in keeping my practice current and informed.
Mary Galvin, BAN member

Even artists who are not is residence directly at Backwater Studios, can benefit greatly from the creative network available through Backwater Artists Network. The BAN keeps artists engaged with each other and with relevant activities in their community. This invaluable support system helps artists working in independent studios, rurally or from home, to stay engaged, informed, connected and to continue to build on the momentum and scope of their individual creative practices.
Aoife Nolan, BAN member

I have been a member of Backwater artists Network for four years and I have found the support from fellow artists and staff very helpful to me as an artist. The availability of a welcoming and supportive space where you can talk of your artwork and receive constructive information and advice from fellow artists is reassuring. The regular meetings or Zooms during Covid times helped many of us artists in many ways and I look forward to when we can meet in person on a regular basis again. Studio 12 is a bright room and is available for exhibitions for artist members in a city where such spaces are sorely limited.”
Gillian Cussen, BAN member

Working from my studio in rural West Cork, Backwater Artists Network has given me wonderful support over the past number of years. With opportunities to participate in exhibitions, seminars and talks, it provides a wonderful platform for professional artists to learn, connect and share experiences. I am very grateful to be part of such a brilliant organisation.
Cara Brophy, BAN member

I’ve been a member of The Backwater Artists Network since 2020. Working from my home studio, the Network is invaluable at giving me opportunities to connect with other artists. The Network provides me with ongoing access to professional development through workshops, artist presentations, artist talks and curator visits along with exhibition opportunities.
Éadaoin Glynn, BAN member

Support & Advocacy for Artists

At Backwater, we are committed to cultivating a supportive, artist-led environment, which encourages and empowers visual artists, enabling them to further their ambitions and produce innovative, ambitious and high-quality work.

Our primary aim is to support, empower and advocate on behalf of visual artists, at all stages of their career. We provide a stable and supportive working environment for our members, and we provide them with access to a broad range of opportunities and supports. These supports assist members in sustaining productive, rewarding and financially viable careers. Membership creates a platform for making new contacts and sharing skills and ideas. There is a wealth of experience and expertise in our community, which members can draw on to enhance their careers.

We are strong advocates for visual artists and represent them, to make sure that their voices are heard. We promote and advocate for the Arts Council’s “Paying the Artist” policy and ensure that our practices and key messaging are explicitly aligned with this policy. We ensure fair and equitable remuneration for all artists and arts workers participating in our programmes.

Members are provided with access to curators.

In 2024, curators Niamh Brown (Ormonston House), Jenna Whelan (GOMA), Aideen Quirke (Independent Curator), Ben Stafford Jonson (VISUAL), Sarah Mc Auliffe (National Gallery of Ireland) conducted studio visits. Kevin Kavanagh & Alannah Murray curated Field Trip, an exhibition of 10 members work for our bi- annual members exhibition at The Lavit Gallery. Róisín Foley (Curator & Permaculturist) curated a two-venue exhibition entitled Feedback in Studio 12 & LHQ Gallery. 10 members were selected.

Our visiting curator programme has included studio visits with; Eamonn Maxwell (Independent Curator), Patrick T Murphy (Director, RHA), Dr Jo Melvin (Barry Flanagan Estate, Professor of Fine Art & Feminism Chelsea College of Art & Design), Kevin Kavanagh (Gallery Owner/Director), Helena Tobin (Director South Tipperary Arts Centre), Matt Packer (Director EVA International), Rachel Botha, Janice Hough (IMMA), Paul Mc Aree (Lismore Castle Arts). Members who do not have a studio onsite are given access to a space to meet with the curators.

Members are provided with access to the following facilities & equipment

Studio 12

Our Studio 12 exhibition/project space is available for members to book between exhibitions to photograph their work and test out ideas in the space.

Computer/Wireless Broadband Access/Digital Postproduction Facilities

Backwater currently has one member’s computer, 27” iMac with full Adobe suite (including Video Editing software) and one Epson V750 Scanner with capacity to scan all film formats from 35mm to 8×10.

Woodwork & Framing Facilities

Backwater provides access to Woodwork & Framing Facilities for members. The facilities include a mitre press, an underpinner and a framemaker. Training in the use of these facilities is also provided for members.

Equipment

Backwater members can hire the following equipment through the office: SONY HXR-NX80 CAMCORDER , Video Tripod, APUTURE HR672 CCC 3 LIGHT KIT BI/BI/BI, NANGUANG NGL 186 LIGHT STAND , Digital Camera, Data Projector, Video Camera, 35 mm Camera, Medium Format Camera, Tripods, Portaflash Lighting Equipment, Master framer, Canvas plyers, Mount cutter & ruler, Welding equipment & curtains. Videography Training is also provided for members with Cork Film Centre.

Members are provided with access to all the relevant information pertaining to professional art practice, through email and a monthly newsletter. Members also have exclusive access to our members area on our website which includes information relevant to developing a professional art practice including recordings of previous workshops, artists and curator talks, as well as practical information on relevant topics.

Through our social media feeds and through our website we actively promote our members. Members have their own page on our website and an updated news section details exhibitions, commissions and residencies in relation to Backwater and our members. We also have Facebook & Instagram accounts, which detail studio news, studio exhibitions and member’s news and exhibitions.

At Backwater we support the advancement of artists through accessible, high-quality, and diverse training and professional development opportunities. This year we will provide the following professional development opportunities for members. These include Writing your Bio & Artists Statement, Pricing Your Artwork, Specialist Colour Theory Workshops, Promoting & Selling Your Work, Instagram for Artists Workshop,

Art History Lecture Series, Pricing Your Artwork.

Making grant applications from start to finish with Aideen Quirke. These workshops are designed to assist artists in preparing, writing and submitting funding applications to support their creative practice or project. Following on from a general introductory seminar, the one-to-one sessions go into specific and practical detail individually tailored to each participant. We will look at available funding streams and opportunities and how to efficiently approach submissions. There is a focus on writing, communicating and presenting your work. We will look at: Identifying suitable opportunities, you are eligible for, Review of artist statements, biographical information and CV, Gathering and selecting supporting information (images of past work, work- in-progress, letters of reference and support), Defining your proposal – why you need funding and how you will use it, Preparing a budget and workplan.