Backwater Artists Network
Backwater Artists Network (BAN) is an inclusive supportive initiative for visual artists which provides members with a framework of supports, to assist in the development of their practices and careers.
Membership offers artists opportunities to connect with each other and with a well-established arts organisation, in the heart of Cork city. Benefits on offer include promotional opportunities and access to exhibition and professional development opportunities. BAN supports are also available to our studio and darkroom members bringing the total number of artists supported to 100.
What is on offer?
- Exhibition opportunities: Opportunity to apply for all our exhibition opportunities (Studio 12 exhibition and residency programme, The Long Space exhibition programme (1st Floor, Backwater Artists Group) and our annual members group exhibitions (offsite and in house) )
- Residency opportunities: BAN 6 month project residency. (Please note this residency is at a rate of €80 per month).
- BAN artists talks series: Held every 6 weeks, you will be given the opportunity to present your work to your peers, in a supportive environment.
- Skill sharing sessions
- Peer learning and peer critique sessions
- Discussion groups
- Funding clinics: These workshops are designed to assist artists in preparing, writing and submitting funding applications to support their creative practice or project. The one-to-one sessions will go into specific and practical details individually tailored to each participant
- Free and discounted professional development workshops
- Visiting Curator Programme: 6 visiting curators will be scheduled each year for onsite studio visits. Previous visiting curators/gallerists include: Janice Hough (Curator of Residencies & Artists Programme in IMMA), Matt Packer (EVA International), Helena Tobin (Director South Tipperary Arts Centre), Kevin Kavanagh (Kevin Kavanagh Gallery, Dublin), Dr Jo Melvin (Barry Flannagan Estate & Professor of Fine Art & Feminism in Chelsea College of Art & Design), Patrick T Murphy (RHA), Eamonn Maxwell (Independent Curator), Jenn Whelan (GOMA, Waterford), Aideen Quirke (Independent Curator).
- Promotional opportunities on our website and social media feeds.
- Subscription to exclusive BAN email list which will inform you about up and coming BAN members events and opportunities.
- Subscription to Backwater monthly e-newsletter with invitations to upcoming exhibitions, talks, workshops etc at Backwater.
Backwater Artists Network Testimonials
“Since joining the Backwater Artists’ Network (BAN) in 2020, I have benefited from the connections, stimulation and cordiality that the organisation offers its members. As an advantage particular to the period of lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Network provided a way to dialogue and interact with fellow artists, whether that was to attend a presentation by a particular artist on their practice, discuss a specific, topical subject that related to contemporary visual arts practice, or feel part of a community, in a time when interactions in large groups of people was not possible. Speaking in general, I feel that the Network constellates a lattice of connection, where artists – who would otherwise potentially work in remote or ‘stand-alone’ circumstances – can associate for both professional and social reasons, forging links that have proven beneficial to them in both of those domains.” Andrew Carroll.
‘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.