Become A Member
Backwater supports artists at all stages of their careers, to produce innovative, high quality and accomplished work. We ensure that artists have access to excellent working conditions, equipment and facilities relevant to artists’ needs. We facilitate in-house and off-site exhibition opportunities, and provide opportunities for artists to grow, learn and develop. We welcome new members through yearly open calls and continuous recruitment depending on the membership type.
We have 3 membership options available Studio Membership, Darkroom Membership & Network Membership.
We have a number of short-term studio memberships available on a rolling basis and operate a waiting list for these studios. We advertises an open call for four year membership every one-two years (as soon as a number of them become available).
Membership of our Backwater Artists Network offers artists in home studios and privately rented studios, outside of the studio complex, opportunities to connect with each other and with a well-established arts organisation, in the heart of Cork city.
We also have a number of awards available for graduates. Please visit our Bursary & Postgraduate page for more information.
Studio
Membership
€151/160(shared studio) per month
- High quality studio with 24 hour access and bills included
- Security of tenure with 4, 8, 12 year licences
- Shorter tenures also available for projects (3-6 months)
- Opportunity to apply for all our exhibition opportunities (offsite and in house)
- Opportunity to apply for all our residency opportunities
- Access to our monthly members meet-ups (online and in person)
- BAN artists talks series: opportunity to present your work to your peers, in a supportive environment
- Access to our Peer Learning Programme (skill sharing sessions, peer critique Sessions and discussion groups)
- Access to our Visiting Curator Programme
- Access to Professional Development Workshops and Funding Clinics (Free and discounted)
- Access to Backwater Facilities & Equipment (Studio 12, Darkroom, Woodwork Area, Digital Suite)
- Promotional opportunities on our website and social media feeds
- Subscription to Backwater monthly e-newsletter and exclusive email list with invitations to upcoming exhibitions, talks, workshops
Backwater Artists Network Membership
€100 per year
- Opportunity to apply for all our exhibition opportunities (offsite and in house)
- Opportunity to apply for all our residency opportunities
- Access to our monthly members meet-ups (online and in person)
- BAN artists talks series: opportunity to present your work to your peers, in a supportive environment
- Access to our Peer Learning Programme (skill sharing sessions, peer critique Sessions and discussion groups)
- Access to our Visting Curator Programme
- Access to Professional Development Workshops and Funding Clinics (Free and discounted)
- Access to Backwater Studio 12 Facility (when not in use for exhibitions)
- Promotional opportunities on our website and social media feeds
- Subscription to Backwater monthly e-newsletter and exclusive email list with invitations to upcoming exhibitions, talks, workshops
Darkroom Membership
€45 per month
- Heated darkroom space with access to temperature controlled water for processing and washing
- 24 Hour access (See Access & Booking for more information)
- Access to two enlargers with ability to print 35mm and Medium format
- Chemicals used in the darkroom are disposed of by Backwater Artists Group
- Capacity to tray process colour prints if required
- 1 x 3 meter sink for print processing
- Film Drying Unit
- One materials storage cupboard per user
- Access to Digital Suite
- Access to hot desk in digital space
- Access to full Adobe suite via 27″ iMac
- Epson V750 Scanner with capacity to scan all film formats from 35mm to 8×10
- All the benefits of Backwater Artists Network Membership