Backwater Artists Group provides high quality, affordable individual purpose built studios with security of tenure and 24 hour access for artists. We have 28 studios (6 Sculpture, 22 Painting/Mixed Media). Every studio in the complex has natural light, a sink, multiple power sources and is heated. Our Sculpture studios have adjustable lighting and overhead storage for their materials and a high roof for the creation of large scale artworks. 3 of these Studios also have 3 phase electricity necessary for some members’ practice. 

Members also have access to our darkroom facility, our digital suite which has a  27 inch Mac with internet and digital imaging facilities, woodworking facilities including a mitre press and an under pinner for making frames and stretchers and all our developmental supports including exhibition opportunities, access to curators, peer critique sessions, training and professional development opportunities. 

Fees are kept to a minimum. Studios are reasonably priced at €151 (single occupancy)  or €150 (shared occupancy, €80 per person) per month. 

Available Studio Memberships:

• Short-term Studio Membership: We have a number of short-term studio memberships available on a rolling basis. These are for the duration of 3-6 months. Studios are offered first on a 3 month basis and can be extended to 6 months on request.  
• Four Year Studio Membership: Backwater advertises an open call for four year membership every one-two years (as soon as a number of them become available). Four year members are also members of the company and can attend and vote at our AGM. 
• Eight Year Studio Membership (only open to 4 year members of Backwater) 
• Twelve Year Studio Membership (only open to 8 year members of Backwater)
• Sharer Membership: A maximum of  7 members can apply to share their studios with another artist. To be eligible for a share,  applicants must be passed for our short-term waiting list first.  Sharers must contribute in the same way as any other member of the group.

 We also have a number of awards available for graduates. Please visit our Bursary & Postgraduate page for more information. 

• Ciarán Langford Memorial Bursary Award  
• Moving Image Bursary Award 
• Backwater Studios Graduate Residency Award
• Backwater Artists Network Graduate Award 5