Become A Member
Become A Member
Backwater Artists Group supports visual artists at all stages of their careers through a structured programme of artistic production, professional development and public engagement with opportunities for presentation and growth, and access to high-quality facilities in the heart of Cork City.
All members are part of the Backwater Artists Network — a community of artists connected through shared learning, peer exchange and exhibition opportunities.
Studio and Darkroom memberships provide additional access to facilities and are offered through application.
We welcome new members through periodic open calls and ongoing recruitment, depending on membership type.
Backwater Artists Network
€100 per year
The foundation of our membership community.
Network Membership is designed for artists working in home studios or privately rented spaces who wish to remain connected to an active, artist-led organisation.
Network Membership includes:
- Eligibility to apply for exhibition opportunities (in-house and off-site)
- Eligibility to apply for residency opportunities
Access to our Professional Development Series
- Curator Visits
- Professional Development Workshops
- Artists Talks
- Feedback Sessions
- Grant Clinics
Access to our Peer Engagement & Skill Sharing Series
- Skill Sharing Workshops
- Peer Critique Sessions
- Members Presentations
- Early Career Peer Group
- Monthly Member Meet Ups
Members also receive:
- Access to Studio 12 (when not in exhibition use)
- Opportunity to rent darkroom at discounted rates
- Promotional opportunities via our website and social media
- Monthly e-newsletter and member communications
Studio Membership
€161 per month (single occupancy)
€170 per month (shared studio)
Offered through competitive open call
There are 28 studios in total, comprising 6 sculpture studios and 22 painting/mixed media studios.
Studio Membership includes all Backwater Artists Network benefits, plus:
- High quality studio with 24 hour access (utilities included)
- Security of tenure with 4, 8, 12 year licences
- Short-term project studios also available (3–6 months, subject to availability)
- Access to Backwater facilities and equipment (Studio 12, Woodwork Area, Digital Suite)
- Opportunity to rent darkroom at discounted rates
Studio spaces are awarded through periodic open calls as they become available. We operate a waiting list for short-term studios.
Due to sustained demand, we encourage prospective applicants to join the Backwater Artists Network in advance of studio applications to remain engaged with our programme and community.
Darkroom Membership
€45 per month
Darkroom Membership includes all Backwater Artists Network benefits, plus access to our dedicated photographic facilities:
- 24-hour access to heated darkroom
- Temperature-controlled water for processing and washing
- Two enlargers (35mm and medium format)
- Film drying unit
- 3-metre print processing sink
- Colour tray processing capability
- Secure materials storage
- Access to Digital Suite and hot desk
- 27” iMac with full Adobe suite
- Epson V750 scanner (35mm to 8×10 formats)
- Chemical disposal managed by Backwater Artists Group
Bursary Programme
Backwater Artists Group delivers a dedicated Bursary Programme, supporting graduates and emerging artists through:
- Ciarán Langford Memorial Bursary Award
- Moving Image Bursary Award
- Backwater Studios Graduate Residency Awards
- Backwater Artists Network Awards