Become A Member
Backwater Artists Group supports visual artists at all stages of their careers by providing high-quality studio facilities, a structured professional development programme and exhibition opportunities in the heart of Cork City. Established by artists for artists, Backwater fosters a supportive peer community centred on shared learning and exchange, to enable members to sustain, advance and develop their professional artistic practices.
We offer three membership options: Studio, Darkroom and the Backwater Artists Network (Basic and Plus). All memberships provide access to our professional development programme and exhibition opportunities. Studio and Darkroom memberships also include use of dedicated facilities. Further details on each membership type are outlined below.
Memberships are accessed through an application process. We welcome new members through periodic open calls, as well as ongoing recruitment for selected membership types.
Backwater Artists Network
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 and to have a supportive peer network.
We offer two Network Membership options – Basic and Plus.
Network Membership Basic
€100 per year
This membership is particularly suited to those interested in exhibition and residency opportunities, with the flexibility to selectively attend workshops that support their personal and professional development.
Network Membership Plus
€150 per year
This membership is suited to artists who would also like access to our open call opportunities plus full access to our programme of workshops and various sessions, including curator visits, our professional development series, peer engagement and skill sharing series.
Details of our network membership plans can be found here.
For enquiries about the network or to request an application form please contact, Studio Manager, Elize de Beer at elize@backwaterartists.ie
Studio Membership
€161 per month (single occupancy)
€170 per month (shared studio)
There are 28 studios in total, comprising 6 sculpture studios and 22 painting/mixed media studios.
We Offer:
Short-term Studios (3-6 months)
Long Term Studios (4,8 and 12 Year)
Studio Membership includes all Backwater Artists Network Plus benefits, plus:
- High quality studio with 24 hour access (utilities included)
- Access to Backwater facilities and equipment (Studio 12, Woodwork Area, Digital Suite)
- Opportunity to rent darkroom at discounted rates
All studio memberships are assessed via an application process.
We continuously accept applications for Short-Term Studio space and operate on a waiting list system as studios become available.
Long Term Studio spaces are awarded through periodic open calls as they become available. Sign up to our mailing list to hear when these open calls take place.
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.
For enquiries about the studios or to request an application form please contact, Studio Manager, Elize de Beer at elize@backwaterartists.ie
Darkroom Membership
€45 per month
Darkroom Membership includes all Backwater Artists Network Plus benefits, plus access to our dedicated photographic facilities:
- 24-hour access to darkroom facilities
- Temperature-controlled water for processing and washing
- Two enlargers for black and white and colour processes
- Film processing equipment and drying unit
- 3-metre print processing sink
- Secure materials storage
- Access to analogue camera equipment loan
- Access to Digital Suite, which includes
- 27” iMac with full Adobe suite
- Epson V750 film scanner (35mm to 8×10 formats)
- Black and white chemical disposal managed by Backwater Artists Group
For enquiries about the darkroom or to request an application form please contact, Darkroom Manager, Séan Daly at darkroom@backwaterartists.ie
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