Darkroom
Backwater Artists Group opened its dedicated darkroom facility in 2018. Initiated and developed by studio member and photographer Darn Thorn, the facility was created to support lens-based artists within the organisation and to address the shortage of darkroom facilities in Cork City.
Darkroom Facilities
- All necessary equipment for film and print processing.
- Bessler black and white enlarger for 35mm and 6×6
- LPL colour enlarger for 35mm, 6×45, 6×6 and 6×7 film formats
- Ilford Film Drying cabinet
- Filtered and heated water for processing and washing
- Two print processing sinks
- Capacity for printing up to 20” x 24” prints
- Dedicated storage shelf assigned for each member
- Access to Backwater Equipment Loans including Bronica etbrs 6×45 and Pentax 35mm cameras.
- Waste chemical storage for black and white chemistry
- Members are required to provide their own materials and chemistry
Shared Facilities
Darkroom Members also have access to:
- Digital Suite with 27-inch iMac, Epson V750 flatbed scanner and full Adobe and Microsoft software suites
- Woodworking facilities (including mitre press and underpinner)
- Studio 12 exhibition space
- Members Development Programme
Studio Membership Structure
- Darkroom Memberships are limited to 9 members at a time.
- Licences are granted for a term of 1 year.
- 24/7 access to the facilities are based on a fair usage policy, of two 6 hours sessions per week, scheduled in advance via an online booking system.
- Access to additional facilities such as the digital suite are on a hot desk first come basis.
Darkroom Fees
€45 per month
Eligibility
It is expected that artists applying for our memberships are professional artists. To establish your eligibility for this opportunity, please indicate to us that you can satisfy at least three of the following criteria.
- You have had a solo exhibition or event in an established contemporary art gallery or exhibition venue.
- You have been selected for participation in an exhibition or other visual arts event by a panel of qualified jurors, other professional artist(s) or professional curator(s) of artwork.
- You hold a degree or diploma from a reputable art college.
- You have sold work (whether by commission or otherwise) to a government department, local or statutory body, museum open to the public, established corporate collector or other major body or institution.
- You have been awarded a bursary, residency, prize or grant by the Arts Council or other art funding body.
- You have had work critically acclaimed by a published art writer or critic.
- You have been awarded tax exemption status by the Revenue commissioners, or are on Schedule D as self-employed artist in Northern Ireland
Additionally darkroom members must be able to demonstrate relevant darkroom experience and competency regarding health and safety and best darkroom practices.
Application Process
Darkroom membership applications are via completion of our darkroom application form. Applications are assessed by the Darkroom Administrator and Studio Director. Successful applications are then invited for and interview to assess suitable darkroom experience and health and safety considerations. Successful applicants must then complete a full induction to the space by the Darkroom administrator.
How to Apply
To apply for Darkroom membership, please contact Darkroom Manager, Séan Daly at
Applicants are required to submit the following as a single PDF:
- Completed Application Form with your Artist statement and bio
- Artist CV (max 2 pages)
- Portfolio (Up to 10 good quality images clearly captioned to include Title, Medium, Dimensions, Year)
- Any additional requested materials (eg: video links, written reviews)
Applications are assessed by a selection panel.
For any enquiries or to request an application form, please contact Darkoom Administrator Seán Daly at darkroom@backwaterartists.ie