Network

Backwater Artists Network

Backwater Artists Network (BAN) is a membership initiative supporting visual artists working outside of the studio complex. It provides structured professional development, peer exchange and exhibition opportunities within an established artist-led organisation in Cork City.

BAN membership is open to artists at all stages of their practice.

What Is Included

Network Members have access to opportunities within the Members Programme and Artistic Programme, including:

Exhibition & Residency Opportunities
  • Studio 12 exhibition and residency programme
  • The Long Space exhibition programme
  • Annual members’ group exhibitions (in-house and off-site)
  • BAN 6-month project residency (€80 per month)
Professional Development Series
  • Curator Visits
  • Professional Development Workshops
  • Artists Talks
  • Feedback Sessions
  • Grant Clinics
Peer Engagement & Skill Sharing Series
  • Skill Sharing Workshops
  • Peer Critique Sessions
  • Members Presentations
  • Early Career Peer Group
  • Monthly Member Meet Ups
Promotion & Communication
  • Website and social media promotion
  • Exclusive BAN email list
  • Monthly Backwater Artists Group e-newsletter

BAN supports are also available to Studio and Darkroom Members.

Membership Fee

€100 per year

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

How to Apply

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 Studio Manager Elize de Beer at elize@backwaterartists.ie

I recently joined the Backwater Artists Network as I was seeking structured professional development support that had been missing from my practice. The combination of curatorial programming, members meet-ups and guidance with applications is already helping to further professionalise my practice while expanding professional connections. For me, Backwater offers not only resources, but also critical dialogue and tangible pathways for sustained artistic growth.
 
Evgeniya Martirosyan

As a sole practitioner working from a home studio, the network has given me access to a much wider artist community than I had ever imagined. Network members can avail of most of the services and events organised by BAG including talks, exhibitions, studio residency, workshops, curator visits, group trips (to eg EVA, Butler gallery ) e-bulletins and social media PR, organised by Elaine and staff. I availed of a 6-month studio residency at BAG which allowed me to experiment with very large scale work in a new medium, which I could not have done at home. This time was invaluable and steered my work in a new direction. For a very affordable annual fee, Backwater Artists Group provides a village in which every artist can thrive.
 
Oonagh Hurley

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