Studio 12
Studio 12 is an experimental exhibition and project space that supports our member artists at pivotal stages in the development of their art practices and careers.
It facilitates the development, production and presentation of ambitious, innovative new work, whilst maintaining a flexible approach to exhibition making.
As a test space, Studio 12 provides opportunities to trial new ideas, experiment with work, and receive feedback from peers and the public.
Each year, we advertise an annual open call to our member artists for up to 4-5 exhibitions and 1-2 project residencies.
What We Do
- Provide participating artists with exhibition-making supports, including artist fees, technical support, media promotion, professional documentation, and commissioned exhibition texts.
- Foster discussion, peer exchange, and critical dialogue around contemporary art practice.
- Support emerging artists and curators in Ireland through dedicated graduate and emerging curator programmes.
- Provide opportunities for art writers through commissioned exhibition texts.
- Create meaningful engagement opportunities for artists, peer organisations, local communities, and audiences interested in contemporary art practice.
- Develop partnerships with galleries, curators, arts professionals, festivals, universities, and arts organisations to support programme delivery.
- Widen access to and engagement with contemporary art.
Paperwork exhibition by Tom Doig, Studio 12, 1 May – 5 June 2026
Artists Talk by Peter Nash as part of Visual Archive Project Residency, Studio 12, January 2025
Artistic Programme
Each year, Studio 12 presents:
- 7-8 solo or group exhibitions
- 1-2 artist-led projects/residencies
- 2 solo graduate exhibitions through our Bursary Programme
- 1 Emerging Curator Award exhibition
Public Engagement Programme
Alongside each exhibition and project, Studio 12 presents:
- Artist Talks
- Workshops
- In-conversation events
- Panel Discussions
- The Studio 12 Podcast
These events provide opportunities for engagement with the local arts community and wider public, while promoting the work of participating artists.
Studio 12 Testimonials
Studio 12 is a fantastic facility and a rarity as an arts space for exploration, play and experimental showcases. I’ve had the pleasure of being involved in a number of recent projects, exhibitions and residencies in Studio 12 and the mix of freedom and support provided by Backwater staff when working there is unparalleled….you are encouraged to explore the process of your making/thinking without the pressure to deliver finished or sellable works at the end. It’s truly a unique space and one which I highly recommend applying for!
Nic Flannagan
Backwater’s commitment to paying artists properly is ..hugely important. They are, in my opinion, leaders in this area, especially in Cork, ensuring that artists are respected and fairly compensated for their work. The professional documentation of exhibitions, including high- quality photography and commissioned critical writing strengthens the support offered, providing artists with important material for future opportunities.
Lynn-Marie Dennehy
The Studio 12 exhibition/project space is ..hugely valuable. It’s a really unique space, a place where artists have the opportunity to experiment, and test out new ideas outside the studio, but without the pressures of putting on a public exhibition. Spaces like this are becoming very scarce and harder to find.
Studio 12 as an art lab space in the Cork local art ecology has been a pivotal public site for artists to showcase new work through exhibitions while also as a residency space to trial work for larger exhibition displays in other galleries and exhibition sites for my practice and also for others within the studio group.
Padraig Spillane
Visit Studio 12
- Backwater Artists Group 1st Floor, Wandesford Quay Cork Ireland T12 E26D
- Tuesday – Fridays 10am – 5pm