Wexford County Council Arts Department and Wexford Arts Centre in partnership with South East Technological University (SETU) are pleased to announce a call for applications for the EMERGENCE Visual Art Award 2025.
 
The deadline for receipt of email submissions: 4.00pm, Thursday 12th June, 2025.
 
The term ‘emergence’ connects to the central purpose of this award which is to support visual artists with the development and promotion of their practice. The award is open to artists of any age with a third level visual arts education and three years of post-graduate experience or the equivalent in self-guided practice.

This award is presented biannually to one visual artist based in Ireland. It has a monetary value of €15,000 and includes an additional €2,000 for mentorship support over the two-year timeframe. In addition, the award includes a solo exhibition at Wexford Arts Centre in September 2027 working with Curator Catherine Bowe.
 
Notably, the award is aimed at artists at the earlier stages of their careers or those re-engaging in their practice after a period of time or absence. However, we welcome interest from artists who may have previously created and publicly presented a modest body of independent works and are eager to progress in their professional and creative development. In addition, artists who demonstrate innovative experimentation in their practice are encouraged to apply.
 
Facilitated by Wexford Arts Centre, the award winner will have the opportunity to link with the Art and Design Campus of South East Technological University and will be encouraged to develop connections over the period of the award. As part of this partnership, SETU will offer the award winner self-directed opportunities to engage with the staff and students and also avail of practical resources such as studio space and access to equipment for a period. The artist will have the opportunity to potentially collaborate with students or staff to realize their work in a mutually beneficial research or production capacity and partake in the Visiting Lecture Series.
 
Applicants are asked to make a clear case of why the award would be of value to their practice and professional development at this time, and how it will enable them to progress to the next stage in their career. Proposals should be for new work and where appropriate, be site-specific. Applicants should also consider the context of Wexford County and how they might engage with SETU, Wexford in their proposal. 

Emma Roche, LOOP, Wexford Arts Centre, 2023.