Westmeath Artists Award 2024

posted: Aug 31

Westmeath Artists Support Award is a collaboration between Luan Gallery and Westmeath Arts Office to celebrate, showcase, and support the development of Westmeath visual artists’ practices and careers. It is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland.

Luan Gallery invites submissions from professional practicing visual artists residing in or originally from Westmeath (proof of Westmeath residence or being from Westmeath initially will be required) who represent the diversity of Westmeath’s artistic community, working in any medium to submit 2D and/or 3D artwork for consideration of this Award and inclusion in a group exhibition, which will take place from December 2024 to early February 2025.

The Award is open to people over 18. Full-time third-level students and those employed in Westmeath Local Authority/Athlone Arts & Tourism are not eligible. Previous award winners will be excluded from consideration for the overall award. Applicants must only submit examples of visual art. Due to the nature of the award, design and craft-based practice cannot be considered.

The exhibition will present work from the county’s professional practicing visual artists selected by guest curator Benjamin Stafford, Visual Arts Curator, and Visual Carlow.

Each exhibiting artist will receive a stipend of €500. Additionally, each exhibiting artist will be considered for a professional development award which will be announced at the opening of the group exhibition in early December.

Luan Gallery Visual Arts Development Award –

Overall Award

I. A monetary award of €1,500

II. An exhibition slot in Luan Gallery exhibition’s programme (within 24 months from the end date of the group exhibition). Terms and conditions will apply.

III. A residency of 3 months in Abbey Road Artists’ Studios (to commence within 12 months from the end date of the group exhibition). Terms and conditions will apply.

IV. A studio visit and mentorship session with the guest curator.

V. An opportunity to feature in a video clip/podcast highlighting their artwork and practice published on Luan Gallery’s website and social channels.

VI. A profile on Luan Gallery’s website and social channels.

In addition to an overall Award, up to a maximum of three artists will be shortlisted and receive a studio visit by the guest curator.

Westmeath Artists Award 2024 Selection Process

Consideration will be made according to the following criteria:

• A completed online application form with all required information submitted.

• Qualifying artists must be professional practicing visual artists residing in or originally from Westmeath (proof of Westmeath residence or being from Westmeath initially will be required). Full-time students and those employed in Westmeath Local Authority/Athlone Arts & Tourism are not eligible. Previous award winners will be excluded from consideration for the overall award.

• Quality of work

• Quality of submission. The work will be judged based on the information provided—images, description, statement, video links, etc. Only JPEG images will be accepted. Please ensure the photos are of good quality and are clearly titled. Thumbnails are not suitable.

• Availability of work: all work submitted for consideration must be completed and not in progress.

• Submissions of 2D and 3D works that are not design and craft based are welcomed, but please be mindful that this is a group exhibition and large-scale works are complex to hang and may take up too much space.
• A maximum of 3 works may be submitted for consideration. Work previously shown in Luan Gallery is not eligible.
• The following information will be required:

• An artist’s statement that tells us about your practice (max 250 words)
• CV (2 page max)
• Bio (120 words max)
• Details of each work proposed to include
• A concise statement that tells us about each work you are proposing (250 words max per artwork)
• Up to 4 images per work (must include title; the material/medium; the dimensions/duration; the date of production, and also information on where the work has been shown, if applicable, details about its installation, technical and accessibility requirements (250 words per work+ 4 photos max per work).
• Up to 2 web links to video/sound works can be sent (YouTube or Vimeo). Extracts should be no longer than 10 minutes. If works are sent in full, please suggest a 10-minute excerpt to watch. Include passwords for any private videos.

• Luan Gallery reserves the right to use the images provided or details from the images to promote the exhibition. Luan Gallery will respect the original work and reserve this right based on the need to use the imagery across multiple platforms.
• Luan Gallery will not accept applications made in person.
• The selector’s decision is final. Only selected work will be exhibited.
• Due to the high level of submissions, feedback will not be provided on individual submissions.
• Successful applicants must deliver the selected work to Luan Gallery between 16th and 21st November 2024.