Call for Sligo artists to apply for the Connecting Artists 2025 Programme

The Connecting Artists Programme selects ten artists from across the island of Ireland each year to participate in a transformative 10-week online course. The programme provides a nurturing, professional, and inclusive environment, culminating in a prestigious exhibition at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI).

Sligo has seen past participants in the programme, including Mark Buckley from Coolbock, Riverstown, and Bradley Farrell from Cranmore, who took part in the 2023 and 2024 programmes, respectively.

Participants will receive mentorship, attend online workshops, engage in demonstrations, and collaborate in peer discussions—all tailored to boost their artistic skills and professional confidence. The programme is focused on artists working in 2D mediums such as painting, drawing, and collage.

Miriam Spollen, founder of Connections Arts Centre and creator of the programme, says, "Our mission through the Connecting Artists Programme is to support adult artists who face challenges in accessing formal and informal art education. Since its inception three years ago, the programme has supported 30 artists with paid opportunities, including workshops, talks, and sales of their artwork. Individual art sales have reached a value of €14,130 a testament to the programme's impact and reach."

How to Apply

Interested artists are encouraged to visit www.connectionsartscentre.ie to review the application guidelines and eligibility criteria. The programme is open to artists from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.