Call for Wicklow creatives to take part in Connecting Artists 2025

This national programme is designed to support artists who face barriers in accessing traditional art education and resources, helping them advance their creative practice, exhibit, and sell their work.

The Connecting Artists Programme selects 10 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).

Wicklow has seen past participants in the programme, including Joe Hallam from Enniskerry and Brian Kennedy from Kilcoole, who took part in the 2024 programme.

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.

Connections Arts Centre founder Miriam Spollen, creator of the programme, said: "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."

Interested artists are encouraged to visit connectionsartscentre.ie to review the application guidelines and eligibility criteria. The application closing date is Friday, January 3, 2025 and the programme will start in March 2025.