Visual Artists Ireland

Visual Artists Ireland is the Representative Body for visual artists in Ireland. We provide practical support to visual artists in all art forms throughout their careers. Evidence of our deep engagement is provided daily through our services which include: Advocacy; Advice; Membership Services; Life Long Learning; and News Provision. Recent research shows that we are in contact with over 80% of Ireland’s visual artists on a weekly basis. Our confidential Help Desk is available to all visual artists and is supported by industry specialists working in law, finance, or mediation. We extend our work and consultation services to organisations and companies working within the cultural sector. We monitor policies and take on the key issues that concern professional artists in relation to their status, rights and careers. VAI research has identified: Isolation; a Need for Support; and a Need for Information as the three primary areas of concern for visual artists. Each of these impact areas are directly referenced by a range of services which are clearly directed towards our vision statement “We dare to dream of a time when artists will live in a world of opportunities.” We are firmly connected with visual artists, organisations, and government bodies. Through our day to day interactions and research we are strongly committed to the removal of a sense of isolation; the provision of support; and the circulation of information as our core response to the needs of visual artists in all parts of the island of Ireland. We are grateful to the Arts Council and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for their continued funding. In addition we self-generate income from memberships, advertising in our 6 times yearly newspaper, and by undertaking consultancy assignments advising organisations on visual arts strategies and delivering per cent for art and other forms of commissioning projects. These are underpinned by our experience in best practice and compliance.