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ÍOMHÁ – Open Art Exhibition

An invitation to participate in an Irish Open Art Exhibition

Theme: Aistear (Journey)

Open to UK-based Irish Artists and those of Irish Heritage.

To mark the 30th Anniversary of the Irish Cultural Centre (ICC), we are thrilled to invite submissions for ÍOMHÁ, an Irish Open Art Exhibition exploring the theme of Aistear (Irish for “Journey”).

The ICC has a long-standing reputation as a prestigious gallery space, having exhibited the work of many of Ireland’s most acclaimed contemporary artists and photographers over the years. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to join a lineage of celebrated Irish visual art presented at the Centre.

Open to UK-based Irish artists and those of Irish heritage, ÍOMHÁ will celebrate personal, political, and imaginative interpretations of journey through painting and wall-mounted art.

The exhibition will be on display at the ICC from Friday 26th September 2025 until Sunday 12th January 2026, with a Private View on Thursday 25th September.

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Fri 26 September 2025

Submission (per work): £10

Apply Here

Submission Timeline

Stage 1: Digital Submissions

Applications are now closed

All artists must complete the official submission form.

You will be asked to upload:

  • A digital image of each artwork (£10 per artwork)

  • Title, dimensions, medium, and brief description for each artwork

  • A short artist biography

  • Contact details (name, address, mobile number, email)

Application Fee: £10 per work submitted
(Payment details are included in the Google Form)

Selection Notification:

As we extended the deadline to allow more artists to apply, and with the high volume of entries, our timeline has changed.

We will also no longer be shortlisting – all entries will be considered for the Final Selection.

Applicants will now be notified if they have been selected on: Monday 25 August 2025.

Stage 2: Delivery of Shortlisted Works

Delivery dates to the ICC:
08 –13 September 2025 (9am-5pm) for final selection candidates only.

All artwork must be clearly labelled on the reverse with:

  • Artist name

  • Title

  • Dimensions

  • Medium

  • Contact information

Artists are responsible for the delivery and collection of their work.
The ICC cannot arrange return delivery or store uncollected artworks.

Final Selection Notification:
Artists will be informed of the Final Selection by Mon 25 August 2025

Judging Panel

All works will be judged anonymously by a panel of respected Irish art professionals:

  • Jonathan O’Dea – Artist and Curator

  • Barbara Stanley – Irish Art Curator

  • Maura Gartland – Irish Artist

  • Joe Duggan – Artist and Curator (TBC – final panel may proceed with three judges)

Artwork Guidelines

  • Only 2D, wall-mounted artworks will be accepted.

  • Sculpture and photography are not eligible on this occasion.

  • All artworks must be ready to hang, with secure hooks and cord.

  • Lightweight works may use Command Strips.

  • If framed, works must be secure and lightweight — no heavy frames or glass.

Indicative display sizes and spaces available:

  • Up to 5 small canvases in the foyer windows (max 60–80cm wide)

  • 1 small/medium piece for the large foyer window (max 108cm wide)

  • 6 small or 4 large works in the corridor

  • 7–8 large or 6 extra-large works in the Main Hall (measurements TBC)

  • 3 pillars in the foyer (max widths: 45cm and 70cm)

 

Sales & Commission

  • Artists may offer their exhibited works for sale.

  • The ICC will handle all sales and take a 10% commission.

  • Please indicate on your submission whether the work is for sale and state the price clearly.

We look forward to seeing your creative responses to the theme of Astear and to showcasing the incredible talent within the Irish artistic community across the UK.

For any queries, please contact:
📧 [email protected]

Apply Here