It’s not an easy job to pursue.

For those navigating the often precarious early stages of a career in the visual arts, a timely boost can prove invaluable.

Now Cork County Council is stepping in to offer just that, with a call for applications to its Emerging Visual Artist Award.

The initiative aims to provide crucial support to artists embarking on their professional journey, offering not only €3,000 in financial assistance but also a significant platform to showcase their work.

Now in its second year, the award, administered by the Council’s Arts Office, promises one fortunate artist a financial bursary alongside the coveted opportunity of a solo exhibition at Cork County Council’s own LHQ Gallery in the County Library on Carrigrohane Road.

How can I find out more? 

The inaugural award went to Isabel English, a visual artist and educator who is from Charleville. Her work consisting of sculpture, text and photography will be exhibited at the LHQ Gallery this autumn.

To be eligible, applicants should be at the early stage of their career, regardless of age, have created and exhibited an original body of work and can demonstrate a commitment to developing their career as a professional artist. Eligible artists must currently live in Cork County or be originally from Cork County (as defined by the current county administrative boundary) but now live elsewhere.

Successful applicants will receive a solo exhibition at LHQ Gallery in 2026 with a bursary award of €3,000 to support the production of the work. Cork County Council’s Arts Office will also provide professional curatorial support as part of the development process, with the opportunity for the successful applicant to also receive professional mentorship.

Full guidelines and an application form can be found here and the closing date for applications is Friday, May 30th, 2025.