Luan Gallery invites submissions ahead of Westmeath Artists Award

Entries are now open for submission of artworks for the Westmeath Artists Award. The award is a collaboration between Luan Gallery and the Westmeath Arts Office, and celebrates, showcases, and supports the development of Westmeath's professional visual artists’ practices and careers.

Luan Gallery invites submissions from professional practicing visual artists who live in, work in or are originally from Westmeath. Submissions of 2D and 3D works (excluding craft/design-based works) will be considered for this award and inclusion in the Westmeath Artists Award Group Exhibition, which will take place from November 28, to February 1, 2027.

It is to be noted that full-time students and those employed in the public sector or by Athlone Arts and Tourism are not eligible. The deadline for receipt of applications is Wednesday, September 30, 5pm.

The Westmeath Artists Award Exhibition will feature work selected from the applications by guest selector Eamonn Maxwell, a curator and arts advisor with more than 20 years of experience shaping contemporary art. On his role Eamonn said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to serve as guest curator for the Westmeath Artists Award 2026 and really look forward to seeing the submitted works, which I know will be wonderful.”

The award strengthens Westmeath’s artistic community with funding support from the Arts Council. Since its launch in 2022, the Award has gained considerable popularity among the visual arts community and the wider public.

Each exhibiting artist will receive a sum of €500 and will be considered for the Westmeath Artists Award. One artist, selected by the guest curator, will be awarded the Westmeath Artists Award prize, which includes a solo exhibition in Luan Gallery, a bursary of €1,500, a residency in Abbey Road Artists’ Studios, a studio visit and mentorship session with the guest curator, and further networking and professional development opportunities.

Carmel Duffy, Manager of Luan Gallery, said: “The Award showcases the diversity and quality of artistic talent in the county but also plays a key role in encouraging emerging voices and supporting practising visual artists at various stages of their careers.

“We are proud of the impact this initiative has had to date and remain committed to its continued success, and we look forward to uncovering more outstanding and emerging talents. It is through initiatives like this that we continue to build a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable arts ecosystem in Westmeath.”

All eligible artists must submit a completed application accessible on the Luan Gallery website no later than 5pm on September 30. For further information on the application process, visit https://luangallery.ie/news/ or contact Luan Gallery on 090 6442154 or info@luangallery.ie.