Westmeath Artists Award opens for entries

Luan Gallery is inviting Westmeath professional visual artists to submit applications for consideration for the Westmeath Artists Award 2025.

The Westmeath Artists Award is a collaboration between Luan Gallery and Westmeath Arts Office to celebrate, showcase, and support the development of Westmeath visual artists’ practices and careers, and strengthen Westmeath’s artistic community. The award is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland.

Luan Gallery is inviting submissions from professional practicing visual artists residing in or originally from Westmeath, working in any medium within the field of visual art, to submit work for consideration for inclusion in the Westmeath Artists Award Exhibition, which will take place from late November 2025 to early February 2026.

The Westmeath Artists Award Exhibition will feature work selected from the applications by guest curator Miguel Amado, Director of Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh, who said, “I am honoured to have been invited by Luan Gallery to serve as the selector for the 2025 Westmeath Artists’ Awards.

“It is exciting to be part of an initiative that supports the professional development of artists, which is a fundamental aspect of my current curatorial output. I have always been interested in art created outside cultural centres, as it has the potential to challenge established ideas and imagery.

“Engaging with practitioners from or based in County Westmeath is a fascinating and rewarding opportunity.”

Since its launch in 2022, the award has gained considerable popularity among the visual arts community and the wider public.

It offers a unique and valuable platform for practicing visual artists to present their work, gain exposure, and engage with curators and new audiences.

Carmel Duffy, Manager of Luan Gallery, said: “By combining resources, expertise, and a shared vision for the future of the arts, this partnership demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering the visual arts at a local level.

“The award not only highlights the diversity and richness 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.

“It is through initiatives like this that we continue to build a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable arts ecosystem in Westmeath.”

Each exhibiting artist will receive a fee of €500. Each exhibiting artist will be considered for the Westmeath Artists Award, and one artist, selected by the guest curator, will be awarded the overall Westmeath Artists Award which comprises a solo exhibition in Luan Gallery, a bursary of €1,500, a residency in Abbey Road Artists’ Studios, a studio visit with the guest curator, and other networking and PR opportunities.

In addition, up to three artists will be shortlisted to receive a studio visit from the guest curator.

Laura McCormack, Acting Arts Officer for County Westmeath said: “The Westmeath Artists Award offers local artists the hugely valuable opportunity to exhibit their work in the award-winning Luan Gallery, and feature in its dynamic annual programme of contemporary Irish and international art. The award has, for several years, showcased the very best of Westmeath’s visual art. We are looking forward to seeing the selected works on display this December as we continue to celebrate local talent.”

All eligible artists must submit a completed application accessible on the www.athloneartsandtourism.ie website no later than 12pm on Wednesday, October 1.

For further information on the application process, visit www.athloneartsandtourism.ie or contact Luan Gallery on: 090 6442154 or email: info@luangallery.ie.