ARTWORKS
Artworks is the annual open call exhibition realised by Carlow Arts Festival and VISUAL.
Kate O'Shea, Mycelium, Artworks 2026, VISUAL & Carlow Arts Festival, Credit: Patrick Bramley
Artworks is the annual open call exhibition realised by Carlow Arts Festival and VISUAL.
Each year, Carlow Arts Festival and VISUAL partner on an open call encouraging visual artists of all disciplines to apply.
In 2026, 429 artists applied, and 24 artists were selected by a panel consisting of staff from Carlow Arts Festival and VISUAL, with one external panellist.
In 2026, five bursaries of €1000 each have been awarded to artists selected from the Artworks exhibition. These awards are intended to support the continued development of their practices and to recognise the exceptional quality and promise demonstrated in their work.
The recipients of the Artworks Award 2026 are: Caoilfhinn Hanton, Oisín Tozer, Steven Maybury, Leah Hilliard and the joint practice of Anne Marie Deacy and Rachel Doolin.
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H.O.M.E
Co-commissioned by Carlow Arts Festival, Cairde Sligo Arts Festival, and Earagail Arts Festival with support from Irish Aerial Creation Centre
Róisín Whelan
Carlow-based choreographer and dance artist, Róisín Whelan, is supported by Carlow Arts Festival in the development and delivery of new work.
Barry Fitzgerald
Carlow Arts Festival supported Barry Fitzgerald in the development and presentation of Mourning is a Muscle