Ballyfermot Library Creative Hub Visual Arts Exhibition Commission

About this call

Dublin City Council's Creative Hubs programme, delivered by The Ark and curated by IMMA, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, invites submissions for its fifth Visual Arts Exhibition Commission. The selected artist or artists will create an exhibition for children, schools, and families to be located in Ballyfermot Library, Dublin, for approximately 10 weeks in April to June 2027. Commission proposals must provide children (under 12) with a quality experience of the visual arts; take the library setting and Ballyfermot location into account; respond to a general theme of nature and the natural world; and include a public component that gives children the opportunity to experience the artist's creative process, for example through a studio visit. The work must be innovative in its approach and utilise the resources of its surroundings. The commission award of 10,000 euros covers research and delivery of commissioned works. Technical support for installation will be provided by IMMA. IMMA will also lead an associated education and learning programme with primary school children and family audiences across the 10-week exhibition term. Applications are accepted via Submittable and must include a short proposal, a brief history of practice, and a broad outline of ideas for creating an accessible visual arts exhibition for children at Ballyfermot Library.

Who can apply

• The official call states no eligibility restriction
• Medium: Mixed Media / Installation
• Free entry
• Proposals must address children under 12 and families, responding to the theme of nature and the natural world. Applicants must submit a short proposal, a brief history of their work and the principles of their practice, and a broad outline of their idea for creating an accessible visual arts exhibition for children at Ballyfermot Library. Shortlisted candidates (up to five) will be asked to meet with Arts Office, Dublin City Libraries, The Ark, and IMMA representatives on October 29, 2026. Applications must be submitted via Submittable (https://dublincityartsoffice.submittable.com/); a free Submittable account is required. The successful artist will be expected to contribute to an education and learning programme managed by IMMA, which may involve a studio visit or field trip for school children before the exhibition opens. Assessment criteria: quality of visual arts experience for children (30%), understanding of library context (20%), engagement with target age group and education programme (30%), feasibility of R&D and delivery timeline (20%).