Súil

Exhibition and Event Open Call Application Guidelines 2025

Súil, Causeway Link, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 DKP5

Exhibitions

Súil seeks exhibition proposals from professional artists, either independent or as a group, to be realised from spring/summer of 2025. Exhibitions are expected to range from 4-8 weeks. Applicants will receive a stipend proportional to the size/scope of the exhibition.

Events

Súil seeks event/workshop/performance proposals from professional artists, either independent or as a group, to be realised throughout 2025. Applicants will receive a stipend proportional to the size/scope of event.

About Súil

Súil is the first municipal gallery in County Clare and is the result of years of consultation, design and development. Súil offers a purpose built, professionally curated and managed space in the heart of Clare.

The new gallery will provide the people of Clare, surrounding counties and tourists, with access to professional, contemporary art exhibitions and events. It will also act as an additional resource in the realisation of national and local initiatives including, Bealtaine, Cruinniú na nÓg and Culture night as well as projects and programmes initiated by Clare Arts Office.

Technical Specifications

It is recommended to attend the gallery during opening hours, to see the space in person.

Full details of the floor plan and lighting system can be found on Clarearts.ie

Available gallery equipment includes:

• Projector – Epson EB-PU1008W

• Projection Screen

• Movable Wall System Panels x 4

• Portable digital screens x 3

• External enclosed courtyard

• Loading bay for large works/installation

• Floor power sockets x 9

• Point of sale

• Reception desk

Eligibility

• Applicants must be professional creative practitioners

• Hold a degree or diploma from a recognized educational institution or have equivalent professional experience.

• Applicants in full time education will not be considered.

Application

Submission

Deadline for receipt of applications is 4pm Friday 28th February 2025.

Applications must be submitted online through the Clare County Council Your Say Platform. Applicants should ensure they submit in plenty of time. Questions regarding the application should be sent to suil@clarecoco.ie with the subject line “Súil Open Call”

Applications must be fully completed and submitted before the stated deadline of 4pm Friday 28th February 2025. No Late applications can be accepted.

Requested supporting material must be submitted with the application.

If you require additional assistance to make the application more accessible, don’t hesitate to contact us. Email suil@clarecoco.ie with the subject line “Súil Open Call Access”. We would be happy to assist you.

Assessment of applications

All applications are assessed by a panel which includes members of the Arts Office team and external assessors. Applicants will only be assessed on the content of their application. Do not assume assessors are familiar with your practice.

The Arts Office team will not be available for meetings with applicants while the application process is live, but are happy to address any queries regarding the application process. Contact suil@clarecoco.ie for any queries.

Canvassing will automatically disqualify an applicant.

Exhibition Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on the criteria outlined below and marked out of 100. Applications that do not meet the minimum qualifying mark of 70 will not be considered.

A. Creative Practice (60)

Quality of previous artistic work demonstrated in the supporting materials

Quality of proposed artistic work

B. Professional Practice (20)

Potential impact on individual’s professional development

Experience to date

C. Engagement (20)

Quality of proposed public engagement

Event Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on the criteria outlined below and marked out of 100. Applications that do not meet the minimum qualifying mark of 70 will not be considered.

A. Creative Practice (20)

Quality of previous artistic work demonstrated in the supporting materials

Quality of proposed artistic work

B. Professional Practice (20)

Experience to date

C. Engagement (60)

Quality of proposed public engagement

Inclusivity

Essential supporting documents

• Artists C.V. – Submitted as one PDF

• Examples of previous work (max 10 images/ you tube links etc) - Submitted as one PDF

• Proposed Artworks/Exhibition – E.g. Sketches, mood board etc. These do not need to be final and can change as your practice develops. – Submitted as one PDF

Terms and Conditions of Acceptance

• Artists who wish to work with children must provide Clare Arts Office with a copy of their child safeguarding policy. Training and sample policies are available at Tusla.ie

• Súil charges 30% commission on sales

Freedom of Information

Clare County Council proposes that the following information relating to this open call application be made available on request:

Name of the successful applicants.

Clare County Council undertakes to use its best endeavours to hold confidential, information provided by applicants subject to its obligations under law, including the Freedom of Information Act 2014. Applicants are requested to consider if any of the information supplied should not be disclosed because of its sensitivity. If this is the case, candidates should, when providing the information is not identified as sensitive and Clare County Council upon consideration does not deem it sensitive, then such information is liable to be released in response to a Freedom of Information request without further consultation with the applicants. Clare County Council will consult with any candidates about sensitive information before making a decision on any Freedom of Information Act request received.