This exhibition and awards support and platform the future of visual art in Ireland. This is a non-ticketed event, find out more here.

From the 23rd November 2024 to the 18th of January 2025 the general public have been invited to view the work of some of the best up and coming visual artists in the country, displayed at the RHA Gallery. This year, 10 exhibiting artists and recent graduates have undergone a meticulous selection process to get their work featured in the exhibition.

Chosen through a two-stage competitive process, these artists were initially longlisted from end-of-year degree shows across Ireland by a team of independent curators. The 120 longlisted artists submitted applications, which were then reviewed by a judging panel, narrowing the field down to 56 candidates before selecting the final 10 for the prestigious exhibition.

There’s a wide range of themes and subjects explored in this years exhibition. From Ava Lowry’s exploration of the human body and home from a queer, female-centric angle, to Heather Hughes investigation of disembodiment in digital interactions, and Fionn Timmins use of sculpture, video, and sound to explore Irish folklore and megalithic forms, the 2024 exhibition promises to be a diverse and fascinating artistic exploration of themes.

The RDS Visual Art Awards are one of the most significant sources of support for visual art graduates in Ireland. By offering substantial support to emerging talent, the awards bolster the country’s cultural scene. The awards provide essential funding, career-boosting exposure, and a high-profile exhibition with a total prize fund exceeding €40,000. This opportunity bridges the gap between education and professional practice, giving a career-changing lift to artists as they enter their professional careers.

This year’s curator, Colin Martin, has described the exhibition as “an exciting and dynamic exhibition that brings together the innovative and relevant art practices of an emerging generation of visual artists, where platform, practice and audience meet.”

This exhibition is open to everyone, and the wide range of young and exciting talent promises something for every attendee. To attend the free tour, visit here.