Presented by Gorey School of Art in partnership with Wexford County Council Arts Office

Artist Supports

Creative and Professional Development Workshops for Artists/ July – November 2025

1. Writing About Your Art Practice (for Visual Artists)
Tutor: James Merrigan
Format: 2-Day Workshop
Date: Sunday 13 July; Sunday 3 August: 11am-3pm
FREE

This free two-part workshop, with a break between, is a good grounding for our “Writing funding applications” workshop. It equips visual artists with the conceptual and verbal tools to write effectively, creatively and honestly about their work. Emphasis will be placed on the different tones and textures of writing on your art, while also focusing on how to verbally position your work within the Irish and international art landscape. 

Focus areas:
– Artist profiles and personal statements
– Contextual positioning: biographical, environmental, psychological, political, social, ethical, market, art historical contexts


2. Writing Funding Applications
Tutor: James Merrigan
Format: Evening Workshop
Date: Wednesday 13 August: 6.30-8.30pm
FREE

Building on the “Writing About Your Art Practice” workshop, this workshop offers practical guidance on developing compelling funding applications.

Focus areas:
– Artist statements and summaries
– Using AI without losing your artistic identity
– Budgeting and documentation
– Editing for word counts and language precision
– Mapping practice to funding objectives
– Building networks and securing support letters
Suitable for artists across all disciplines.


3. Photographing Your Artwork
Tutor: Simon Bates 
Format: 1-Day Workshop
Date: 12 July, 11-4pm 
FREE

Using our gallery space, and accessible and affordable technology, this is a practical, hands-on workshop designed to teach artists how to professionally photograph their work for online portfolios, submissions, and exhibitions. 
 

Focus areas: 

—Understanding Light: Harnessing natural light and simple setups to capture accurate colours, and banish glare

—Essential Equipment: Making the most of what you have (even your smartphone!) and what basic tools can elevate your shots

—Flawless Flat Art: Techniques for perfectly documenting paintings, drawings, and prints

—Dynamic 3D Pieces: Strategies for lighting and composing sculptures, ceramics, and textiles to show depth and detail

—Basic Post-Processing: Essential digital edits to refine your images, from cropping to colour correction.

Suitable for artists across all disciplines.


4. Mentoring Sessions
Facilitators: James Merrigan, Ciara Roche, Emma Roche, Marks Swords
Format: 3 in-person sessions; 2 recorded video feedbacks
Duration: August to November
Dates: 31 August; 19 October; 30 November: 11am-4pm
Location: Gorey School of Art
FREE

This year we are seeking applications from practitioners in any area of practice (painting, sculpture, performance, moving image, expanded practice etc.) that wish to engage in the critical development of their practice. Selected artists will participate in three in-person critiques held at GSA and receive two recorded video feedbacks between August and November 2025. Led by artist and art critic, James Merrigan, alongside a guest artist each session, this is a free opportunity to discuss depths of your art and art-making in a group setting of your peers.

*Please visit our website (gsa.ie) upload 1 image that defines your art practice and no more than 100 words that explains the reasons why this workshop is pivotal to your art practice at this place and time. 

Focus Areas:
– Presentation skills
– Critical and analytical thinking
– Networking and collaboration
– Artistic development and idea generation