THREE X 3 CONTEMPORARY GLASS SPECIAL OPENING, FLOWERFIELD ARTS CENTRE

Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart will host the work of three mid-career artists whose common denominator is the material they have chosen to work with: glass. The exhibition in glass and light features large-format fused and cast wall pieces by Sean Campbell, lampworked mixed-media pedestal pieces by Andrea Spencer and Scott Benefield’s blown glass work using Italian cane techniques.

Three x 3: Contemporary Studio Glass runs from 3^rd to 31^st October 2011 with a special opening and artists' presentations on 8^th October 2011 from 1pm - 5pm.

W: www.flowerfield.org/news.php?id=205

T: (028) 7083 1400

CRAFT NI CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: DEADLINE EXTENDED

Craft NI is now inviting proposals for its annual selected exhibitions programme 2011-12, from craftspeople, designer-makers, curators, craft networks and retail outlets. Closing date has been extended to 4 April 2011.
The Craft NI gallery is a showcase platform for displays and exhibitions of quality contemporary craft. Through an annually selected exhibitions programme, Craft NI offers year round access to displays and exhibitions of quality contemporary craft in the centre of Belfast.
Please complete an application form and return to gail@craftni.org by 4 April 2011.

W: www.craftni.org/opportunities/call-for-makers-craft-nis-exhibition-programme/

CRAFT NI'S EXHIBITION PROGRAMME: CALL

Craft NI is now inviting proposals for its annual selected exhibitions programme 2011-12, from craftspeople, designer-makers, curators, craft networks and retail outlets. Closing date is 14 March 2011.
The Craft NI gallery is a showcase platform for displays and exhibitions of quality contemporary craft. Through an annually selected exhibitions programme, Craft NI offers year round access to displays and exhibitions of quality contemporary craft in the centre of Belfast.
Please complete an application form and return to gail@craftni.org by14 March 2011.

W: www.craftni.org/opportunities/call-for-makers-craft-nis-exhibition-programme/

SCULPTURAL GLASS EXHIBITION, WARING STREET, BELFAST

Belgian-born artist Pia Raeymaekers has been taking part in Craft NI's making it programme, and will be exhibiting some of her work from 14 March in Craft NI's gallery in the Cotton Court building on Belfast's Waring Street. For more information, visit:

W: www.craftni.org

www.piaraeymaekers.com

FROM EXPERIENCE SEMINAR, UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER

CraftNI, in partnership with the University of Ulster, are holding a seminar entitled "From Experience: creating objects, meanings, interests and interactions" at the University of Ulster, Belfast, from 3 - 5 March. The seminar consists of specialised workshops with selected participants and two conference days/evenings with public lectures and presentations, podium discussions and networking opportunities. For more information visit:

W: www.craftni.org

CATHERINE KEENAN EXHIBITS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ULSTER

Irish glass artist Catherine Keenan exhibits new work at the University of Ulster's York Street Foyer Gallery until 17 December. For more information, visit:

W: http://craftni.org/events/catherine-keenan-contemporary-glass/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Craft+NI+News++Opportunities+Update+-+Oct+10&

CATALYST ARTS ANNUAL STUDENT SHOW: CALL

Catalyst Arts invites students and 2010 graduates to submit work for consideration for our annual student show. Please send the following to studentshowcatalyst@gmail.com:

- Current CV
- Artist Statement
- Up to 5 images of your work

We would also like to invite writers to produce a critical text to coincide with the exhibition. If you wish to be considered for this, please send your current CV and a short sample of writing to studentshowcatalyst@gmail.com.

All entrants must be Catalyst members to apply. An annual membership fee of £10 is payable through paypal on our website at www.catalystarts.org.uk, or in person at the gallery.

Deadline for submissions: 22nd November 2010.

Catalyst Arts, Ground Floor, 5 College Court, Belfast, BT1 6BS.

T: 02890 313303 / E: studentshowcatalyst@gmail.com

www.catalystarts.org.uk

VESSELS OF MEMORY, EXHIBITION, BELFAST

A joint exhibition of ceramics and glass by artists Alison Lowry and Rachel Dickson opens from 5 - 10pm on Friday 24 September in Craft NI, Cotton Court, Belfast. The exhibition then runs until 28 October. For more information on the show, which opens during Culture Night Belfast, visit,

w: http://craftni.org/events/belfast-culture-night-2010-/

For more information on these artists, visit

w: www.alisonlowry.co.uk
www.racheldickson.co.uk

JOB OPPORTUNITY AT SPIRE ARTS

We have a vacancy for a glass artist, initially as maternity cover for at least 9 months - 1yr to begin Oct / Nov 2010 dates yet to be confirmed. There is a strong possibility of employment after this stage either as freelance or PT/FT position within the company depending on the success of the venture.

I have attached a catalogue of a selection of all the work we do to give an indication of what the company does - we're mainly geared towards commercial contracts but do undertake smaller private commissions in a range of art and design disciplines. The primary area of work we would like the candidate to be involved in would be fused glass, but there is also opportunities to learn skills in sandblasting, glass painting and all other design techniques.

CV should be sent to leona@spiresart.com by September 17th


Thanks for you time.
Leona Gallen
Art & Design Dept. Manager

AUGUST CRAFT MONTH: HIGHLIGHTS

Craft NI are celebrating August Craft Month in style, with events all over Northern Ireland. Some highlights include:

Three x 3 at Craft NI Gallery, Belfast: A touring exhibition by glass artists Andrea Spencer, Scott Benefield and Sean Campbell
Taking Time, Millenium Court Arts Centre, Portadown: An international exhibition about craft and the influence of the Slow Movement
Making It, University of Ulster's Belfast Campus: An exhibition showcasing the work of four emerging craftspeople who've taken part in Craft NI's Making It busieness development programme
Stained glass workshop, Landscape Centre, Antrim: Running on Saturday 28 August, 10am - 4pm

For more information visit:

W: http://craftni.org/augustcraftmonth/

CRAFT NI: CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

Craft NI is inviting new volunteers to get involved with craft activities through our Volunteer Programme.

Volunteering opportunities are available across a range of activities including:

gallery supervision
assisting at events including exhibitions, seminar and workshops
distributing information on our work & activities at craft events
Opportunities to volunteer are available on an ongoing basis throughout the year and particularly during July and August, in the run up August Craft Month - Northern Ireland’s annual celebration of craft.

For more information on opportunities and on August Craft Month, visit:
W: http://craftni.org/cni_news.php?id=319

SLOW DOWN & MAKE: CRAFT NI SEMINAR, 12TH MARCH, PORTADOWN

Looking at craft and its relationship to the Slow Movement, a number of speakers are presenting at Millenium Arts Centre, Portadown on 12th March. £10 for designer-makers to register, £25 for other representatives. For more information and to book your place, visit:
W: http://craftni.org/cni_events.php?id=539

2010 MASTER CLASSES AND T/A OPPORTUNITY WITH THE GLASS STUDIO IRELAND

Karl Harron Glassmaker will be leading innovative Master Classes in advanced kilnforming techniques at The Glass Studio in April and September 2010 and also at GlassForum, on the island of Averoy, Norway in May 2010.


Master Classes:
Session 1:April 2nd – 6th 2010 “Reaction and Interaction” Ireland
Session 2. May 25th – 29th 2010 “Reaction and Interaction” Norway
Session 3: September 2010 (dates tbc) “The Perfect Vessel” Ireland

Teaching Assistant (t/a) Required, Ireland and Norway:
A number of teaching assistantship positions for the above Master Classes are open to qualified artists and students. Participation as a teaching assistant affords the opportunity to gain valuable career experience and to develop individual abilities as a teacher or technician.

For more detailed information on Master Classes and T/A Opportunities please contact Karl on

T: 07979365829
W: www.theglasstudioireland.com/master_classes.html

STICKY FINGERS EARLY YEARS ARTS PUBLIC ART COMMISSION: CALL

Budget: £45,000 (Inclusive of all artist’s and material costs)
In association with the Department for Regional Development and the Arts Council Northern Ireland Lottery fund, Sticky Fingers Early Years Arts is currently inviting expressions of interest from visual artists working in the public realm for this innovative art project. The aim of the commission is to create a high quality, large-scale, permanent, innovative and original artwork, inspired by the ideas, imagination and aspirations of the young children living in Newry city today. Following a series of consultative workshops with children from across Newry the successful artist will incorporate children’s ideas into elements of the final design. The finished artwork will be a visual statement acknowledging the role of children in a cultural society and will become a permanent declaration of the importance of recognising children’s right to high quality arts and cultural enjoyment, acting as an example of good practice across Ireland and beyond. The resulting public artwork will be situated on the Dublin to Belfast A1 motorway at Newry, becoming the focal point of a new major junction and enhancing the creative and cultural climate of a modern day city. It is hoped that the commission will become a recognised symbol of Newry and that it will create a sense of place and arrival at a major gateway site, achieving international recognition. Budget: £45,000 (Inclusive of all artist’s and material costs)

E: elaine@stickyfingersarts.co.uk
W: http://www.stickyfingersarts.co.uk
Deadline for submissions: 1pm, 7 December 2009

(Source: Visual Artists Ireland)

PUBLIC ART COMMISSION, NEWRY AND MOURNE DISTRICT: CALL

COMHAIRLE AN IÚIR AGUS MHÚRN NEWRY AND MOURNE DISTRICT COUNCIL
Public Art Commission "Newry Historic Canal Feature” Value £40,000
(Tender Ref: 23/2009)

Artists’ project brief for permanent sculptural artwork in Newry, Co. Down, Northern Ireland. Newry, Co. Down is a gateway city, situated between Dublin and Belfast on the main eastern seaboard corridor of Ireland. This project is an important follow-on initiative from the recently completed Public Realm Works within the wider ‘Canal Street Conservation Area’, in that it will recognize and symbolise the history and special character of Newry Canal, which was the first summit Canal in the UK and Ireland, built in 1742. The commission is for a strong, site-specific artwork, which will bring an “Historic Canal Feature” to the City. The actual location is the key access point to the Canal Street/Sugar Island area of the city from the Merchants Quay approach road and is located on a large triangular shaped area, which serves to direct traffic circulation at this jun ction. It is the main approach to this historic part of the city and thus creates the first impression for visitors. The Terms of Reference (Artists Brief) and applicable information can be downloaded at www.newryandmourne.gov.uk/procurement. All relevant submissions are to be received on or before Friday 4th December 2009 at 12.00 noon and returned to www.newryandmourne.gov.uk/procurement.

(Source: Visual Artists Ireland)

WHITE CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION, BELFAST

A selling exhibtion with a selection of works by some of NI's leading makers and artists including Alison Fitzgerald, Karl Harron, Fiona Kerr, Deirdre and Michael McCrory, Rachel McKnight, Cara Murphy and Heather Wilson. 17 Nov - 20 Dec 09 in the Naughton Gallery at Queen’s University, Belfast, 11-4pm Tues – Sun.

P: 0044 2890973580
W: www.naughtongallery.org

CRAFT NI EXHIBITIONS PROGRAMME 2010/2011: CALL

In 2008/9 Craft NI hosted 5 selected craft exhibitions at their display space in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter. The 2-month exhibitions were attended by 500 people on average per month and were a part of the Late Night Art walking tour and the Belfast Galleries programme www.belfastgalleries.com

They are now inviting expressions of interest for the space for our exhibitions programme for 2010/11. The space provides an accessible platform for quality contemporary craft in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.

Who can apply?

Craft NI particularly welcomes proposals from Curators who are looking to develop contemporary craft/applied art displays, craft outlets and galleries and from Individual makers/groups of makers interested in:

* a city-centre platform
* gaining experience in putting together a solo/group show
* a venue as a spring-board for touring their work

What’s available:

The gallery at Craft NI is an L-shaped partitioned secure space with full insurance cover, permanent staffing and is open from 10am-4pm, Mon-Fri. Craft NI will monitor and manage visitors and enquiries regarding the work. We will also put visitors with any sales queries in touch with exhibitors (although we cannot sell work directly). Selected exhibitors will also have access to the following equipment:

* Up to 16 display cases (12 measuring 50Wx 50L & 4 x 60Wx60L) with lockable covers or for use as plinths
* Flexible and movable 16 spotlights system
* LCD-Screen & Laptop for playing power-points, dvds and/or music/sound
* White plaster-wall for hanging light wall-mounted work
* Partition wall at entrance for exhibition graphics
* Printing & photocopying services for exhibition lists
* An A1 street-sign located at front of the building to promote the show

Promotion opportunities available:

* Craft NI e-bulletins – promotes the exhibitions to an audience of over 3000
* Selling opportunities – As Craft NI is unable to sell directly; makers/retailers should provide price lists, contact details and details of where visitors can buy their work.
* On-street location - Visitors can access the gallery directly via the side-door that opens onto the Cotton Court plaza and the Cathedral Quarter is a centre for cultural activity.
* Late Night Art – the gallery is open until 9pm the first Thursday of every month and hosts a walking tour of approx. 30 people and promotion on www.belfastgalleries.com with an e-bulletin going out to their mailing list of over 20,000. Work can be sold directly at these events.
* As part of its membership with the Belfast Welcome Centre, Craft NI can promote its events the ‘what about’ guide to Belfast. The Belfast Welcome Centre attracts an audience of over 330,000+ per annum. 24% of visitors are from Northern Ireland.
* August Craft Month 10/11- Craft NI features an exhibition in its display area during August.

Selection Process

Participant work will be selected for display by an independent panel on the basis of Craft NI’s core quality criteria (Click here to view Craft NI's criteria>>). Once selected, exhibiting makers will need to:

* Develop a layout plan and install the show. All shows open bi-monthly on the first Thursday of the month.
* Provide marketing materials including an artist’s statement, price lists, PowerPoint presentation of images, contact details and details of where visitors can buy their work.
* Attend opening and late night art events (6-8:30pm) on the first Thursday of every month during their show.

How to apply:

If you are interested in this opportunity, please express your interest using the link here. If you do not have images on your website, please complete your registration by sending 3 x images to and emma@craftni.org . Please complete the registration form by 4pm, Friday 4 December 2009.

(Source: Craft NI)

MASTERCLASSES IN THE APPLIED ARTS

Organised by the Applied Arts Ulster group, masterclasses are a yearly programme of internationally recognised artists of ceramics, silver + jewellery and textile art visiting Northern Ireland for two days. Click on the images to open in a new window and download.





(Source: Craft NI)

CONTEXT GALLERY, DERRY: CALL

Context gallery invites any artist at any stage in their career to submit a proposal for three A0 sized lightboxes. The content/subject matter is open, with image and/or text-based work considered and submissions can propose three duratran-based images or specially created one-off images using any medium inserted into the Lightboxes. The lightboxes are double-layered, Plexiglass screened and can be positioned horizontally or vertically depending on the artist’s desires.

The gallery will host a series of commissions over the coming year where the work will be in place for a minimum of six weeks and a maximum of three months. The lightboxes will be mounted directly outside the gallery, accessible to the public both during and outside of regular gallery hours.

The first commission from this call will be presented in mid December 2009. Proposals should be submitted by November 12th 2009.

Proposals can be sent by mail (no original artworks please) to
Context Gallery 5-7 Artillery Street, Derry, N. Ireland, BT48 6RG
or emailed to director@contextgallery.co.uk with the subject header LIGHTBOX COMMISSION. All submissions should be accompanied with a short biography, Curriculum Vitae, an artist’s statement, along with the written proposal and a short selection of jpgs illustrating the proposal. Please keep the submissions to a reasonable length and be concise. Selected artists will be awarded a fee of £250 and materials budget of up to £500 towards production costs. A small budget for travel costs will be considered.

For any additional information on the commission please contact the gallery at
P: 028 71373538
E: director@contextgallery.co.uk

MASTERCLASSES WITH KARL HARRON

NI-based glass artist Karl Harron is facilitating a number of masterclasses in kiln-formed glass in his studio in Newtownards and abroad. Thus far, he has completed workshops in Stourbridge, Zurich and Newtownards, and the dates and locations of his upcoming workshops are listed below. For more information, contact Karl at:
W: www.theglasstudioireland.com


May 2010 “Reaction and Interaction” GlassForum Averoy Norway.
Apr 2010 “Creative Interactions” The GlasStudio Newtownards Northern Ireland.
Nov 2009 “A Finite Form” The GlasStudio Newtownards Northern Ireland.