The Visual Artists’ News Sheet (VAN ) is the primary all-Ireland information resource for visual artists. In the Columns for this issue, Áine Phillips offers a topical overview of gender issues in the arts, while Fiona Woods discusses best practice in artist-focused commissioning in her column ‘Has the Artist Been Consulted?’. In the NI column, Joey O’Gorman outlines his experiences as former co-director of Catalyst Arts, Belfast.
In the Artists’ Publishing section, Andy Parsons and Glenn Holman discuss their recent artists’ publication, The Rebel(s), while Ben Weir outlines his recent book, published in response to urban redevelopment in Belfast City Centre. In the Public Art section, Christopher Steenson interviews Robin Price about his recent environmental public art project, Automated Bird Rave Generator, while Laurie Kilmurry interviews Jenny Haughton about the evolution of the Grangegorman public art programme.
In the Organisation Profiles for this issue, Alan Phelan interviews Mary Cremin about her new role and upcoming programme at Void, Derry, while Nuala Clarke reports on the Ballinglen Arts Foundation and fellowship programme in County Mayo, which has just celebrated 25 years.
This issue features several Festival and Conference reports: Don O’Mahony reports on Sonic Vigil 10; Jane Morrow reports on Belfast Open Studios and Joanne Laws reports from IVARO’s Artist’s Estate Management conference, hosted by the RHA in late November.
In the How is it Made? section, Matt Packer interviews John Rainey about the evolution of his sculptural practice. In the Career Development section, Manuela Pacella interviews Andreas Kindler Von Knobloch about his recent residency at Catalyst Arts, Belfast. In addition, Chris Hayes’s extended essay assesses the contributions of James Merrigan’s Billion blog to Irish art criticism.
The Regional Profile for this issue comes from the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon region (ACBC Borough), outlining recent cultural activities of: The Market Place Theatre, Armagh; F.E. McWilliam Gallery, Banbridge; Craigavon Arts Office; and Millennium Court Arts Centre, Portadown. In addition, artist Joanne Proctor discusses the reality of maintaining an art practice in the region, while Paul King provides an update from the SHORE Collective.
Reviewed in the Critique section are: Yvonne McGuinness at Draíocht Arts Centre; Brígh Strawbridge-O’Hagan at Birr Theatre and Arts Centre; ‘The Otherworld Hall’ at Solstice Arts Centre; and Robert and Barbara Ellison at The Island Art Centre, Lisburn.
As ever, we have details of upcoming VAI Professional Development Programme, exhibition and public art roundups, news from the sector and current opportunities.
Members of VAI receive a copy of the VAN delivered straight to their door. The News Sheet is also available to pick up free of charge in galleries and arts centres. Selected articles featured in the print edition are available at the Visual Artists’ News Sheet Online here: www.visualartistsireland.com