Sculpture in Context is a pivotal event in the Irish arts calendar and the largest and most important sculpture exhibition in the country. The annual exhibition attracts a large public and critical audience and is the highlight of the National Botanic Gardens calendar. Sculpture in Context is a key event for both public and private buyers of all levels.
Open to all artists working in three dimensions in any medium. Proposals may be durable or time-based artworks, including performance or video.
(Artists should be aware that Performance and Video pieces may not be possible due to Covid-19 restrictions.)
This year we will be celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Sculpture in Context and 20 years exhibiting in the Botanic Gardens.
We are also delighted to be welcoming two new sponsors to Sculpture in Context these are Goodbody and CARO and, as promised, we have some exciting news about awards.
Goodbodywill be sponsoring a suite of five awards
‘The Goodbody Sculpture Awards’
One of these, the Goodbody Outstanding Artist Award will be the largest monetary prize for sculpture in Ireland.
The CARO Climate Action Award
Sponsored by CARO, the Climate Action Regional Offices.
Both Goodbody and CARO will join the OPW, The National Botanic Gardens, McKeon Stone, Millcove Gallery, Zozimus Gallery, and Irish Ceramics in supporting and promoting sculpture in Ireland.
Full details of awards can be found below
APPLICATION DETAILS
Applications by email to info@sculptureincontext.com. Please send all information in one pdf attachment only.
Complete all relevant sections on the attached Entry Form and include additional pages with the following:-
- Two Images or drawings for EACH proposed sculpture
- Written description of sculpture to include details of materials, dimensions and proposed method of installation (max 500 words).
- Two images of previous work
Payment of Entry Fee can be made to Sculpture in Context by bank transfer. Please use your surname and first name as a reference on all transactions. Bank details can be found on the entry form.
We have tried to make the entry process as easy as possible, but if you are struggling with internet issues (submission or payment) please contact us at info@sculptureincontext.com directly and we can make alternative arrangements for you.
Please note all dates are subject to change and Government restrictions
Submissions Close – 9th May
Artists Notified – 29th May
Delivery of Gallery pieces – Friday 20th August and Saturday 21st August
Outdoor Installation –Thursday 26th August (Large work requiring machinery or vehicular access to site)
and Saturday 28th August (Smaller work)
Limited Opening Night – Wednesday 1st September
We will look at alternative ways to mark the opening in an outdoor setting and subject to government restrictions.
Exhibition Dates – Thursday 2nd Sept to Friday 15th Oct
Removal of Gallery Work – Saturday 16th October and Monday 18th October
Removal of Outdoor Work – Saturday 16th October and Monday 18th October
PLEASE NOTE ALL DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Due to Covid Restrictions, there will be some unavoidable changes to our usual setup
GALLERY
A virtual exhibition will be hosted in the gallery. All pieces will be photographed and videoed and will be promoted and posted online. Sculpture in Context will handle all sales, usual commission rates will apply. Delivery of Gallery pieces will be onFriday 20th August and Saturday 21st August
OUTDOOR
Will run as normal with some minor restrictions.
GLASSHOUSES
We will not be accepting any submissions for exhibiting work in the Curvilinear Range, the Palm House, Orchid House, Teak House or Cactus House as they are currently closed and will remain closed indefinitely.
SITE VISIT
There will be no site visit this year. You can visit The National Botanic Gardens as they are open to the public and admission is free. If visiting, please adhere to government travel restrictions.
All enquiries regarding Sculpture in Context rules and exhibition info should be directed to the exhibition organisers at info@sculptureincontext.com
Sculpture in Context Awards 2021
The Goodbody Outstanding Artist Award
Prize of €4000 for an exceptional outdoor work in any medium.
The Goodbody Lifetime Achievement Award
An award of €2000 for an Irish artist who has demonstrated a commitment to sculpture in Ireland and an outstanding ability in his or her body of work
The Goodbody Award for a work of distinction in any medium
Two awards of €1000 each (Gallery and outdoor Work)
The Goodbody Graduate Award
An award of €1000 open to all full or part time students and current graduates of Irish Colleges. (Gallery and outdoor Work)
CARO Climate Action Award
Two prizes of €500 will be awarded to the most innovative sculptures linked with the 5 themes of the Climate Change Action plans a,b,c,d,e . There should be a strong emphasis on using recycled, re-purposed and sustainable materials in the sculptures. (Gallery and outdoor Work)
(For further information the Dublin Local Authority Climate Change Action Plans are available at www.Dublinclimatechange.ie More information on the Climate Action Regional Offices is available at www.caro.ie )
Sculpture in Context Awards
Two Awards of €500 each for large outdoor works of distinction in any medium (size in excess of 1 metre)
McKeon Stone Awards
Two prizes of Stone or Stonework to the value of €500 each will be awarded to the best stone sculptures. (Gallery and outdoor Work)
The MillCove Gallery Award
An award for a work of distinction in any medium, with immediate representation from the gallery and the opportunity of a solo exhibition at the Mill Cove Gallery Kenmare. (Gallery or outdoor Work)
Zozimus Gallery Award
Irish Ceramics Award
An award for a ceramic work of distinction.
People’s Choice Awards
Two prizes of €250 will be awarded at the end of the exhibition for the most popular sculptures voted by the public.
Please note all dates are subject to change and Government restrictions
The Sculpture in Context Committee
