Art Ireland: 2003
Launch in 2000, Art Ireland, now an annual event has successfully pioneered the concept of the accessible and enjoyable art fair in Ireland by providing a unique opportunity for members of the public to view thousands of works by dozens of the country's leading artists under a single roof. Originally timed for seasonal shoppers with Christmas in mind itn soon became a Spring and a Fall art fair. Art Ireland’s open philosophy was reflected by a wide range of prices to suit every pocket, starting from as little as E150 for an original print. Although prices could go as high as E40,000 for a major painting by a top name, the vast majority of the works on view were available at affordable prices.
This was the Art Ireland's website for a number of years.
Content is from the site's 2002 -2003 archived pages.
Press Release 2002
Ireland's largest visual arts event of the year
Whether you're a dedicated connoisseur, an occasional collector or simply love the visual arts, be sure to keep your diary free for Art Ireland 2002 in the Main Hall of the RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 from Friday to Sunday November 22nd - 24th, 2002.
Since its launch two years ago, this annual event has successfully pioneered the concept of the accessible and enjoyable art fair in Ireland by providing a unique opportunity for members of the public to view thousands of works by dozens of the countryıs leading artists under a single roof.
A long established concept in many other European countries, Art Ireland founder and organiser Maria McMenamin says Irish people have responded very positively to the to idea of a large-scale Irish art fair.
"Thanks to its variety of exhibits and democratic nature, Art Ireland is playing an important role in breaking down many of the prejudices and pretensions surrounding the visual arts scene. One of our great strengths is that with so many artists on hand, visitors will quickly discover that they are the most down-to-earth people in the world. We also work hard to create a relaxed and friendly atmosphere in which people can enjoy themselves, including the provision of a restaurant, cafe and wine bar," she says.
Ideally timed for seasonal shoppers with Christmas in mind, Art Irelandıs open philosophy is reflected by a wide range of prices to suit every pocket, starting from as little as E150 for an original print. Although prices can go as high as E40,000 for a major painting by a top name, the vast majority of the works on view are available at affordable prices which wonıt break the bank. And for the canny buyer, thereıs plenty of scope to make a shrewd investment.
"The best advice we can give it that you really have to love a work of art to buy it. Having said that, itıs also true that some works may also represent a sound financial investment,² Maria says.
With over 7,000 people attending last year's show, Maria McMenamin says she has been very excited by the exceptionally positive response from visitors to the previous two fairs. The introduction last year of late opening on Friday night proved particularly popular with people who took the opportunity to drop into the exhibition on their way home from work.
"Our feedback to date has confirmed that there is a big market among people from all walks of life for quality works of art. For the artistic community, Art Ireland provides an excellent forum in which they can make contacts, generate sales and showcase their work before an exceptionally large audience.
It all adds up to a uniquely accessible exhibition of a wide spectrum of contemporary art, from original paintings and high quality prints to one-off sculptural pieces and ceramics.
Even if visitors do not buy anything at the fair, it is a very enjoyable day out with a great atmosphere. This year the exhibition is moving into the Main Hall of the RDS, so there will be plenty of space to sit and absorb the art works on view," Maria concludes.
With over 100 participating artists, Art Ireland 2002 will be the countryıs biggest visual arts event of the year. Among those already confirmed to take part are such well known names as Sandra Bell, Graham Elliot, Darlene Garr, Ursula Klinger, Ludmila Korol, Syra Larkin, Louise Mansfield, John Philip Murray, John Nolan, Liam OıNeill, Ian Pollock, James Quinn and Claudio Viscardi.
Galleries taking part will include the Catto Gallery (London), The Greenhouse Gallery (Scotland), The Greenlane Gallery (Dingle), The Leinster Gallery (Dublin), the Magil Fine Art Gallery (Dublin) and The Sandford Gallery (London).
Art Ireland 2002 will take place over the weekend of Friday 22nd to Sunday November 24th next. Opening hours are from 12 noon until 10pm on Friday, 11 am to 7pm on Saturday and 11 am until 7pm on Sunday. Admission E7 (E3 concessions). Catalogues will be available at E5 each.
For further information about the event, contact Maria McMenamin, Guinness Enterprise Centre, Taylor's Lane, Dublin 8. (Tel: 01-4100600) or visit the Art Ireland website: www.irishartfair.com Press Release Ends
For further press information contact: Jan van Embden at 01 282 9853 or Maria McMenamin at 087 - 617 5418
2003
Welcome to the Art Ireland Exhibition website.
Art Ireland is all about making contemporary art available to a wider audience. Over 100 galleries and independent artists exhibit paintings and sculpture over the course of the three days. There is something for everyone's taste and budget.
Art Ireland has a uniquely open and relaxed atmosphere, there is a cafe at the centre of the exhibition to relax and enjoy a glass of wine or coffee while viewing the art on exhibition around you. Alternatively, take lunch on the balcony restaurant before returning to peruse the exhibition at your leisure.
The exhibition is easily accessible by DART or Bus from Dublin's city centre and there is ample parking at the RDS. Whether you are coming to browse or to buy Art Ireland is the ideal place to find and buy art for your home or office.
Following the success of Art Ireland the third annual November Exhibition, we are launching a new Summer exhibition called the Art Ireland Summer Exhibition, to be held in the RDS Industries Hall in May 2003. Art Ireland Summer Collection will take place from the 9th to the 11th of May and the Art Ireland November exhibition will take place from the 21st to the 23rd of November.
Art Ireland Exhibitions
Art Ireland Opening Times
Friday, November 21st: 12 noon - 10pm
Saturday, November 22nd: 11am - 7pm
Sunday, November 23rd: 11am - 7pm
Tickets
Adults - €8
Concessions - €5
Concession Tickets
Concession and complimentary tickets will be available from all exhibiting galleries and artists. Tickets are valid for the three days event, and visitors are free to return without further charge.
Catalogue
Full-colour exhibition : €8.
Wrapping Service
There is a complimentary wrapping service available
Credit Card Service
At Art Ireland there is a service in place to allow visitors to pay by Visa, Mastercard or Laser.
Art Ireland Exhibitions
Galleries exhibiting at Art Ireland in November 2003
Bridge Street Studios, Dundalk, Co. Louth
Catto Gallery, London
Killarney Art Gallery, Killarney, Co Kerry
Francis Morris Gallery
The Waldock Gallery, Dublin
Spiller Art, Dublin
Karen Taylor Gallery, London
Greenlane Gallery, Dingle, Co. Kerry
Juliet O’Reilly Group Exhibition
Gormley's Art Gallery, Omagh, Co. Tyrone
Marine House at Beer, Devon
Pivotal Art, Glasgow
The Gallery Manchester’s Art House, Manchester
Independent Artists exhibiting at Art Ireland
A view over the exhibition from the balcony
Independent Artists Exhibiting at Art Ireland November 2003
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Niall Harrington
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Michael Griffin
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Joy-Elizabeth Mitchell
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Directions
Art Ireland Exhibition will take place in the Main Hall of the RDS. The entrance to the exhibition is on the Merrion Road
The RDS is Ireland's premier exhibition venue. It is 10 minutes from the Dublin's city centre, by bus, rail or car. Public transport bus services are nos. 7, 7a, 8 and 45. The nearest DART rail stations are at Lansdowne Road and Sandymount.
The RDS has three fully secure car parks, providing over 2,000 car-parking spaces.
Invitation to Exhibit
Art Ireland is presently inviting galleries, studio groups and independent artists to apply for exhibition space at the first annual Art Ireland Summer Exhibition. New exhibitors are essential to keep the exhibition fresh and interesting and we are always open to new applicants.
A dynamic marketing and Press campaign is planned to launch the new exhibition. The marketing campaign includes plans for a a new logo for the Summer Exhibition and a new web site. We expect that approximatly 5000 people will attend the exhibition. The event and the exhibitors will receive coverage by our media sponsors.
The Exhibition booking fee includes; 9 foot high white wooden stand, lighting, fascia signage, a listing in the Exhibition catalogue and as many flyers and half price tickets that you require. Exhibition stand prices start at 1200 Euro plus VAT for an eight square metre exhibition space.
There is a vetting process in place. To receive an information pack please email or post at least 3 images and relevant information to the address below. The closing date for applications is the 14th of March.
Art Ireland Summer Collection
Art Ireland Summer Collection is a summer version of the very successful Art Ireland art fair.
This art fair feature work from over 80 artists and galleries, exhibiting a wide range of paintings, prints, photograghs and sculpture.
The exhibition is easily accessible by from Dublin's city centre and there is ample parking at the RDS.
Whether you are coming to browse or to buy, Art Ireland is the ideal place to find and buy art for your home or office.
The next Art Ireland Summer Collection will take place in the RDS Industries Hall from the 13th to 15th of May 2005.
Art Ireland is proudly sponsored by Q102 and The Irish Independent.
Art Ireland Media Coverage
Art Ireland Exhibition 2002 was sponsored by Lite FM and Irish Independent Day and Night.
The exhibition receive extensive coverage in the print media. A selection of the coverage is listed below.
Magazine Coverage
* Apollo Magazine, The International Magazine of Art and Antiques September 2002
* Apollo Magazine, The International Magazine of Art and Antiques November 2002
* CARA Magazine - Inflight Magazine for Aer Lingus October/ November issue
* Image Magazine - November Issue
* Irish Arts Review
* Irish Tatler Magazine - November Issue
* Inflight Magazine for Aer France - October/ November issue
* Discovery - Inflight Magazine for Cathy Pacific
* Social and Personal - November Issue
* House and Home Magazine - November Issue
Television Coverage
* Open House - RTE 1 Monday 18th of November
Newspaper Coverage
* The Irish Independent
More Background on IrishArtFair.com
The Irish Art Fair, featured on IrishArtFair.com, serves as a prominent event in Ireland's art scene, offering a platform that combines inclusivity with high-caliber artistic presentations. Since its launch in the early 2000s, the fair has played a key role in making contemporary Irish art accessible to a broader public. Designed to democratize the art buying experience, the fair presents a wide range of artworks, from affordable prints to high-end masterpieces, ensuring there is something for every budget and taste.
Historical Context and Development
The concept of an art fair dates back to Europe’s rich history of art and commerce, with large-scale exhibitions in cities like Paris and Antwerp shaping the modern understanding of art marketplaces. Art fairs allow the public direct access to artists, fostering a more personal connection between creators and consumers. The Irish Art Fair adopted this model, offering a unique experience where visitors could not only view but also purchase works from a diverse range of Irish artists.
The fair was initially established to break down the barriers that often exist in the art world, particularly concerning pricing and accessibility. By holding the event annually at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS), a prestigious venue in the heart of Dublin, the Irish Art Fair has grown into one of the country’s most important cultural events.
Audience and Participation
One of the key appeals of the Irish Art Fair is its broad and inclusive audience. While art fairs are often considered exclusive spaces, the Irish Art Fair intentionally fosters an environment that welcomes everyone—from first-time buyers to seasoned collectors. The fair features a wide range of price points, making it easy for people of all financial backgrounds to engage with and purchase art.
Each year, the fair sees participation from a diverse group of artists, including well-established names in the Irish art scene and emerging talents. Galleries from both Ireland and abroad also showcase a variety of styles, including traditional Irish landscapes, modernist pieces, and experimental sculptures. This diversity ensures that the fair has something for everyone, further encouraging engagement from a wide audience.
Cultural Significance
The Irish Art Fair is much more than just a marketplace for art; it plays an essential role in promoting contemporary Irish visual culture on both a local and international level. It has been instrumental in helping emerging artists gain exposure and build their professional profiles. For established artists, the fair provides an opportunity to connect with a new audience and expand their influence within the art world.
The fair’s relaxed, welcoming atmosphere sets it apart from other art exhibitions, which can sometimes feel intimidating or inaccessible to the average person. The inclusion of amenities like cafés and wine bars within the fair encourages visitors to take their time as they explore the artwork, creating a more leisurely and enjoyable experience.
Press and Media Coverage
Over the years, the Irish Art Fair has received extensive coverage in both the Irish and international press. Major Irish publications regularly feature the event, highlighting its role in fostering the country’s artistic development. Reviews often emphasize the fair’s inclusivity and its success in bringing together a diverse range of artists and artworks under one roof. The fair's relaxed, open atmosphere is frequently cited as one of its strongest attributes, making it a welcoming space for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Moreover, the fair has gained international attention as a key event in Ireland’s cultural calendar. It attracts art collectors and enthusiasts from around the world, further elevating the status of contemporary Irish art on the global stage.
Examples of Notable Exhibitions
The Irish Art Fair consistently features a strong lineup of artists and galleries. In recent years, participation from galleries like the Greenlane Gallery in Dingle and The Catto Gallery in London has enhanced the fair's reputation. Independent Irish artists such as Ursula Klinger and John Philip Murray have also used the fair to showcase their work to a wider audience, helping to diversify the range of artistic styles on display.
The event serves as an important networking hub for artists, allowing them to connect with potential buyers and fellow creatives. Many artists have cited the fair as a valuable opportunity to grow their careers and reach new markets.
The Irish Art Fair has grown to become a vital part of Ireland’s cultural ecosystem, providing a platform for artists to present their work and for the public to engage with contemporary Irish visual culture. Its inclusive philosophy, combined with the high quality of the artwork on display, ensures that the fair continues to attract a broad audience each year. Through its annual event, the Irish Art Fair plays a key role in shaping the future of Irish art, promoting both emerging talent and established artists on a local and international scale.