Backwater Artists Group

Located in Wandesford Quay in Cork City Centre, Backwater Artists Group is one of the largest and longest established artist-led initiatives in Ireland. We provide high quality affordable studios with security of tenure and access to facilities and developmental support for over 64 visual artists. Since our inception in 1999, we have provided supports for over 500 artists.

We are committed to cultivating a supportive, artist-led environment which encourages and empowers visual artists, enabling them to further their ambitions and produce innovative, ambitious and high quality work.

Our mission is to support and advocate for visual artists, enabling them to thrive at all stages of their careers, and empowering them to foster a deep appreciation and enthusiasm for the visual arts within society.

Through an ongoing outreach programme including exhibitions, talks and workshops, Backwater believes in the importance of widening the range of people that become involved in the arts.

Through our Studio 12 exhibition/project space, we support studio and non-studio artists and aim to increase collaboration and engagement with the wider artistic community and the general public through exhibitions and outreach events.