OPEN-CALL ARTS TRAIL APPLICATION
The deadline for receipt of applications is 5 pm on 4th May 2026.
Late or incomplete applications cannot be considered.
Clifden Arts Festival 2026 (17th to 27th September) is delighted to invite artists to apply for the long-running and much-loved Arts Trail. The Arts Trail takes place in the street-facing windows of many local businesses for the duration of the Arts Festival. It forms a cornerstone of the Visual Arts programme, is a visitor and local favourite and provides artists with a 24-hour, 10-day exhibition to a wide public audience. The Arts Trail will once again be curated by Just a Collective, a group of seven Connemara creatives who organise workshops, markets and other events to foster community engagement through arts and crafts.
Application guidelines:
- Only one piece of art will be accepted for exhibition per window.
- Sizes of exhibition pieces are standardised to a maximum of 80cm x 80cm (framed).
- Works on lightweight paper must be suitably framed. All other works should be mounted on board or stretched, as artworks will be presented on easels.
- Sculptural and digital work is accepted. AI-assisted work must be labelled as such.
- Each participant will be provided with an easel or plinth and a name card for display.
- Artists will receive details of their allocated window, along with contact information for the business to arrange the setup.
- Please note that to be considered for the festival, you must be available to deliver your artwork around September 12th and collect it within a week after the festival.
- Please note that artists who already have an exhibition during the festival cannot also be included in the Arts Trail; the festival aims to exhibit as many artists as possible. The festival does not discriminate and has a diversity, equality and inclusion policy in place. For example the festival encourages applications from the LGBTQ+ community, all ethnicities, individuals who did not attend school or college, people with disabilities).
- Artists submitting digital media are responsible for the provision and installation of appropriate screening equipment.
- Sales made through the Arts Trail will be subject to 20% commission payable to Clifden Arts Festival.
- Clifden Arts Festival does not accept liability for loss or damage to works. Insurance is the responsibility of the artist.
Applications are made by completing this online form: https://forms.gle/nof5jGzXf54zDHb18
Please email artstrail@clifdenartsfestival.ie with any questions in good time before the closing date.
