Artists often face many obstacles in their careers, from finding exhibition spaces and attracting buyers, to pricing and understanding diverse markets. Yet one of the most impactful solutions to overcoming these challenges can come from an unexpected place; the support of an artists’ collective. This article will focus on ‘The Irish Palette’. a vibrant group of artists who illustrate how shared challenges become surmountable through shared support.
The Irish Palette came into being through a rather serendipitous route. In 2021, during the Covid pandemic, a number of unconnected Irish painters, discovered they were simultaneously studying the same international, online, art programme called the Creative Visionary Program* (CVP). In response to this a Facebook Group was set up, primarily to share information and provide support for each other through their studies and continuing art practice. The value of this personal and professional collaboration was evident from the start and the members decided to continue working together after the course was completed. Having started with 12 members in 2021, the group has now grown to a membership of over 40 Irish CVP alumni. In 2023 the group expanded its remit and began working toward organising shows and exhibitions as a collective.
The membership is as diverse as the art. Some members are art college graduates, others are self-taught, some have engaged in art practice throughout their working lives while others have come to the party after a career in other areas. Each member is a self- employed working artist in their own right and in this capacity will engage in solo shows and have their own commissions and collector base. However as anyone who has dabbled in the field of getting their work shown will know, the path is difficult. The obstacles include:
- Finding the right venues and exhibition spaces that attract both audiences and buyers is a constant challenge.
- Pricing artwork and understanding diverse markets in a highly competitive marketplace.
- Becoming visible, navigating and sustaining an online presence. This is not for the faint hearted and requires an entirely different skillset.
- The experience of putting on exhibitions can be costly and is always done at risk
Being part of a like-minded group like The Irish Palette, allows artists to share insights on everything from painting techniques to tech skills, and business strategies. Working collectively towards shows and exhibitions has enabled this group to share the workload and the risks, become much more visible and build a strong “artist brand” that resonates widely.
With members from across the island of Ireland, the collective can quickly identify opportunities for showcasing their work and additionally they can benefit from having a local source to connect with the local networks in many locations. Beyond professional development, the emotional support from fellow artists is also invaluable. Making art can be isolating, and the shared experiences within The Irish Palette provide a profound sense of belonging. Friendship and encouragement fuel the creative drive, inspiring members to set and achieve ambitious goals, individually and collectively.
The Irish Palette is still a young organisation, but it is one with the ambition of bringing new art to new audiences throughout Ireland and maybe further afield. To date they have hosted two joint exhibitions in Millennium Court, Portadown and Custom House Quay, Dublin. Their next event will be held in the Engine Room Gallery, 59 North Street, Belfast. On this occasion 19 artists will be showing their work at the Engine Room from 6th to 29th March 2025. Dates are already in the calendar to exhibit in West Cork in 2026.
Artists thrive when they have the space to express their individuality and the support to overcome business challenges. The Irish Palette demonstrates that while the art world can be difficult to navigate alone, the path forward is brighter and more achievable together. Through shared resilience, ambition, and friendship, they are reshaping what it means to succeed as artists today.
*CVP is the Creative Visionary Program delivered by Nicolas Wilton from Art2Life
To contact The Irish Palette: Bridgeen Butler – bridgeen501@hotmail.co.uk – or phone
07718336890.
