Inis Cealtra Public Art Commission — €21,500

Overview

Clare County Council seeks proposals to commission a new artwork for the grounds of the Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) Visitor Experience Centre at the Rectory in Mountshannon, Co. Clare. The commission is part of the wider Rectory Development, which converted the Old Rectory Building into an interpretative visitor centre with exhibition spaces and a revitalised garden. The commissioners envision a unique, innovative artwork that reflects the character and history of the area and strengthens the community's reputation as a hub for creativity and cultural expression.

Theme

The artwork should reflect the history and character of Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) and the Rectory site. Inis Cealtra is one of Ireland's most significant early monastic sites, in use since the mid-sixth century and associated with St. Caimin and the family of High King Brian Ború. The island holds the ruins of six churches, an early monastic cell, several cemeteries with more than 80 inscribed or cross-marked recumbent graves, and an unfinished round tower believed to date to around 1000 AD.

Eligibility

Open to artists working in any art form, at any career stage. Collaborative proposals are encouraged.

Categories

• Public Art
• Sculpture
• Site-specific
• Multiple Disciplines

Key Dates

• Submission Deadline: 17 September 2026
• Panel Assessment: October, with notifications issued to artists no later than 31 October 2026
• Commission Target Completion Date: January 2027 (dependent on the chosen proposal and its timeline)

Award & Budget

Commission budget of €21,500, inclusive of VAT and all taxes and charges. At least 25% of the budget must be allocated toward artist fees.

Application Requirements

• Typed CV (max. 3 pages)
• Examples of previous work as photographs/digital images (max. 10 images in one PDF)
• Commission proposal (as one PDF) explaining why the artist is proposing the work, how they will achieve it, and the intended outcome
• Detailed project explanation including dimensions (preferably metric), materials, and specific location
• Technical specifications, construction, and installation details where appropriate
• Visual representation of the proposed work in situ (e.g. drawings, CGI, photographs)
• Realisation timescale
• Required ongoing maintenance information
• Outline budget (template optionally provided)
• Outline of any processes that reduce environmental impact, in line with Clare County Council's Green Procurement Policy

Selection Criteria

• Track record or potential of the artist
• Quality of the idea (originality, innovation, impact, and scale)
• Suitability and connection to the context of the location and proposed site positioning
• Feasibility, durability, and future maintenance implications (including green procurement processes)
• Budget, including the requirement that at least 25% go to artist fees

Contact

For site visit registration or queries, contact Rachel Macmanus, Clare Arts Office, tel. (065) 68 99091, email [email protected].