Open Call: Celebrating Ten Years of Castles in Communities – Co Roscommon

Published on May 28, 2026May 26, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland

A poster for an event titled 'Lughnasadh gathering the work', featuring an image of a historic stone ruin surrounded by grass under a cloudy sky. It includes details about a call for art in Ballintober, Co. Roscommon, with a submission deadline of June 21, 2026, and a QR code for further information.

Castles in Communities is a community-engaged research project that has taken place in Ballintober and north Roscommon since 2015.

Inspired by the ancient Irish harvest festival of Lughnasadh, this exhibition explores how art and archaeology gather meaning from the landscape.

Theme: Lughnasadh: gathering the work. Rather than re-enacting ritual or belief, Lughnasadh is used as a conceptual metaphor for transition: the moment when sustained seasonal work is gathered, assessed and shared.

For Castles in Communities, this concept mirrors the close of excavation and survey and the shift into post-excavation analysis, interpretation and public storytelling. After ten field seasons of research, the project stands at its own harvest threshold, where accumulated labour, gratitude for community relationships and archaeological knowledge are gathered and carried forward.

Contributions are invited to this exhibition from artists as well as local residents who notice meaningful details in the landscape – places or moments where history, culture, and everyday life intersect.

One does not need to be a professional artist to submit.

Exhibition will be held on the 24th- 26th of July, 2026, in Ballintober, Co. Roscommon.

Deadline to submit: 21st of June, 2026.

More information, here – https://castlesincommunities.com/exhibition-2026-test/

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Open Call: 2026 August Craft Month Exhibition -‘Rhythm’ – CraftNI Gallery – Belfast

Published on May 26, 2026May 26, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland

A creative piece of jewellery featuring a spiral design with pearls, accompanied by text announcing 'Rhythm' and details for the August Craft Month 2026 exhibition callout.

Image of @celinetraynorjewellery

𝙍𝙝𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙢, the upcoming CRAFTNI August Craft Month exhibition in Belfast, is now accepting applications! This year, CraftNi invites makers to consider the connections between making and music. Belfast is the host city for the annual Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, a festival of music and culture from Sunday, the 2nd to Sunday, the 9th of August 2026. Qualifying competitors from all over the world will showcase traditional and folk music, song, and dance in the city, with around 800,000 visitors expected.

More on the theme from the CraftNI Instagram: “Are you drawn to the rhythm and repetition of traditional music, where patterns emerge, repeat and develop? Do you visualise harmony and tone in your work or does it call to mind a soundscape? Or see the movement and flow of a lyric? A musician playing in a group may bring a new interpretation to a piece in that context – does working in a collaboration drive new elements of your practice? Has a song sparked an impulse or an idea that you want to express through your making? Or perhaps the tactile pull of the materials used in instrument-making – metal, wood, leather and textile – open areas for exploration for you?”

Applications from all supported craft disciplines are welcome.

Deadline: the 7th of June, 2026

For more information, visit the CraftNI website – https://craftni.org/2026-august-craft-month-exhibition-callout-rhythm/

Their Instagram: @craft.ni

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Open Call: Local Area Enterprises Support for Showcase Ireland 2027

Published on May 15, 2026May 14, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland

A woman poses with craft items, including handmade soaps, at a Local Enterprise Showcase event. The image features various products such as candles and mugs, promoting local craft and design talent in Ireland.

Showcase – Ireland’s Creative Expo, which takes place from the 17th to 19th of January 2027, is the foremost place for retailers to discover unique, design-led fashion and wellness, knitwear, jewellery, craft, gift, and interiors. The show attracts buyers and media from Ireland and around the world.

Makers in the following sectors are invited to apply:

Fashion & Knitwear
Jewellery
Home & Gift Crafts

Each Local Area Enterprise Office (LEO) has been allocated a limited number of exhibition stands for Showcase Ireland 2027.

Please note that this is a competitive application process, and places will be awarded based on specific suitability and eligibility criteria. All applications will be reviewed by the Local Enterprise Village Committee to ensure a high-quality and diverse showcase of local businesses.

Applications close on Wednesday, the 20th of May.

Mandatory In-Person Training
Selected exhibitors must attend one of the following workshops:

Athlone: 23rd September 2026
Limerick: 30th September 2026

Note: Applicants must apply via their local LEO branch – https://www.localenterprise.ie/find-your-local-enterprise-office/

For more information, visit the LEO website – https://www.localenterprise.ie/enable-enterprise-culture/showcase-2027-applications-open!/

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Open Call: DCCI Future Makers Awards 2026

Published on May 12, 2026May 12, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland

A promotional image for Future Makers 2026 featuring two models in creative outfits. One model wears a colourful, oversized pink dress with ruffles, while the other wears a multi-coloured top and patterned trousers, seated beside a small table with decorative items. The text announces that applications are open until 22nd June 2026.

Established in 2009, the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland’s Future Makers Award is one of Europe’s most extensive prize-funded award programmes. It showcases talent and provides much-needed financial support.

Divided into student and emerging practitioner categories, the awards support these crucial times.

The award categories include the following: sustainable design, studio equipping, residencies/training, and exhibiting/trade events.

There is also a mentoring package included in the award.

The deadline is the 22nd of June, 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit the DCCI website – https://www.dcci.ie/dcci-future-makers/

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Open Call: Member Exhibition – Leitrim Design House ArtWall

Published on May 11, 2026May 11, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland

Announcement for an exhibition submission for Leitrim Design House Artwall, showcasing the theme 'Essence of Nature', scheduled from 26th August 2026 to 3rd October 2026. — Essence of Nature Open Call – Leitrim Design House Artwoll

An art display featuring works by Karena Ryan, including framed artworks in various styles and colours on a wall, alongside a seating area with a patterned cushion and a decorative felt bowl on a table. — Essence of Nature Open Call – Leitrim Design House Artwoll

We are delighted to invite Feltmakers Ireland members to apply for our second exhibition of 2026 and to submit a piece for the ArtWall at The Leitrim Design House, in Co Leitrim.

Theme: Essence of Nature

We invite members to create a piece which reflects a unique interpretation of nature’s quiet power, from delicate studies of flora and fauna, to bold, abstract evocations of landscape and light.

Artists are encouraged to present works that reflect their unique perspective on the Essence of Nature through visual, conceptual or abstract forms. This open call welcomes all artistic styles and interpretations.

Deadlines:

Application submissions by Friday, 10th July 2026

Artwork to be received at the drop-off point by Tuesday, 11th August 2026

Important Details:

Our exhibition will be displayed on the ArtWall at the beautiful Leitrim Design House gallery in Carrick-on-Shannon from Wednesday, 26th August to Saturday, 3rd October 2026.

**To ensure uniformity on the Artwall, we have pre-purchased specific-sized frames, together with the required D-rings, for your artwork, which are available to purchase HERE **

The Artwall can accommodate 45 frames in total. If we have more than 45 entries, we will move to a juried selection process.

All artwork must be for sale.

For more information and to apply, visit this page on the Feltmakers Ireland website – https://feltmakersireland.com/exhibition-application-2026-leitrim-design-house/

Leitrim Design House Instagram – @theleitrimdesignhouse

We have included a photograph from guild member Karena Ryan‘s earlier solo show at the gallery to illustrate the Artwall and its environs.

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Open Call: Small Works – Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival – Co Offaly

Published on April 30, 2026April 30, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland

Artists are invited to submit works to the Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival. Titled ‘Small Squares, Big Presence’, artists are limited to the size of 30 x 30 cm. Selected artists will also be in the running for a solo exhibition in 2027.

Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival is an annual community event in Birr, Co. Offaly, featuring professional, national, and international artists, bringing together visual arts, theatre, music, street theatre, pop-up performers, workshops, exhibitions, and lots more.

Submission deadline: Wednesday, the 1st of July at 5 PM

Exhibition: From the 31st of July to the 6th of August 2026; launch on the 31st of July.

More information on the Open Call can be found on their website – https://www.birrvintageweek.com/annual-open-submission-exhibition

Their Instagram @birrvintageweekartsfestival

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News: Thank you for your Submissions to ‘Water and Flow’

Published on March 21, 2026March 21, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland

Poster for Feltmakers Ireland's exhibition submission, titled 'Water & Flow', at Phoenix Park Visitors Centre in April 2026. Note indicating that applications are now closed.

WOW!

Dear Members,

Thank you for all of your excellent submissions!

We are overjoyed to receive such an outpouring from you. There will be 68 pieces in our group show, ‘Water and Flow’.

This Open Call is now shut – the deadline was extended a week to the 20th of March.

Email Confirmations

Each artist will receive an email with instructions on where to drop off or mail their artwork.

If you are NOT dropping it off at the gallery on the MORNING, 10:30 – 11:30 AM of the installation on Wednesday, the 1st of April, you should ensure your piece has been received at one of the five drop-off points by Tuesday, the 31st of March.

If you need to drop off your piece at the gallery on the morning of the installation, please let us know BEFOREHAND by email.

Questions or concerns, please email feltmakersIE@gmail.com

Reminder: Last Day to Apply to ‘Water and Flow’ – Before Midnight

Published on March 20, 2026March 20, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland

Promotional poster for Feltmakers Ireland's exhibition submission, featuring details about the event at Phoenix Park Visitors Centre in April 2026. The theme is 'Water & Flow' with a submission deadline tonight at midnight.

Today is the last day to apply to Feltmakers Ireland’s upcoming group exhibition, ‘Water and Flow’.

It might be a slightly cloudy or rainy day in Ireland – no surprise, there! However, if you have been waiting for ‘The Best Day’ to photograph your piece, do not worry: We do not need perfect photographs. Instead, we need your submissions. So, please, please apply.

If, in the event, the online form gives you trouble uploading your images (as it may get ‘overstuffed’), please email photos to committeefeltmakersireland@gmail.com

The deadline is Friday, the 20th of March, at midnight – today!

Here’s the link to where and how to apply: https://feltmakersireland.com/exhibition-application-2026-water-and-flow/

Naturally, we thank all of the members who have already applied! It’s going to be a fantastic show!

Our opening is Saturday, the 4th of April at 3 PM. Hope to see you there.

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Open Call: Dublin Maker 2026 – Applications Open – Plus In-Person and Online Q and A Sessions

Published on March 19, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland

Promotional image for the Dublin Maker 2026 Open Call featuring makers engaging in various activities. The image includes a QR code, dates for the event, and location details.

Are you a maker, creator, builder, inventor, crafter, hacker, educator or enthusiast who loves to share what you do? Dublin Maker 2026 is Ireland’s biggest show-and-tell festival of creativity, innovation, and invention.

Dublin Maker invites makers of all ages and experience levels to apply and showcase their work, whether a polished project or a quirky in-progress experiment.

Promotional graphic for Dublin Maker's Bring-a-Make Night event on March 19, 2026, from 7-9 PM at A4 Sounds, featuring two individuals engaged in creative activities.

Information Session

There is an Information Session, a Bring-A-Make Night this Thursday (March 19th) from 7-9 PM at @a4soundsstudios

Come along for a relaxed evening, finding out about Dublin Maker, showing off your projects, chatting with other makers about your projects, and have a bit of pizza.

Where: A4 Sounds, St. Joseph’s Parade, Phibsborough.

Online and in-person Q & A Sessions

Promotional flyer for Bring-A-Make Night events and online Q&A sessions, featuring dates, times, locations in Dublin and Cork, and a QR code for registration.

Come along to Dublin Maker‘s Bring‑A‑Make nights or join one of their online Q&A sessions. They’re a great chance to meet other makers, share ideas, and just have the chats about what you’re working on.

Details for Dublin Maker

Where: Leopardstown Racecourse, Foxrock, Dublin 18, D18 C9V6

When: Saturday and Sunday, the 22^nd and 23^rd of August, between 10 AM – 5 PM

Applications will be open until the 20th of April.

For more information, visit their website – https://dublinmaker.ie/open-call/

Their Instagram: @dublinmaker

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Open Call: Reminder to Submit to ‘Water and Flow’ – Feltmakers Ireland Exhibition

Published on March 4, 2026March 23, 2026 by Feltmakers Ireland

We wanted to remind you that Feltmakers Ireland members’ exhibition, ‘Water and Flow’, has a submission deadline of Friday, the 13th of March at MIDNIGHT.

Our annual exhibition will be displayed at the beautiful Phoenix Park Visitors Centre gallery from Friday, the 3rd, through Sunday, the 26th of April. The show launches on Saturday, the 4th, at 3 PM.

To learn more and to submit your application, visit our Exhibition page – https://feltmakersireland.com/exhibition-application-2026-water-and-flow/

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Questions: For content-related questions, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.