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Call for Artists Responding to the 1916 Proclamation in 2026

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Project Description

To mark the 110th anniversary of the 1916 Proclamation and the National Print Museum’s 30th anniversary, the Museum will commission seven contemporary artists to create new print-based works responding to the Proclamation and its relevance in contemporary Ireland.

The exhibition will be curated by Carla Marrinan Funder (National Print Museum) and Brian Crowley (Office of Public Works). Seven artists will be selected, representing the seven signatories of the Proclamation.

Selected artists will attend an introductory session exploring the history, printing and legacy of the Proclamation, including a demonstration of the Museum’s Wharfedale Stop Cylinder Press by retired printers.

An initial exhibition of proofs will open in early November with live printing demonstrations and artist talks.

The final artworks will go on display in Kilmainham Gaol in early 2027 with the view to possibly travelling to other locations thereafter.

The editions will be sold to support the National Print Museum’s charitable work.

Project Objectives

The project aims to:

  • commemorate 110 years of the 1916 Proclamation
  • encourage thoughtful responses to the Proclamation in contemporary Ireland
  • celebrate Ireland’s printing heritage and the role of print in the formation of the State
  • commission new contemporary print-based artworks
  • support artists and traditional printing and printmaking skills
  • engage audiences through exhibition, interpretation and live demonstrations
  • mark the National Print Museum’s 30th anniversary

Context

The project reflects the National Print Museum’s longstanding work exploring the history and legacy of the Proclamation. It encourages thoughtful, inclusive and historically informed responses, creating space for multiple perspectives on one of Ireland’s most significant printed documents.

Reference: Seditious Type, The Legacy of the Printers of 1916 Exhibition www.printersof1916.com

Call for Entries

The National Print Museum invites professional artists working in print to submit proposals for a new exhibition responding to the 1916 Proclamation.

Seven artists will be selected to develop new work for exhibition in 2026.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • be aged 18 or over
  • be professional practising artists
  • work primarily in print or print-based media

Submission

Applications should be made via this Google Form only. No other applications will be reviewed.

This form includes the following requirements:

  • Artists CV (max 2 pages)
  • a short statement outlining your proposed response (max 500 words)
  • Images or links to two examples of work
  • website or social media link with examples of recent work

Deadline: 17.00 on Monday 31 August 2026. No late applications will be reviewed.

When you successfully submit your Google Form, a confirmation notice will pop up indicating our thanks for your submission.

Selection

Applications will be assessed by a judging panel made up of a representative of the National Print Museum, a representative of the Office of Public Works, and an artist.

Selection will be based on:

  • quality of previous work
  • strength of proposed response
  • suitability for exhibition
  • feasibility within the project timeframe
  • all printmaking methods will be considered, but a preference will be shown for works which are created in traditional printing method of letterpress.

Artist Support

Selected artists will receive:

  • artist fee (including materials): €1,500
  • introductory briefing session at the Museum
  • exhibition supports – framing, installation, interpretation, translation, design, print, and promotion will be managed by the curators and covered by the Museum
  • 30% of sales of work

Exhibition Conditions

  • Work must be newly created for this project
  • All work must be print-based
  • Works will be produced as a limited edition of 30
  • Artists may retain artist’s proofs; the edition will become part of the Museum’s fundraising programme
  • Framing will be selected and paid for by the Museum for the exhibition
  • No AI-generated work will be accepted
  • Delivery to the Museum is at the artist’s expense
  • Artists are responsible for insuring work in transit
  • Accepted works will be exhibited at the artist’s own risk

Key Dates

Applications open: 17 August 2026

Deadline for application: 17.00 on 31 August

Panel review: between 1 and 9 September

Artists notified: 10 September

Briefing session: 14 September

Delivery of one artist’s proof to the National Print Museum exhibition along with an artist’s statement and outline of process: 29 October

Exhibition soft opening: 5 November

Exhibition official opening: 12 November

Delivery of full edition: 30 November

Terms

By applying, artists agree that:

  • the selection panel’s decision is final
  • submitted information is accurate and the work is their own
  • images of selected work may be used for publicity
  • the Museum may amend arrangements where necessary and subject to funding requirements

The project is funded by the Commemorations Unit of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.