The RDS announces the opening of the RDS National Crafts Competition & Student Art Awards Exhibition at the RDS Concert Hall this August 2.

The RDS National Crafts Competition was founded in 1968 and is one of Europe’s leading independently adjudicated craft competitions. There has been a history of supporting craft in the RDS since 1888 and the competition today still aims to promote the practice of craft in Ireland and to encourage the highest standards of design and technique in disciplines ranging from basketry and ceramics, to furniture and jewellery.

The RDS Student Art Awards are open to art students of all award-bearing courses in Ireland and encompasses the RDS Taylor Art Award, which is one of the most prestigious art awards in Ireland. The Exhibition will feature fine art, photography, painting, drawing, print-making, multimedia and installation. The Awards give students an opportunity to have their work critiqued by an expert panel of judges nominated by the RHA, the National Gallery and IMMA, as well as exhibiting in a high profile venue.

The competitions have a joint prize fund of over €40,000 and are part of the RDS Foundation Arts programme, whose aim is to provide a platform that supports the transition from student to emerging artist; encouraging the pursuit of a career in visual arts, crafts or music.

The exhibition takes place in the RDS Concert Hall on Friday, August 2 (free entry), otherwise entry is with a Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show ticket from August 7 – 11 (www.dublinhorseshow.com).

The RDS National Crafts Competition Exhibition will then travel in the autumn to the Mid-Antrim Museum, Ballymena and Strule Arts Centre, Omagh and the RDS Student Art Awards Exhibition to Luan Gallery, Athlone.

For more information visit www.rds.ie/arts.

Dates:

RDS National Crafts Competition & Student Art Awards Exhibition

August 2: 10am to 5pm FREE ENTRY

August 7-11 during the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show (visit www.dublinhorseshow.com for tickets – times vary).

RDS Concert Hall, Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

RDS Student Art Awards Travelling Exhibition

September 7 – October 25: Luan Gallery, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

RDS National Crafts Competition Travelling Exhibition

September 6 – October 26: Mid-Antrim Museum, The Braid, Ballymena, Co. Antrim

November 2 – 30: Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone