The RDS Visual Art Awards is the most important platform for visual art graduates in Ireland.

Providing a curated exhibition opportunity and a significant prize fund of over €60,000, as well as vital exposure for emerging visual artists as they move into early professional practice, the RDS Visual Art Awards offers a unique launch pad for Irelands visual art graduates.

During the year, a team of independent curators appointed by the RDS including Viviana Checchia, Rachael Gilbourne, Paul McAree, Davey Moor and Aoife Ruane conduct the initial longlisting process for the 2025 RDS Visual Art Awards. They visit all BA & MA degree shows in Irish art colleges and from that longlisted artists are invited to complete an application form.

These applications were then reviewed by our judging panel: Rachel Joynt, Christina Kennedy, Sarah McAuliffe, Patrick T. Murphy, and Niamh O’Malley who will select a shortlist. From the shortlist, the judging panel decide on who will showcase their work in the 2025 RDS Visual Art Awards exhibition, here at the RHA Gallery.

The 2025 exhibition will be curated by acclaimed Irish artist and Academy Member, Niamh O’Malley ARHA.

• The RDS Visual Art Awards has a total prize fund of almost €60,000:
• RDS Taylor Art Trust Award €10,000
• R.C. Lewis-Crosby Award €5,000
• RDS Members’ Art Fund Award €5,000
• RDS Mason, Hayes & Curran LLP Centre Culturel Irlandais Residency Award €8,000 value.
• RHA Graduate Studio Award €7,500 value
• RDS Graphic Studio Dublin Emerging Visiting Artist Award €5,500 value
• RDS Slane Castle Residency Award €5,000
• For further information and award details see HERE