WAAG – an archive examines the lasting legacy and impact of the Women Artists Action Group (1987-1991) on contemporary Irish art, revisiting its work and activism through a rich archive of documents and images.

WAAG was founded in April 1987 in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, and was active until 1991. A collaboration of women artists, art historians and professionals working in the arts, the group was established in response to the lack of representation of women artists in Ireland.

The main purpose of WAAG was to highlight the work of female artists, to address a lack of opportunities, and to organise exhibitions and publications. Women Artist Action Group was a hugely successful organisation throughout Ireland and became part of the International Association of Women in the Arts. (IAWA) The materials included, from letters to flyers, posters and publications, reflect this endeavour – often illustrating how women artists were dismissed and excluded from the broader art ecology in Ireland at that time.

This exhibition was first shown at South Tipperary Arts Centre in Clonmel in 2025.

The archival material in this exhibition is on loan from NIVAL (The National Irish Visual Arts Library) located at NCAD, Dublin and from the personal collection of artist Pauline Cummins.

Curated by Helena Tobin and Iris Vos • An artist talk will be held during the run of the the exhibition, details to be confirmed • 

In partnership with the National Irish Visual Arts Library (NIVAL), NCAD