How to become a member
We are an artist-led studio group whose aims are to improve the working conditions and support structures for visual artists and also to act as a vital information point for artists with regard to issues that affect their professional practice. On our premises on Wandesford Quay we have a total of 27 studio spaces; 6 studios in our sculpture building and 21 studios for painting and mixed media. Of this amount 1 sculpture and 3 painting/mixed media studios are available for short term project based letting and the remaining 23 studios are for full time members. To become a full time member of Backwater Artists Group you must be a full time professional practising artist. Contact BAG office for further details. 

The criteria for membership is: (a) The artist must be willing to commit time to the activities of the group and use the studio space. (b) Allocation of spaces is conditional on a proven need for working studio space. (c) The Artist is a Professional Practising Artist. (d) Availability of studio space.

Members Facilities
Along with having a heated well lit studio space, members have access to other shared facilities which include: The computer room which has three Macs with internet and Digital imaging facilities, a library containing art books, the latest arts magazines and newsletters with information on opportunities and upcoming exhibitions etc.,woodwork facilities including a mitre press and an under pinner for making frames and stretchers, a darkroom facility for black and white developing with various size enlarger trays, a camera, a tripod, a slide projector, a slide duplicator and a data projector. The sculpture block has a high roof for the creation of large size artworks. Also provided is an opportunity to participate in Backwater Artists Group activities, i.e. touring exhibitions locally, nationally and internationally and being a member also offers artists the chance to pool and discuss ideas with other professional artists.

Bursary/Post Graduate etc.
Each year we award a bursary of 6 months free studio space (September to Feburary) to two CCAD graduates and provide access to two 9 month spaces(October to June) to two CCAD graduates of the Crawford College of Art and Design, Sharman Crawford St., Cork, to assist them in their transition from student to professional. We have 1 Sculpture and 1 Painting/mixed media short term/project space available for 6 months(March to August) and 2 Painting/mixed media short term/project space available for 3 months(July to September). The cost of these spaces is €120 per month. Contact BAG office for further details.