BA Visual Art Graduate Exhibition
Holding

BA Visual Art Graduate Exhibition
Holding
23 May to 13 June 2026

Featuring the work of five students – Mary Callaghan, Louise Kiernan, Sergey Kior, Róisín Ní Chonaill and Emma McNulty – the exhibition includes sculpture, sound, photography, film and installation and explores the experience of human encounter through landscape, language, memory, trace and voice. Holding highlights the deep engagement of the students with the island context over the course of the four-year degree programme, with much of the work concerned with ecology, community and sustainability. After a hugely successful weekend installation on Sherkin Island, we are delighted to showcase the work at Uillinn.

For more information about the graduates and their work see Holding BAVA 2026 Digital Catalogue.

This year’s five graduating students will join the ranks of one hundred and six alumni of this prestigious and highly successful programme. Graduates have gone on to Masters and PhD level programmes, including the MA Art and Environment; have secured work through teaching, lecturing and arts facilitation; and have developed careers as successful artists in West Cork and elsewhere.

This four-year modular honours degree, offering a dynamic and creative programme in contemporary visual art, fully accredited, managed and delivered by the TU Dublin School of Art and Design is OPEN NOW FOR APPLICANTS to the 2026/2027 ACADEMIC YEAR

For further information, contact TU Dublin Programme Coordinator, Jesse Jones at jesse.jones@tudublin.ie or Sherkin Island Facilitator, Majella O’Neill Collins at 086 8771765

The programme will run subject to continued funding

The BA Visual Art Degree Programme offers a unique and enriching experience for aspiring artists. Nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of West Cork, this programme provides a nurturing environment where creativity flourishes. With a focus on interdisciplinary exploration, students have the opportunity to delve into various mediums, from traditional painting and sculpture to contemporary digital art and performance. What sets BAVA apart is its deep connection to the local community and the island’s rich cultural heritage, which serves as both inspiration and backdrop for artistic expression. Through a blend of rigorous academic study and hands-on studio practice, students are encouraged to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and cultivate their unique artistic voices. With dedicated faculty and a supportive peer network, BAVA fosters a dynamic learning environment where students can grow both personally and professionally, preparing them for a successful career in the ever-evolving field of visual arts.

BA (hons) in Visual Art is a community-based, four year, honours degree, visual art programme based on Sherkin Island. It is fully accredited, managed and delivered by the School of Art and Design, Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) in partnership with Sherkin Island Development Society (SIDS) and Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre, and is part-funded by the Department of Community and Rural Development and Cork County Council.

Image: Mary Callaghan, +Headland, March 2026, Chiffon & Ink

Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre acknowledges the financial support of The Arts Council  / An Chomhairle Ealaíon in making these exhibitions possible.