CATEGORY Chronic Connections: Open Call for Artists – Deadline 17 August
Chronic Connections: Open Call for Artists
Fire Station Artists’ Studios is collaborating with Chronic Collective for the fourth year of Chronic Connections: Networking for sick and disabled artists
Disabled and chronically ill artists often cannot network in the same way as their peers; this programme tries to bridge the gap and invites curators and programmers to have a conversation with disabled and chronically ill artists about their work.
This programme involves two events, the first is a ‘speed curating’ networking event (artists will have 15 minutes with each of our curators to introduce themselves and their practice) and the second event will be a one-to-one studio visit or meeting with a selected curator.
After the initial networking event, the artists will share feedback on the networking event and will be matched with the most suitable curator for their needs. The artists will then be able to avail of one scheduled studio visit/meeting as part of this programme, with the curator they are matched with.
Throughout the programme, Chronic Collective and FSAS will be checking in and available for support and advice.
This programme aims to build capacity for sick and disabled artists to enable dialogue and networking opportunities with curators invested in inclusive practices.
Chronic Collective and FSAS have gathered a panel of international and national recognised curators who have a close interest and practice in inclusion and access to participate in Chronic Connections Network Programme with up to 7 visual artists with disabilities/chronic illnesses in 2026.
The 2026 Networking Programme curators are:
Aoife Banks
Marysia Więckiewicz
Beulah Ezeugo
Hannah Wallis
What is speed curating?
You will meet with each of the four curators for 15 mins each. It is a fast-paced but relaxed environment. Don’t worry we will have lots of breaks! You can share examples of your work from your online portfolio, website, Instagram, or printed files. You can also simply chat about your practice. We will have a spare laptop and iPad available. We can also print files/images prior to the event. To make the best use of your time, please have the files or web pages ready so you can share during your meeting.
The speed curating meetings are usually an initial introduction between the artist and curator but also can be useful to reconnect with someone if you have made new work. The curator will also introduce themselves and what they do. A meeting like this can be a way to build a more long-term relationship with the curator. It can sometimes take several years between an initial meeting and an exhibition opportunity.
What is a studio visit?
The purpose of the studio visit/meeting is for artists and curators to have a conversation about the artist’s work and discuss areas of the artist’s practice. This first conversation could lead to building a relationship over time.
Studio visits are meetings between artists and curators that are focused on the artist’s practice, their work and interests.
In the studio visit the conversation may address themes of the artist’s work, works in progress, ideas around potential exhibition opportunities, audiences for future work, introducing references by other artists, professional development opportunities and critical responses.
This can happen at the artist’s studio, online or in a meeting room. In advance the curator will research the artist and the artist will choose what artworks they’d like to show the curator and be prepared to discuss their work more in detail. All of this preparation is a starting point for a conversation.
What to expect from Chronic Connections?
Each of the successful artists will participate in a speed curating event with the four curators of the panel on 24 September 2026, 1-5pm, and a studio visit/meeting with one of the curators on our panel in the following weeks/months. Successful artists will receive a fee of €200. Curators will also receive a fee. After the programme is complete, each artist and curator will submit a one-page report /3min video or audio file on their experience of the networking programme.
Who can apply?
Visual artists at all stages of their careers are welcome to apply.
To be eligible you must:
have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory barriers which prevent you from engaging or accessing the art world in the same way as your peers
be a practising artist
live in Ireland
be over 18 years of age
Please note that you are ineligible to apply if you took part in Chronic Connections last year.
If you are unsure if you are eligible, please reach out to chronicartcollective@gmail.com or clara@firestation.ie and we will be happy to be of assistance.
Application Process
Artists are asked to submit an application email to apply@firestation.ie with the following information:
A one-page letter of interest (max 500 words; .doc or .pdf) or a 3-minute video/sound file, responding to the following prompts:
Tell us about your art practice and your experience
Tell us how this programme will benefit you and your practice
Tell us why this is an important time for you to engage in a programme like this
Artist Statement (optional)
CV or Biog: max 2 pages (.doc or .pdf)
Examples of previous work: between 3 and 10 images/works, captioned with title, medium/materials and 1 or 2 sentences about the work (.jpg, .wav, .mp3, .mp4, .pdf, .doc)
If you have any access requirements to participate in the Chronic Connections, please outline these in your email.
Deadline for applications is Monday 17th August at 5pm (Irish time). Please email us at clara@firestation.ie if you have any questions about your application or if you need a short extension.