Artist information – Open call for CMAF 2026 The Windows of Cahersiveen

From 31 July to 3 August the Cahersiveen Music & Arts Festival (CMAF) will transform Cahersiveen into a vibrant hub for music, visual arts, performance and creative exchange.

The Windows of Cahersiveen* is one of the visual arts highlights of the CMAF. Selected works will be displayed around the festival dates from 27 July to 7 August. During these two weeks, 20 shopfront windows throughout the town will be transformed into an open-air gallery, showcasing local, national and international artists.

Submissions for the windows exhibition close on Saturday, 6 June 2026, at 5pm – submissions must be made exclusively via the online form.

Please read the terms & conditions before submitting your work.

*As part of the festival’s arts programme, The Windows of Cahersiveen is curated and organised by ciarraí art nexus for CMAF.

Everything you need to know for your application

  • Please have the following ready:

    Personal information – your name and contact details as the submitting artist


    Exhibition artwork for The Windows of Cahersiveen – upload 1–2 images of the work you wish to submit (JPEG or PNG format, max. 10 MB per file)

    Artist statement – maximum 200 words
 about your concept of work

    Artist biography – maximum 100 words


    Short description of the submitted work – title, year created, materials used, and dimensions in cms


    Online presence – link to your website and/or social media pages

  • The Windows of Cahersiveen – Open call for CMAF 2026
    As part of the arts programme of the Cahersiveen Music & Arts Festival, The Windows of Cahersiveen is curated and organised by ciarraí art nexus in partnership with CMAF (together referred to as the organisers).

    1. Selection & eligibility

    • A total of 20 artists will take part in the exhibition:
      8 invited artists6 artists selected through open national submission, and 6 artists from the Iveragh Peninsula.

    • Selection is made by an panel of three judges appointed by the organisers.

    • Decisions are final, not open to dialogue and no individual feedback can be provided.

    • Selection is based on originality, technical skill/execution, overall impression/presentation/cohesiveness, placement potential, requirements (curation requirements, delivery, image quality, statement).

    2. Application

    • Applications must be submitted via the official online form by Saturday, 6 June, 5pm

    • Incomplete or late applications cannot be considered.

    • Artists may submit up to two artworks.

    • There is no fee for the initial application. (Further information see “6. Fee & Sales”)

    3. Artwork requirements

    • Submitted work must be original, available for sale, and include a sale price.

    • Accepted media include painting, limited print-edition, paper collage, sculpture, ceramics, drawing, textiles or suitable 3D work.

    • Maximum size: 50 x 50 x 30 cm (width x height x depth).

    • Selection is based on the images submitted. If the delivered work differs significantly from the application images, it may be refused.

    • Work must arrive ready for exhibition, framed, corded or otherwise prepared for display (included in maximum size).

    4. Delivery & collection of artwork

    • Selected artists will be notified by email on 19 June, end of day.

    • Delivery address in Cahersiveen will be confirmed with acceptance.

    • Delivery dates: 16 & 17 July, 10am–4pm

    • Collection dates: 13 & 14 August, 10am–4pm

    • Artists are responsible for all transport, courier and packaging costs.

    • Work can only be accepted and collected during the stated times.

    5. Exhibition

    • Exhibition dates: 27 July – 7 August 2026.

    • Artworks will be displayed in selected shopfronts and residential windows in Cahersiveen.

    • Final placement of works is at the discretion of the organisers.

    • Spaces may vary in size, lighting and presentation conditions.

    • Works must remain on display for the full exhibition period.

    6. Fees & sales

    • €20 handling fee applies only to selected exhibiting artists.

    • If two artworks are submitted for exhibition, both are covered by the handling fee.

    • This fee is payable upon confirmation of participation and is non-refundable.

    • If a selected artist fails to deliver their original work in Cahersiveen by the deadline,
      the fee will not be refunded.

    • The organisers retain 10% commission on all sales for the CMAF.

    • Sales payments will be made within 30 days of the exhibition closing.

    7. Insurance & liability

    • The uttermost care will be taken of all work submitted but the organisers will not be responsible for any damage, loss of, or destruction to any work for any reason whatsoever. Any insurance should therefore be arranged by the artist to cover all risks.

    8. Promotion & copyright

    • Promotion will take place through the organisers’ online and festival platforms.

    • By applying, artists grant permission for images of submitted and exhibited work to be used for publicity connected to the exhibition.

    • Copyright of all artworks remains with the artist.

    For further information, please contact us.

  • Please respond to the Open Call for ciarraí art nexus’/CMAF’s The Windows of Cahersiveen using this online form only.

    Submissions for The Windows of Cahersiveen exhibition close on Saturday, 6 June 2026, at 5pm.

    Please read the terms & conditions before submitting your work.

    OPEN SUBMISSION FORM

  • By 6 June, 5pm
    Complete and submit the online application form.

    By 19 June
    Successful applicants will be informed of the jury's decision.
    Detailed information about the drop-off and collection locations for artworks will be provided.

    By 26 July
    A map showing the locations of the selected artworks will be published on the ciarraí art nexus/CMAF website.

    16 & 17 July
    Delivery of artworks in Cahersiveen between 10am and 4pm.

    13 & 14 August
    Collection of artworks in Cahersiveen between 10am and 4pm.

  • Before completing the form, please note the following:

    • Please read the terms and conditions carefully before submitting.

    • The Windows of Cahersiveen is curated through a combination of invited artistic participation and an open submission process. The final selection of artworks will be based on:
      originality, technical skill/execution, overall impression/presentation/
      cohesiveness, placement potential, requirements (curation requirements, delivery, image quality, statement).

    • Selection is made by a panel of three judges appointed by the organisers. All decisions are final and no individual feedback can be provided.

    • All selected artists are responsible for the transport and insurance of their work.

    • Please ensure that all required information is included and that all deadlines throughout the process are met, as incomplete applications or missed deadlines may result in disqualification.

If you have any queries about the submission process, please contact us.

What’s in it for you as an artist

No submission fee – no fee for initial submissions (submission of €20 only if selected by jury).

Two-week public exhibition – showcased from 27 July to 7 August.

Dynamic artist mix – alongside internationally recognised artists, emerging voices and local talent.

Guided art trails – two curated artist-led tours through the exhibition.

Free promotion – supported by dedicated marketing and communications.

Outstanding visibility – reach an audience of about 4,000 festival visitors.