Applications Open: 1–31 July 2026
The Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny, invites submissions for two exhibition opportunities taking place in 2027. This open call is open to applicants who are Irish or based in Ireland. Artists, community groups, schools, and organisations are encouraged to apply for the opportunity most suited to their practice and experience.
Selected proposals will form part of the RCC’s 2027 exhibition programme.
Gallery 2 Exhibition Opportunity
The RCC invites submissions from professional early and mid-career visual artists for an exhibition in Gallery 2 during November–December 2027.
Gallery 2 is a dedicated contemporary art space supporting the development of early and mid-career artists. We welcome ambitious proposals in any visual art medium, including painting, sculpture, photography, installation, moving image, sound, and interdisciplinary practices. Both new and existing work will be considered.
Gallery 2 offers artists the opportunity to present professionally supported exhibitions to audiences in one of Ireland’s leading arts centres.
An artist fee will be provided.
The RCC will also provide:
- Professional installation and technical support
- Promotion through the RCC website, social media, mailing list, and press channels
- An exhibition launch event
- Curatorial and administrative support
To apply, please send:
- A short exhibition proposal or artist statement
- A current CV or biography
- A list of proposed works, including dimensions and installation requirements
- 5–10 sample images (or links to video or audio work where appropriate)
- Any technical or access requirements
Community Foyer Gallery Exhibition Opportunity
The RCC invites submissions from non-professional artists, community groups, schools, art classes, and local organisations for community-based exhibitions taking place between March–May 2027 and October–December 2027.
The Community Foyer Gallery provides an opportunity to share wall-based artwork with the public in a welcoming and accessible environment. We welcome proposals including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, textiles, and mixed media. We are particularly interested in projects that reflect local life, creativity, participation, or shared experience.
This is a non-funded opportunity. The RCC will provide in-kind support, including:
- Professional installation of the exhibition
- Promotion through the RCC website, social media, mailing list, and press channels
- A launch event or group tour, if desired
To apply, please send:
- A short description of your group or project
- A list of works, including dimensions and display requirements
- Information on framing or how works will be attached to the wall
- 5–10 sample images
- Any technical or access requirements
How Applications Are Assessed
All submissions will be assessed by the RCC team using the following criteria:
- Artistic Strength – Quality, originality, and impact of the proposed work.
- Relevance – Alignment with the RCC’s programme, audiences, and the aims of the exhibition opportunity.
- Feasibility – Suitability for the available space, resources, and practical considerations.
How to Apply
Applications are open throughout July 2026 and must be received by 5pm on Friday 31 July 2026.
Please email your submission to rcc@donegalcoco.ie.
Please note: Only one proposal per applicant will be accepted.
If you have any questions about either opportunity, please contact the RCC team at rcc@donegalcoco.ie. For further information about eligibility, exhibition spaces, and the application process, please read our Frequently Asked Questions before getting in touch.
Gallery 2
Black out curtains are available for every wall in Gallery 2 for projection based exhibitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for your interest in exhibiting at the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny.
We are delighted that you are considering submitting a proposal as part of our 2027 Open Call. Before getting in touch, we encourage you to read through the Frequently Asked Questions below, which provide further information about the exhibition opportunities, gallery spaces, eligibility, application process, and key dates.
If you can’t find the answer to your question, please email us at rcc@donegalcoco.ie and a member of the RCC team will be happy to assist you.
What kind of work is Gallery 2 intended for?
Gallery 2 is dedicated to supporting the development of early and mid-career visual artists. As part of the RCC’s professional exhibition programme, the gallery provides an opportunity to realise ambitious exhibition projects within a professionally curated and supported environment. We welcome proposals in any visual art medium from artists seeking to develop their practice, present new work, or undertake a significant stage in their artistic career.
What kind of work is the Community Foyer Gallery intended for?
The Community Foyer Gallery celebrates creativity across Donegal and beyond by showcasing wall-based artwork by community groups, schools, art classes, local organisations, and non-professional artists. The programme aims to encourage participation, creativity, and public engagement by providing an accessible platform for a wide range of artistic voices.
Who can apply?
This open call is open to applicants who are Irish or based in Ireland.
Gallery 2 is open to professional early and mid-career visual artists.
The Community Foyer Gallery is open to non-professional artists, schools, community groups, art classes, and local organisations.
When is the application deadline?
Applications are open throughout July 2026 and must be received by 5pm on Friday 31 July 2026.
When will successful applicants be notified?
Applicants will be contacted following the assessment process. As we receive a high number of submissions, this may take several weeks after the closing date.
When will the exhibitions take place?
The successful Gallery 2 exhibition will take place during November–December 2027.
Successful Community Foyer Gallery exhibitions will take place between March–May 2027 and October–December 2027. Exact exhibition dates will be agreed between the RCC and the selected artist, group, or organisation.
How large is Gallery 2?
Gallery 2 measures approximately 10 metres × 7 metres. Artists should consider the scale of the space when developing their proposal.
How large is the Community Foyer Gallery?
The Community Foyer Gallery consists of several wall-based exhibition spaces of varying sizes located throughout the RCC. Successful exhibitions will be assigned to the space that best suits the scale and nature of the proposed work.
Can I visit the galleries before applying?
Yes. Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the exhibition spaces during the RCC’s normal opening hours before submitting a proposal. This can help you understand the scale, layout, and character of the galleries and develop a proposal that responds to the space.
Can I submit work in any medium?
Gallery 2 welcomes proposals in all visual art media, including installation, sculpture, moving image, sound, and interdisciplinary practice.
The Community Foyer Gallery is intended for wall-based work only. Suitable media include painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, textiles, and other two-dimensional works that can be safely displayed on the gallery walls.
Can I submit work that has already been exhibited elsewhere?
Yes. Both new and existing work will be considered. We are interested in the quality and suitability of the proposal rather than whether the work has been shown previously.
Can I submit more than one proposal?
No. Applicants may submit one proposal only. Please submit the proposal that you feel is most appropriate for either Gallery 2 or the Community Foyer Gallery.
Is there an artist fee?
An artist fee will be provided for the successful Gallery 2 exhibition.
The Community Foyer Gallery opportunity is not funded; however, the RCC provides professional installation, promotion, and curatorial support in kind.
What support does the RCC provide?
The RCC provides professional installation, promotion through its website, social media, mailing list, and press channels, along with curatorial and administrative support throughout the exhibition process. Support may vary slightly depending on the exhibition opportunity.
How are applications assessed?
All applications are assessed by the RCC team using the published criteria of Artistic Strength, Relevance, and Feasibility. The panel considers the quality of the proposal, its suitability for the programme, and its practical delivery within the available space and resources.
Who can I contact if I have a question?
If you have any questions before applying, please email rcc@donegalcoco.ie and a member of the RCC team will be happy to help.