The RCC has one of the finest art white cube galleries in Ireland. The exhibition policy is deliberately broad and audience centred.

The main aim is to offer local people and visitors a variety of high-quality arts experiences that are likely to be of interest to them. The RCC is also committed to exploring issues of local and wider interest through the medium of the exhibition.

This context-responsive approach includes a strong commitment to commissioning and presenting outstanding work by artists with local connections, while also curating and hosting exhibitions by leading national and international artists. The RCC programmes a mix of in-house commissions, touring shows, and selected exhibition proposals aligned with our audience-focused vision.

The centre curates and commissions new exhibitions and selects touring exhibitions and exhibition proposals that are consistent with this audience centred philosophy.

The RCC has three main exhibition spaces: Gallery 1 on the first floor, the Foyer Gallery and Gallery 2 on the ground floor. Gallery 1 caters primarily for national/international group exhibitions and major solo shows. The ground floor Foyer Gallery and Gallery 2 cater mainly for emerging artists of promise, small-scale solo shows and community and education art exhibitions.

The RCC has a strong focus on developing online exhibition projects. It continuously works with leading digital media cultural practitioners to explore new innovative methods of creating and presenting contemporary artworks.

RCC Exhibition Policy

The Regional Cultural Centre’s exhibition programme is audience-focused and context-driven, offering high-quality visual arts experiences for local communities and visitors.

We:

• Commission and present new work by emerging and established contemporary artists.
• Explore themes of local and wider cultural significance.
• Promote diversity across media, disciplines, and artistic voices.
• Provide accessible and meaningful opportunities for public engagement.

Our curatorial approach includes commissions, curated solo and group exhibitions, open calls, and collaborations with cultural, educational, and community partners. Exhibitions span contemporary visual art, design, architecture, social history, education, health, and socially engaged practice.

Exhibition Spaces

Gallery 1 – Curated Programme

• Commissioned and programmed directly by the RCC Director.
• Focus on high-quality national and international contemporary practice, including new work and thematic projects.
• Gallery 1 is a curated space and we do not accept unsolicited exhibition proposals. However, the Director is happy to receive updates from emerging and established artists, including invitations, publications, portfolio links etc., as part of ongoing curatorial and programming research.

Gallery 2 – Curated & Open Call

• Programmed through a combination of open call and direct curation.
• Open call Gallery 2 submissions are reviewed by the RCC Director with the Visual Arts Advisory Panel.

Foyer Galleries – Community Focus

• Programmed through open calls for schools, community groups, emerging artists, and local organisations.
• Emphasis on inclusivity, accessibility, and local relevance.
• Open call Community Exhibition submissions are reviewed by the RCC Director and relevant RCC staff. 

Selection Criteria

All exhibitions are assessed on:

• Artistic Strength – Quality, originality, and impact.
• Artist Track Record – Experience and professional standing.
• Relevance – Alignment with RCC’s programme and audience.
• Feasibility – Budget, space, and practical considerations.