Proud distinction for Mayo sculptor Jennifer Hickey

Mayo’s creative excellence has been celebrated as Westport-based porcelain sculptor Jennifer Hickey received an RDS Established Maker Award at the 2025 ceremony.

She is among Ireland’s emerging and mid-career creatives awarded more than €140,000 across art, craft, and music.

This year’s ceremony was particularly historic, marking the 165th presentation of the prestigious Taylor Art Trust Award with a legacy spanning 165 years and over 590 awards.

This €10,000 top prize was jointly claimed by artists Clara McSweeney and Vicky Ochala.

The RDS Arts Awards, which also celebrated the 10th anniversary of the RDS Visual Art Awards, complements initiatives like the Basic Income for the Arts by providing essential financial support and high-profile opportunities needed for creative talent to flourish.

The arts have been at the heart of the RDS since 1731 and the awards continue that powerful legacy.

RDS President John Dardis, speaking at the ceremony, commended the winners.

He said: “The RDS Foundation Arts Awards serve as investments in creativity, heritage and the future of Irish culture. I commend all the artists, makers and musicians shortlisted this year, and to thank our dedicated partners, donors, and the generosity of RDS members, who without, none of this would be possible.”

The RDS also marked six decades of craft support – now with a renewed focus on sustainability – and continued to elevate world-class performance opportunities for emerging classical musicians like Jane Sullivan, winner of the RDS Music Bursary.