Mayo arts centre issues open call for Bolay Programme

THE Linenhall is once again inviting visual artists to apply for the Bolay Programme, an ambitious professional development initiative designed to support visual artists through mentoring, networking and exhibition opportunities. Applications are now open for the 2026 programme.

Building on the success of its inaugural project, the Bolay Programme offers artists at different stages of their careers the opportunity to connect with leading curators, develop their practice and exhibit new work.

The programme begins with the Bolay Visual Artists Café, taking place at the Linenhall on Tuesday, September 29. Managed by Visual Artists Ireland, the café is a day-long networking event where 24 selected visual artists from across Ireland will take part in one-to-one meetings with professional curators.

Applications to attend the café are open from July to September, with a closing date of Monday, September 21.

Following the café, Mayo-based artists will be invited to apply for an intensive five-month mentorship programme with acclaimed art critic and curator Marianne O'Kane Boal, running from October 2026 to February 2027. Five artists will be selected to participate in the mentorship, culminating in a significant group exhibition at the Linenhall Gallery in summer 2027.

“The Bolay Programme is about investing in artists at a point where meaningful professional support can make a lasting difference,” says Linenhall co-director Bernadette Greenan. “We want to create opportunities that extend beyond a single exhibition, encouraging artists to build confidence and develop ambitious new work, ultimately strengthening our wider visual arts community in Mayo."

Mayo artists wishing to be considered for the mentorship programme should submit an expression of interest by Friday, August 28, to director@thelinenhall.com, including artist statement, CV, short biography, six to eight images of recent work, and a brief statement outlining how participation in the programme would benefit their practice.

The Bolay Programme grew from the Linenhall's Bolay Residency, first established in 2020 in honour of visual artist Veronica Bolay, who served on the Linenhall board of trustees for 13 years. The residency, originally supporting one artist, developed into a successful pilot programme in 2024, expanding the project to create longer-term professional development opportunities for multiple visual artists in Mayo.

Developed in consultation with Visual Artists Ireland, the programme reflects recommendations to broaden and deepen support for multiple artists through sustained mentoring, curatorial engagement and exhibition opportunities. Running from 2025 to 2028, the programme will be reviewed following its first cycle to ensure it continues to respond to the evolving needs of artists and the wider visual arts sector.

“One of the strengths of the Bolay Programme is that it continues to evolve. We've listened closely to artists, our partners and the wider sector to shape a programme that is responsive and sustainable. We're excited to welcome a new cohort of artists in 2026 and to continue building a platform where creative practice can flourish through mentorship, dialogue and collaboration," said Greenan.

The Bolay Programme is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland and Mayo Arts Office. The Bolay Visual Artists Café is managed by Visual Artists Ireland.

Artists wishing to attend the Bolay Visual Artists Café should apply through the Visual Artists Ireland application portal which can be found here.

For further information about the Bolay Programme, contact Bernadette Greenan at director@thelinenhall.com.