IN PLACE OF MEANING
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IN PLACE OF MEANING •
Open Call - In Place of Meaning
We invite recent graduates and current students to propose work for our upcoming group exhibition in the Carnegie Library, Swords
We welcome applications from individual artists, cultural workers, filmmakers, musicians, poets and writers to propose works that will contribute to a collective exploration of how art can be, not just what it can mean. The title of the show is taken from Susan Sontag’s ‘Against Interpretation and other essays.’
Sontag’s essay focuses on the idea that art is much more than just its interpreted meanings. Focusing on the sensuous experience of the work, alongside its form is its value. For this exhibition we would like a collection of artworks that function not only in a broader discourse but also exist in the space as objects that engage deeply with the audience.
“Our task is to cut back content so that we can see the thing at all.”
About the Carnegie
The Carnegie is a new cultural space situated in Swords, which has been developed to contribute to the town’s evolving cultural quarter. Originally a Carnegie Library, the space has been transformed into a hub for artistic innovation, community engagement, and creative development, retaining the building’s founding ethos about access, knowledge and connection.
Details
Artists are invited to propose the presentation of existing artworks. Works can be proposed for exhibition, or as one-off performances / events / workshops / screenings comprising part of the public programme. Previously exhibited work is permitted.
Please send a single PDF attachment (15MB max) that includes the following:
A concise artist’s statement that tells us about your work and how it might connect or respond to the theme above (300 words max)
CV (2 pages max)
Examples of previous work:
Up to 3 images (must include title; the material / medium; the dimensions / duration; the date of production, and also information on where the work has been shown, if applicable)A clearly outlined proposal of work to be exhibited, including detail about its installation (150 words + 2 photos max).
Up to 2 web links to video / sound works can be sent (YouTube or Vimeo, extracts should be no longer than 5 minutes. If works are sent in full please suggest a 5-minute excerpt to watch). Include passwords for any private videos.
Notes for Applicants:
We will confirm receipt of all applications. Due to the volume of submissions we regret we are not able to give individual feedback regarding unsuccessful applications.
There is no submission fee.
All applicants should be aware that, if selected, they may be required to do press and promotion work as necessary. We reserve the right to photograph works and to use elements of accepted entries for exhibition for publicity purposes, unless the artist expressly states the contrary in writing. Copyright of all work remains the property of the artist.
Who can apply?
To be eligible the applicant must be born or currently reside in the Fingal administrative area. Graduates no earlier than 2023, and current students are welcome to submit artworks.
Applications should be submitted via email to christianforresterartist@gmail.com
Curators
The exhibition is curated by Chris Forrester and Emma Swan, two recently graduated artists and curators.
Emma Swan is a multi-disciplinary artist whose practice investigates systems of social hierarchy and the often-unseen disparities in various forms of labour. Working in sound, sculpture, and painting the work draws attention to structures shaping social value and working lives. She holds a BA in Fine Art from Technological University Dublin. Swan’s previous exhibitions include a solo show titled ‘Toil and Moil’ in Kilkenny (2024), ‘GRADX’, TU Dublin (2024),Tread Lightly (2023), ‘PLUID PROJECT,’ the Cowshed Gallery, Farmleigh Estate (2021). She was longlisted for the RDS Visual Art Awards (2024).
Chris Forrester is a socially engaged visual artist and writer. Their work follows the complicated reality of queer peoples’ lives through the mediums of film, performance, spoken word, and sculpture. Graduating from TU Dublin Fine Art in 2024, during the duration of their graduate show GradX, was longlisted for the 2024 RDS Visual Awards. In November of 2024 was awarded with the inaugural Free Carnegie Library Recent Graduate Award and is in residence in Swords. Exhibitions and shows they have taken part in are Silver Apples of the Sun, Golden Apples of the Sun(2025), Introduction to Charcoal(2025),Tread Lightly(2023)and Transfusion(2023).
Development Timeline;
Each artist will have a meeting with the curators prior to the show, via zoom.
October 1st: Deadline for Exhibition Texts and Images and all artists to submit information for website and promotional materials. Exhibition Promotion to begin this week.
Artworks to be delivered to Carnegie Swords Wednesday the 29th of October
Exhibition Timeline;
Work Installed Wednesday 5th November
Evening Opening Thursday 6th November 2025
Duration (runtime) Friday 7th - Saturday 8th November 2025
Deinstall and collection of artworks Monday 10th November
Fee
A fee of €100 per artwork is offered
Full details of the application and selection process can be found on our website.
If you have any questions you can get in touch via ehmaswan@gmail.com
Supported by Fingal Arts Council
