WAAG - an archive

Join us for the opening reception of our new exhibition: WAAG - an archive, curated by Helena Tobin and Iris Voss

This exhibition revisits the Women Artists Action Group (1987-1991) through its archive of documents and images, examining the lasting legacy and impact of the group on Contemporary Irish Art.

WAAG was founded in April 1987 in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, and was active until 1991. A collaboration of women artists, art historians, and professionals working in the arts, the group was established in response to the lack of representation of women artists in Ireland. 

The main purpose of WAAG was to highlight the work of female artists, to address a lack of opportunities, and to organise exhibitions and publications. Women Artist Action Group was a hugely successful organisation throughout Ireland and became part of the International Association of Women in the Arts (IAWA).

The archival material in this exhibition is on loan from NIVAL (the National Irish Visual Arts Library) located at NCAD, Dublin, and from the personal collection of artist Pauline Cummins. NIVAL is a public research resource dedicated to the documentation of 20th and 21st century Irish visual art and design. It collects, stores, and makes accessible for research an unparalleled collection of documentation about Irish art in all media.