Visual Arts Commission and Group Exhibition – Wexford

Visual Arts Commission and Group Exhibition – Wexford

A major visual arts commission and group exhibition take place in Wexford as part of Millenium 2027 – European Year of the Normans.

Following an open call, Wexford-born visual artist Eleanor Duffin has been selected to develop a new body of work across 2026 and 2027, exploring Wexford’s rich Anglo-Norman heritage and its legacy today. The commission is led by Wexford County Council Arts Office in partnership with Creative Ireland and Wexford Arts Centre.

Eleanor Duffin’s work explores themes of migration, Wexford’s maritime history, and cultural identity through language and song, with a particular focus on the historic Yola dialect, which evolves from the influence of Anglo-Norman settlers.

This socially engaged project involves research and collaboration with local communities across County Wexford over a 16-month period (June 2026 – August 2027). The artist also undertakes research residencies in Normandy, supported by project partners, and at Cow House Artists’ Studios in Wexford.

The final artworks are presented as part of a group exhibition featuring 6 to 8 artists. The exhibition takes place at Wexford County Hall and Wexford Arts Centre in October 2027 and forms part of the Contemporary Arts Trail for Millenium 2027 – European Year of the Normans. It is presented in partnership with Wexford Arts Centre and curated by its visual arts curator.

France–Ireland Cooperation

Practical Information

Commissioner: Wexford Arts Office – Arts Officer Liz Burns

Exhibition Curator: Catherine Bowe – Visual Arts Curator, Wexford Arts Centre

Commissioned Artist: Eleanor Duffin 

Residency Partner: Cow House Studios, Wexford (Rosie O’Gorman), Normandy 

Enquiries: artsoffice@wexfordcoco.ie

Wexford County Council Arts Office & Creative Ireland