Kerry Women in Literature

Kerry Writers’ Museum has been granted funding from the Regional Museums Exhibition Scheme for a new permanent exhibition entitled Kerry Women in Literature.

The project will research the lives and works of Kerry female writers from the past. Twelve writers have been identified to date for inclusion in the exhibition (see Appendix 1 below), but we are open to featuring other writers that may be uncovered as part of the research for this project. The intention is to widen the museum’s offering, creating a multidisciplinary exhibition which showcases the impact of these writers on Kerry’s literary and cultural heritage.

Project Goals

The Kerry Women in Literature project aims to:

1. Highlight the contributions of women writers from County Kerry to literature and culture. 2. Develop a dynamic, multidisciplinary exhibition to appeal to a wide audience.

3. Foster collaboration between visual artists and literary heritage, enhancing the museum’s cultural offering.

CURATORIAL GUIDELINES

Research and Content

Historical and Contemporary Representation: Include female writers across different eras, ensuring a balance of historic and modern influences.

Literary Forms: Incorporate writers from diverse literary forms, such as poetry, playwriting, essays, and fiction.

Contextualisation: Provide a cultural and historical context for each featured writer, emphasising their impact on Kerry, Ireland, and global literature.

Exhibition Design

Multidisciplinary Approach: Integrate various artistic mediums (e.g., visual art, sculpture, mixed media) that evoke the themes or works of the writers.

Interactive Elements: Encourage the inclusion of tactile, digital, or participatory elements to engage audiences of all ages.

Narrative Flow: Curate the exhibition in a way that flows chronologically, thematically, or geographically to tell a compelling story.

Inclusivity: Ensure the exhibition is accessible, with consideration for diverse audiences, including those with disabilities.

PROJECT AND PROPOSAL CRITERIA FOR ARTISTS

Eligibility

1.         Open to professional and emerging visual artists based in Ireland or with strong ties to Kerry.

2.         Artwork must relate to the life or works of a Kerry female writer and align with the exhibition theme.

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Artists must submit:

1. Personal Bio: A short biography outlining their artistic background, experience, and connection to Kerry or Irish culture.

2. Artwork Details: Medium and concept of the proposed work (e.g., painting, sculpture, installation). Dimensions and any technical specifications or requirements. Description of how the work will connect to the selected writer’s life, themes, or works.

3. Writer Inspiration: Identify which Kerry writer inspired the piece and explain why. Optionally suggest additional female writers from Kerry who merit inclusion and justify their inclusion.

4. Previous Work Portfolio: Include 3-5 examples of previous works with descriptions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Artistic Merit: Quality, originality, and relevance of the proposal to the exhibition’s theme.

2. Feasibility: Practicality of creating and installing the artwork within the budget and timeline.

3. Connection to Writer: Strength and clarity of the connection between the proposed artwork and the chosen writer’s themes, works, or life.

4. Inclusion of New Writers: Thoughtful suggestions for additional female writers from Kerry.

ARTIST COMPENSATION

Selected artists will receive €500 per artwork (excluding VAT). Up to six artists will be commissioned.

EXHIBITION DELIVERABLES

Permanent Artwork: All selected artworks will be installed as permanent exhibits within Kerry Writers’ Museum.

Interpretive Panels: Each artwork will be accompanied by a description of the piece, the writer it honours, and its connection to her life and work.

Educational Programming: The museum will develop complementary workshops, lectures, or tours to deepen engagement with the exhibition.

SUBMISSION TIMELINE

Proposal Submission Deadline: 14/02/25

Notification of Selection: 21/02/25

Artwork Completion and Delivery: 31/03/25

NEXT STEPS

Please submit your proposal by email to kerrywritersmuseumevents@gmail.com.

APPENDIX 1 – List of Kerry Women writers

Peig Sayers (Blasket Islands)

Sonja Broderick (Listowel)

Siobhán Ní Shúilleabháin (Ballyferriter, Dingle)

Máirín Cregan (Killorglin)

Alice Curtayne (Tralee)

Eibhlín Dubh Ní Chonaill (Derrynane)

Cecile O’Rahilly (Listowel)

Anne Margaret Rowan (Tralee)

Mary Downing (Kilgarvan)

Bertha Beatty (Listowel)

Maureen Beasley (Kilocrim, Listowel)

Pauline Maguire (Caherciveen)