Cork artists on national prize shortlist

Four artists from Cork have been shortlisted in this year’s AIB Portrait Prize and AIB Young Portrait Prize at the National Gallery of Ireland.

They are among 46 artists selected from around the country.

Siobhán Clancy’s photograph 'Invasive', David Creedon’s photo 'Becky with her Bee Hives', and Misaki Parbrook’s 'Crossing', an oil on canvas, are among the 26 works chosen for the AIB Portrait Prize.

Fourteen year old Samuel Deasy has also been named, with his photograph 'Mark' shortlisted for the AIB Young Portrait Prize.

The AIB Portrait Prize shortlist spans painting, video and photography. The winner will receive €15,000 and will be commissioned to create a work for the National Portrait Collection, with an additional €5,000 awarded for that commission. Two additional awards of €1,500 will go to highly commended works.

The AIB Young Portrait Prize highlights the creativity of young people aged 18 and under. Twenty artists have been shortlisted.

Five winners will be chosen, one from each age category plus an overall winner. Prizes include art material boxes, with the overall winner receiving a bespoke wooden box and €500.

The shortlisted works will be on display in the Portrait Gallery at the National Gallery of Ireland from 8 November until 15 March 2026. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on 25 November.

The exhibition will then travel to Donegal and Waterford. Works will be shown at the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny from 4 April to 20 June next year, and at the Waterford Gallery of Art from 18 July-11 October 2026.

Dr Caroline Campbell, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland, said: “We’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with AIB on these prizes. Watching entries arrive and the shortlist announced is a highlight of our year.”

Colin Hunt, CEO of AIB, added: “Irish portraiture captures a moment in time and reflects our people, stories and history. These portraits show the creativity and talent of artists of all ages. We are proud to support these competitions once again.”