The Trustees of the Golden Fleece Award are thrilled to announce the shortlist of visual artists, craftspeople, and makers qualifying for the 2026 Award.
Those shortlisted for the 25th annual Award are: Emma Bourke (glass); Lisa Freeman (film / performance); Adam Frew (ceramics); Pierce Healy (metalwork / jewellery); Marielle MacLeman (installation / mixed media); Conor McFeely (installation / mixed media); Róisín O’Sullivan (mixed media / sculpture); and Róisín Pierce (textiles).
Just over 240 applications were received for the 2026 Award - 172 for Category 1: Visual Art and 69 for Category 2: Craft + Applied Art.
The prize fund for 2026 is worth a total of €40,000, making the Golden Fleece Award the most generous art prize open to both visual artists and craftspeople in Ireland. One main award of €10,000 will be made in each of the two Award categories: Visual Art and Craft + Applied Art. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Golden Fleece Award, a special once-off merit prize of €5,000 will also be awarded in each of the two categories. The additional €10,000 is to be divided equally between the remaining four shortlisted artists, with each receiving €2,500. The winners of this year's Award will be announced at a public Ceremony taking place on Thursday, 23 April in the Knight of Glin Exhibition Room at the City Assembly House. All are welcome to attend.
The Golden Fleece Award was established as a charitable bequest by Lillias Mitchell (1915-2000) to give artists "a 'boost' in times of particular need". It is governed by a Board of Trustees that includes members of the Mitchell family, consultants and arts professionals who work closely together to fulfil her wishes.
The Board of Trustees is supported by a specialist six-person Advisory Panel, whose knowledge and experience are invaluable in guiding the development of the award and selecting the annual shortlist. The 2026 Advisory Panel includes Clíodhna Shaffrey (Panel Chair and Director, Temple Bar Gallery and Studios); Sara Flynn (ceramicist); Ciara Hickey (curator); Joe Hogan (basketmaker); Stephen O'Connell (gallerist, O'Connell Gallery); and Niamh O'Malley (visual artist).
To view images of the shortlisted applicants' work and find out more about their practices, please visit the 'Artists' section of our website.
