At BradburyART, we are deeply committed to fostering the vibrant art community in Belfast and across Northern Ireland. For over 30 years, our family-owned art supplies store and contemporary gallery have been dedicated to supporting local artists and art organizations. Our partnerships with esteemed art societies and sponsorship of various art prizes underscore our mission to nurture and celebrate artistic talent in Northern Ireland.
Supporting Prestigious Art Societies
We proudly sponsor several distinguished art societies that play pivotal roles in Northern Ireland's art scene:
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Royal Ulster Academy (RUA): Established in 1879, the RUA is the largest and longest-established body of practicing visual artists in Northern Ireland. It began as The Belfast Ramblers’ Sketching Club and has evolved into a prestigious institution promoting both traditional and contemporary art forms. We are honored to sponsor the Sketching Prize at the RUA's Annual Exhibition, encouraging artists to explore and excel in this foundational art form.
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Exhibition Dates: The 143rd Annual Exhibition is currently running from 18 October 2024 to 5 January 2025 at the Ulster Museum.
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Contact Information: For more details or to inquire about membership, visit royalulsteracademy.org or contact them at info@royalulsteracademy.org.
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Ulster Watercolour Society (UWS): Founded in 1976, the UWS represents many of the top watercolourists in Northern Ireland. The society's main interests span watercolour painting, gouache, or line and wash. With a membership of about 100, including members from the Royal Ulster Academy and the Ulster Society of Women Artists, the UWS aims to promote watercolour painting in Ulster and beyond.
Our sponsorship of prizes at their annual exhibitions reflects our dedication to this delicate and expressive medium.-
Exhibition Dates: The 47th Annual Exhibition will open on Tuesday, 5 November 2024, at 7:30 pm and will continue from 6 to 17 November 2024 at Merville House, Merville Garden Village, Newtownabbey, BT37 9TH.
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Contact Information: For more information or to inquire about membership, visit uws.org.uk or contact them via their website.
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Ulster Society of Women Artists (USWA): The USWA is committed to promoting and encouraging women in the visual arts. They provide a platform for female artists to showcase their work and contribute significantly to the cultural fabric of Northern Ireland.
By sponsoring prizes for the USWA, we support the empowerment and recognition of women artists in our community.-
Exhibition Dates: Please refer to the USWA's official website or contact them directly for information on upcoming exhibitions.
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Contact Information: For more details or to inquire about membership, visit uswa.co.uk or contact them via their website.
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Pastel Society of Ireland: Established in 1988, the Pastel Society of Ireland was formed by a group of pastellists in Northern Ireland who sought to give the medium the recognition it deserved. Prior to this, pastellists could exhibit their work as members of the Ulster Watercolour Society. The society aims to promote the art of pastel painting and provides a platform for artists across Ireland.
Our sponsorship of their prizes highlights our commitment to diverse artistic expressions.-
Exhibition Dates: Please refer to the Pastel Society of Ireland's official website or contact them directly for information on upcoming exhibitions.
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Contact Information: For more details or to inquire about membership, visit pastelsocietyofireland.org or contact them via their website.
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Promoting Emerging Talent
In addition to supporting established societies, we are also sponsors of the Terry Bradley Art Prize, an initiative dedicated to promoting local talent in Northern Ireland. This prize offers emerging artists a platform to showcase their work and gain recognition in the art community. Our involvement with the Terry Bradley Art Prize aligns with our mission to nurture new talent and contribute to the growth of the local art scene.
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Exhibition Dates: Please refer to the Terry Bradley Art Prize's official website or contact them directly for information on upcoming exhibitions.
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Contact Information: For more details or to inquire about participation, visit terrybradleyart.com or contact them via their website.
Our Commitment to the Art Community
At BradburyART, we believe in the transformative power of art and its ability to enrich lives and communities. Our sponsorships and partnerships are more than just support; they are a testament to our dedication to the arts in Belfast and Northern Ireland. We invite you to visit our store and gallery in Belfast's city centre to explore an extensive selection of art supplies and contemporary artworks. Whether you're an artist seeking quality materials or an art enthusiast looking to immerse yourself in the local art scene, BradburyART is here to inspire and support your creative journey.
