Who We Are 
Founded in 1985, Sculpture in Context has spent four decades championing contemporary sculpture in Ireland. Set within the National Botanic Gardens, the exhibition has supported generations of artists, encouraged experimentation, and made sculpture accessible to wide audiences. The 2025 exhibition marked 40 years of creative dialogue between art, place, and the public.
Sculpture in Context will unfortunately not take place in 2026. The workload and ongoing challenges of delivering the exhibition without secure funding, and on a voluntary basis, have proven unsustainable. In addition, Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union means that the National Botanic Gardens will be required as a venue for international meetings in Autumn 2026.

After careful consideration, the Sculpture in Context committee of Jackie Ball, William Foley, Lena Willryd, Patricia Donnelly and Mick Fox have made the difficult decision to step down.

An Advisory Committee, established in 2025, have already begun efforts to secure funding and to extend four decades of creativity, collaboration, and public engagement through the presentation of contemporary sculpture from 2027 onwards. 
Sculpture in Context is proud of its 40-year legacy of promoting and supporting sculpture in Ireland and we are confident that this will not be the end of the annual exhibition. 

Contact Us
To talk to us about sponsorship or for any other enquiries, please email info@sculptureincontext.com

Sculpture in Context Advisory Committee 
Christine Sisk
Martin Byrne
Aisling Ryan 
Paula White 
Katherine O’ Brien 

Governance 
Sculpture in Context is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, registered in Dublin. 
Registered company number 756209