What has Sculpture in Context done in the last 40 years?
Founded in 1985, Sculpture in Context has spent four decades championing contemporary sculpture in Ireland. The exhibition has provided a unique platform for artists to present ambitious, site-responsive work within the historic landscape of the National Botanic Gardens, fostering dialogue between art, nature, and the public.
Sculpture in Context has supported generations of Irish and international artists, encouraged experimentation across materials and forms, and made sculpture accessible to wide and diverse audiences. The exhibition has played a vital role in nurturing emerging practices while also showcasing established voices, contributing significantly to Ireland’s visual arts landscape.
The 2025 exhibition marked a major milestone, celebrating this 40-year legacy of creativity, collaboration, and public engagement. Sculpture in Context’s impact endures through the artists it has supported, the audiences it has reached, and its lasting contribution to contemporary sculpture in Ireland.

Why will there be no Sinco exhibition in 2026?
Sculpture in Context will unfortunately not take place in 2026.  The current committee have worked on a voluntary basis and after extraordinary work over a 14 year period are now stepping down.  In addition, Ireland’s Presidency of the EU means that the National Botanic Gardens will be required as a venue for international meetings in Autumn 2026.
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.

Is there a future for Sculpture in Context?
Yes.  An Advisory Committee, established in 2025, have already begun efforts to secure funding and to continue four decades of creativity, collaboration, and public engagement through the presentation of contemporary sculpture from 2027 onwards.

How Can I help?
If you are a company or an individual and would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at info@sculptureincontext.com

How Does Selection Work?
On application, each artist submits 3 photographs or drawings of their work and 2 images of previous finished work. These images are presented to the selectors and work is judged on merit and suitability for the exhibition. The selection committee is made up of 3 independent selectors each year. Any piece with two votes or more is deemed selected. 

How Do I Know If My Work Has Been Selected? 
You will be notified by email as to the status of your entry. Please note you will be notified even if work is unselected. Please email info@sculptureincontext.com  if you receive no correspondence. Due to the numbers of entries it is not possible to give feedback. All decisions are final. 

Is It Possible To Meet With Committee Members In The Gardens Before The Exhibition To Discuss Siting Of Work? 
The Sculpture in Context organisation is not employed by the gardens, the organising committee are present in the gardens for installation and removal of the exhibition. Once an artist has been successful with their application they can liaise with the committee re any queries and these will be dealt with on an individual basis. 

Do I Need To Insure My Work? 
Sculpture in Context provides third party public liability cover for all works included in the exhibition but this does not cover other risks (theft or damage).  

Who Do I Contact If I Have A Query About My Entry? 
Any enquiries regarding the exhibition and/or siting should be directed to Sculpture in Context Committee members, and not to the National Botanic Gardens staff – see About Us for a list of telephone numbers. 

How Much Commission Does Sculpture In Context Take? 
All work sold during, and as a result of, the exhibition is subject to commission. 
25% commission on all work up to a value of €15,000 and 20% commission on all work above €15,000. 
Please ensure that the price you indicate in the entry form is correct and includes the relevant commission as this is the figure that will appear in the catalogue. Prices cannot be changed once the catalogue goes to print. 
When calculating the selling price of a piece, artists should take into account the delivery costs if a work sells, this can be calculated separately or included in the sale price on the entry form. Artists will be responsible for the delivery of large pieces. Buyers can collect smaller pieces directly from the gallery or arrange directly with the artist about collection of sold works. 

Who Decides Where Work Will Be Sited? 
Proposals can indicate preferred locations but the selection committee/site coordinator may allocate alternative locations. Where a piece is site-specific we will do our best to ensure where possible that the location is available to you. Smaller indoor pieces will be delivered to the gallery space in the Visitors Centre on the first floor, plinths will be provided. 

I Wish To Hang My Work From A Tree. Am I Allowed? 
Work can be secured to trees using padded straps so as to not damage any bark or branches. Under no circumstances should work be nailed to trees or hung in any way that would compromise the tree. 

Can I Drill Into Walls Or Existing Structures? 
No, drilling into walls or structures is not permitted anywhere in the gardens or glasshouses.  Any existing fittings in the gardens may be utilised.  Work must be fixed to existing structures in such a way as to avoid any permanent intrusion or damage. Where work requires a plinth (indoor works only), it will be provided. 

Do I have to install my own work 
All outdoor work must be installed by the artist. Gallery work will be installed by the organisers. 

Will There Be Assistance Available For My Installation? 
Some volunteers may be on site to assist but if you will need assistance, you must organise this yourself. Please bring whatever tools you will need for the installation with you, for example ladders, drills and spades. 
Please note dates for installation and removal of large pieces requiring lifting equipment or assistance. 

I Wish To Collect My Work Early, Is This Possible? 
Sculpture cannot be collected before the end of the exhibition. 

If My Work Is Sold When Will I Be Paid? 
Payment will be made as soon as possible after the exhibition ends. This is usually within four weeks.