Inaugural River Lee Art Competition

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Myo has launched a call for artist submissions, for an exciting creative project on the banks of the River Lee. Myo Café, which was founded as a passion project by community activist Liam Mullaney, has launched a competition to champion local and emerging artists, promote the vibrancy of the city and foster social connections.

 

Mullaney has highlighted the importance of Myo as a place for people from all walks of life to connect and create a sense of home: “It’s brilliant to see people’s continued interest in bolstering Myo’s mission, building positivity and community spirit in Cork. That interest is what led us to launch this new project, the inaugural River Lee Art Competition — a unique celebration of place, creativity, and community. We’re particularly grateful to have the support of Cork companies MC2 Accountants and Parfrey Murphy Chartered Accountants.”

 

“The surrounding landscape here has so much history, and really dynamic parts of the city. There’s a lot to be inspired by, from winding streets steeped in stories, to riverside walks, leafy corners and architectural gems,” Mullaney noted. “We’re inviting artists to see the city in a new light and share their vision with the local community,” said Mullaney. “This isn’t just about geography — it’s about memory, imagination, and personal connection to place and people.”

 

Registrations of interest are open now until 30th June 2025. Participants will receive a custom bird’s-eye view map of the North Channel of the River Lee - including Myo café’s own base at Pope’s Quay. Participating artists are encouraged to interpret that landscape through their unique lens and create an original piece of art inspired by the area. Registered participants will have until September 2025 to make their final submission, giving artists the summer to explore, reflect, and respond on the canvas through paint, pencil or print. The journey will culminate in an autumn 2025 exhibition, where the submitted works will be proudly displayed to the public.

 

A highlight of the exhibition will be the announcement of the winning pieces, with prizes to include a €1,000 award, and selected by none other than nationally-renowned artist Vivienne Roche. Artists can register their interest by sending their name and contact details to corkmyo@gmail.com with subject line ‘River Lee Art Competition’ by 30th June 2025. Whether you’re emerging or established, local or visiting, this is your chance to leave your mark on Cork’s cultural map.