Building A Strong Portfolio with Valeria Ceregini

What to Expect

A portfolio is the document that gets an artist a residency, a bursary, a gallery slot or a place on a course, and most artists put theirs together in a hurry the night before a deadline. This full-day workshop at the Linenhall sets out to fix that. It runs from 11.15am to 4pm on Saturday 10 October and focuses on building a professional artist portfolio that holds up in front of a selection panel.

It is led by Valeria Ceregini, an international Italian Irish-based visual arts curator and historian and creative producer whose research specialism is ecological and trans-cultural work. She founded MISCIA (Moving In Supporting Community In Art), a platform offering mentorships and tailored programmes for artists across Europe, and holds advanced degrees in Communication Science and History of Art alongside specialist training in cultural heritage and relational coaching. That combination means she has sat on both sides of the table, as someone who assesses portfolios and as someone who coaches the people making them. The session is aimed at artists and creatives looking for guidance on portfolio development, is supported by Mayo Arts Office, and follows her September workshop at the same venue on developing and delivering an exhibition. It is free but must be booked in advance.

Good to Know

• Saturday 10 October 2026, 11.15am to 4pm
• The Linenhall Arts Centre, Linenhall Street, Castlebar, F23 AN24
• Free event, advance booking required
• Book through thelinenhall.ticketsolve.com or the box office on 094 902 3733
• For artists and creatives at any stage
• Supported by Mayo Arts Office
• Follows the 12 September workshop on developing and delivering an exhibition

Getting There

The Linenhall sits on Linenhall Street in the centre of Castlebar, minutes from The Mall and the main square. Driving, the N5 comes west from Dublin through Longford and Roscommon, the N84 runs north from Galway, the N60 links Claremorris and Roscommon, and the N58 arrives from Ballina and Foxford. Irish Rail runs Dublin Heuston to Castlebar via Manulla Junction, with the station a short walk from the centre. Bus Eireann serves Castlebar from Galway, Sligo, Westport and Ballina. Street parking around Linenhall Street is pay-and-display and there are larger car parks a few minutes away for a full day.