RDS Visual Art Awards: Cork and Waterford artists hoping for success

Beth Gaule and Harrison Connally are two graduates of the Crawford College of Art in Cork who've been shortlisted for the prestigious prizes 

Harrison Connally (left) is based in Cork, while Beth Gaule (right) is from Waterford.

The RDS (Royal Dublin Society) Visual Art Awards are a dream come true for many emerging artists. The awards are primarily for graduates from BA or MA visual arts courses in Ireland, though Irish graduates completing their studies at colleges abroad can also be considered.

This year, the shortlist of 12 includes two graduates from the Crawford College of Art and Design in Cork, Beth Gaule and Harrison Connally, who both completed the BA in Fine Art programme in June.