Background
The Artists’ Database was compiled in order to improve public access to NIVAL’s extensive hard copy files of information on 20th century and contemporary Irish artists. The database contains basic biographical and work details abstracted from the information in the hard copy files held in the Library. The Artists’ files contain exhibition catalogues, newspaper cuttings and ephemera on over 3800 artists born or based in Ireland. A visit to the Library is recommended to researchers seeking a comprehensive view of the actual files.

The Artists’ Database provides the names, and variations of names, for over 3000 Irish born or based artists. As such it provides a controlled vocabulary within the Irish context, and complements the Union List of Artist Names from which most Irish artists are missing.

This is an ongoing project which began in 1999 and was assisted by funding from the Irish Heritage Council. Additions, changes and updates are made on an ongoing basis.

Database structure
The Artists Database is currently utilises FileMaker Pro. Search fields and descriptive terms were developed with assistance from the Visual Arts Data Service (VADS) in the UK and are compatible with Dublin Core metadata standards. Searchable fields include biographical details (family name, first names(s), date of birth, location); issues of interest re content of work (disability, gender, politics, religion, sexuality, violence); artwork type/technique (50 options); areas of practice (23 options).

Image standards and access
The Artists Database is accessible on the NIVAL website at http://nival.ncad.ie/about_artist.htm At present this database does not contain images, although research into this area is underway currently.