Painting Residencies in Ireland

Artfarm

Newbridge, Ireland

Artfarm Residency, nestled in a rural setting, offers a unique artistic retreat within an old style two-bedroom stone cottage, emphasizing a self-catering, self-reliant lifestyle. With no landline, internet, or TV, and varying mobile coverage, the residency fosters creativity in harmony with nature, encouraging residents to live with a light ecological footprint, adhering to zero waste principles. The residency is ideal for those comfortable with solitude and keen on engaging with the local community and ecology. Offering bicycles for transportation and emphasizing sustainable living, Artfarm welcomes collaborative projects and individuals focused on ecology, climate emergency, and place-based practices. It supports socially engaged practice, ecology, and activism, situated in a region known for its small farms, wetlands, and conservation efforts, with local amenities and public transport within reach. Fees cover maintenance while promoting a 'Leave no Trace' ethos, and the community-oriented residency encourages applications from those sharing its sustainable and creative ideals.

Ballinglen Arts Foundation

Ballycastle, Ireland

The Ballinglen Arts Foundation, established in 1992, is nestled in the quaint village of Ballycastle, County Mayo, Ireland. This unique foundation offers the Fellowship Programme which welcomes both Irish and international artists to immerse themselves in rural Ireland’s inspiring landscape and vibrant community. Unlike typical retreats, Ballinglen encourages fellows to bring family or companions, facilitating a communal and integrative experience. Fellows are provided with private cottages and dedicated studios to explore and create, contributing to the cultural fabric of the local area through engagement with the community’s public spaces, shops, and natural surroundings. The residency’s connection with the community and the dynamic North Atlantic coastal environment provides a profound source of inspiration, reaffirmed by the permanent collection housed in the Ballinglen Museum of Art which features works created by past fellows. This collection not only enhances the cultural heritage of the area but also fosters ongoing engagement with the visual arts. Artists interested in the Fellowship must apply and are selected based on their portfolio and professional standing, with the aim of fostering both their creative growth and the cultural enrichment of the local community.

Burren College of Art

Ballyvaughan, Ireland

The Burren College of Art Artist Residency program, nestled in the stunning landscape of the Burren in County Clare, Ireland, offers artists a unique opportunity to explore and expand their creative practice. The program is open to artists at all stages of their careers, providing a tranquil environment away from the pressures of daily life, where the natural beauty of the Burren serves as a source of inspiration. Residencies range from 1 to 3 months, with options for more structured programs like Residency+ and Burren Immersion, which include academic support and community engagement. The college facilities include a dedicated studio space, access to a variety of workshops, and the opportunity to participate in college events and lectures. Accommodation is available on campus, offering a comfortable and supportive environment for creative exploration. The residency emphasizes the importance of connecting with the local culture and landscape, encouraging artists to engage with the community and the unique ecological setting of the Burren. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with special programs scheduled throughout the academic year.

Cow House Studios

Wexford, Ireland

Cow House Studios, established in 2008 in County Wexford, Ireland, offers artist residencies for professionals in various disciplines. These residencies provide a platform for artists at different career stages, from emerging to established, and contribute to the local community by bringing contemporary artwork to a rural setting. The studio environment fosters creativity and interdisciplinary exchange, with artists sharing a large, adaptable space. This setup encourages interaction and inspiration from each other's work. The residency programs at Cow House Studios include the Open Residency Program, the Parenting Artist Residency (PAR), and an annually themed curated residency. The Open Residency Program is flexible, catering to artists from diverse fields for periods ranging from one week to six weeks. The PAR, developed in collaboration with The Mothership Project, specifically supports parenting artists, offering childcare and other necessary support for artists with dependents under 18. The curated residency, initiated in 2014, involves a curator proposing a theme for the residency, leading to the production of new artworks and possibly an exhibition or publication. Cow House Studios is committed to supporting the artistic community through these programs and collaborations with national and international organizations. These partnerships provide opportunities for exhibitions, publications, and professional development. The studio, run as a not-for-profit endeavor, is supported by Wexford County Council, which helps in expanding and experimenting with new residency models.

Temple Bar Gallery + Studios (TBG+S)

Dublin, Ireland

Temple Bar Gallery + Studios (TBG+S) in Dublin, Ireland, offers subsidized workspaces for professional visual artists in a secure, comfortable, and professional environment. TBG+S provides three types of studio memberships: Three Year Membership Studios for established artists, Project Studios for emerging artists or those working on specific projects, and a Recent Graduate Residency for artists who have recently completed an undergraduate degree in fine arts. The selection process is guided by a diverse peer panel, committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within the artistic community. Artists awarded studios at TBG+S benefit from a dynamic creative environment, networking opportunities, and various supports such as mentorship and financial bursaries. The program emphasizes the value of artistic potential and contribution to the vibrant art scene in Dublin.

Thoor Ballylee

Galway, Ireland

The Thoor Ballylee Artist-in-Residence program, hosted by the Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society in Galway, Ireland, offers a unique residency opportunity in the historic home of poet W.B. Yeats. Opened in 2019, The Studio at Thoor Ballylee serves as a cultural hub, providing artists with a space for workshops, exhibitions, and educational sessions. Each year, the residency supports two artists for two-week periods in July and September, focusing on literature, creative writing, visual arts, textiles, and more. The program includes accommodation, local travel costs, and a modest daily stipend, encouraging engagement with local artists and the community through exhibitions, performances, and workshops.