Overview

Áras Inis Gluaire are seeking applications for their new residency programme in 2027.

Based in Bellmullet Co.Mayo, the residency invites artists to the region to engage with local communities and explore ideas related to climate change, biodiversity loss, and local heritage. Over four weeks, the residencies offer artists time and space to research and develop their work, to spend time with the local community and learn about the region.

A key aim of the residency programme is to connect artistic research with situated knowledge of local natural and cultural heritage. The selected artists will have opportunity to engage with local organizations and the wider community and learn about a number of environmental issues affecting the Erris coastline, the fishing communities, local boglands and other sites. Areas of focus include:

· Biodiversity: Wildlife Conservation, Seeds and Preservation

· Blacksod Bay: Coastal Erosion, Aquatic Life, Bellmullet’s Tidal Pools

· Erris Archaeological Heritage

Research will be supported by Áras Inis Gluaire and local groups and individuals, however the residencies will be largely self-directed.

This call is open to artists working in all artforms and areas of arts practice (including visual art, music, dance, theatre, literature, circus, performing arts, and more). The residency would best suit artists with a track record of working with communities or in rural contexts.

What We Offer

· A fee of €2500

· A production budget of €500 for a small public presentation at the end of the residency (i.e. a presentation of work, event, talk, tour)

· Four weeks accommodation in a private house in Bellmullet, with workspace included

· Introductions to local groups and individuals

· Access to facilities at Áras Inis Gluaire including a theatre space, radio broadcast studio, gallery space (availability dependent)

· 1-2 development sessions with curator Caimin Walsh

Conditions of the Residency

· Applicants must already be based in a Gaeltacht or engage with the Gaeltacht through their practice to apply

· Selected artists must utilise the Irish language in their work in a significant way

· The artist commits to presenting an aspect of their residency with/to the community in which they have engaged with during their residency (i.e. a presentation of work, event, talk, tour)

· The artist commits to presenting their ideas/explorations/works in progress with wider community, local school or group (these presentations could be in the form of a workshop, talk, presentation, walk, performance) as is appropriate to the artist’s practice

· The artist must present the work in Irish (with acceptance for all levels of Irish fluency) and English for any public facing event

· Successful applicants must be able to undertake the full residency duration

· Successful applicants will be responsible for organising their own travel, food, equipment and materials

· Successful applicants will be required to engage in development and evaluation meetings with the curatorial advisor

· The artist is aware there may be opportunity for a culminating exhibition/public programme in 2027/2028 resulting from the residency – subject to Iorras Teo securing further funding. To be discussed after completion of the residency.

sessions with curator Caimin Walsh

Notes on Áras Inis Gluaire & Residency Location

Áras Inis Gluaire is a bilingual arts centre based in the scenic town of Bellmullet on the Erris Peninsula, Co. Mayo. The residency is located in a dethatched house a few minutes’ walk from Áras Inis Gluaire and the town centre. The property has three bedrooms, a kitchen and a small garden. Visitors, family members, and collaborators are welcome to stay during the residency, however please note the residency fee remains fixed.

Bellmullet is reachable by public transport but further transport options on the peninsula are very limited. While it is not mandatory for residents to drive, having a personal vehicle to explore the region would be of benefit.

About Curatorial Advisor

Caimin Walsh is a curator and researcher based between Limerick City and rural West Cork. He is Curator of Civic Engagement at Ormston House, Limerick. He holds a BA in Fine Art from Limerick School of Art and Design (2013), and a MA in Ethnomusicology from University of Limerick (2025). He was selected for the MAC Curatorial Directions programme in Belfast, New York and Philadelphia (2019), and the Curatorial Program for Research (2023) in Finland, Norway and Sweden.

He specialises in facilitating partnerships between communities and artists, and in supporting projects that engage sensitively with complex environmental and place-based issues.

info@arasinisgluaire.ie

For any queries please contact the above email