Open Call for Artist Residency at Galway Arts Centre


Galway Arts Centre and Galway City Arts Office are pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a recent graduate from the Atlantic Technology University in Galway. We are inviting applications for a 9 week artist residency, which aims to support and nurture emerging artistic talent in our vibrant local community.

The award is delivered through a partnership between Galway Arts Centre and Galway City Arts Office. The residency is funded through Galway City Arts Office and Galway Arts Centre.

Residency Period: 9th October – 15th December 2023
Galway Arts Centre is a leading contemporary arts organisation dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and artistic development. Galway Arts Centre provides a supportive environment for artists to explore their practice, engage with the local community, and contribute to the cultural fabric of Galway.

Galway City Arts Office is the key agency in the city for the support and development of the arts. In line with Galway City Council Arts Plan New Directions 2022 – 2026 this residency opportunity provides investment in the development of New Voices in the creative sector. By supporting young artists to experiment, engage, and communicate through residency schemes.

Residency Benefits: The selected artist will receive the following support during their residency:

  • Studio Space: A dedicated ground floor studio space will be provided at Galway Arts Centre, suitable for desk-based work or research.
  • Stipend: A stipend of 2,400 euro will be awarded to the artist to cover expenses during the residency period.
  • Curatorial Support: The Director of Galway Arts Centre Megs Morley will provide guidance, mentorship, and critical feedback to the artist during the residency period, assisting in the development of their practice.
  • Professional Development Support: Galway Arts Office will provide guidance and professional development support to the artist during the residency period.
  • Work-in-Progress Presentation: The residency will culminate in a presentation/ artist talk by the artist of their work-in-progress at Galway Arts Centre providing an invaluable opportunity to showcase their practice to a wider audience.

Eligibility Criteria: To be considered for the artist residency, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Graduated from Atlantic Technology University in Galway in 2023
  2. Demonstrate a strong commitment to artistic practice and a desire to further develop their work.
  3. Reside in Galway City.

Application Process: To apply for the artist residency, please submit the following materials:
1.  Artist Statement: A concise statement outlining your artistic background, influences, and objectives (maximum 500 words).
2. Portfolio: A selection of your recent work, demonstrating your artistic practice. Please include up to 8 high-quality digital images, video links, or other relevant documentation.
3. CV/Resume: A current CV/resume highlighting your artistic education, exhibitions, awards, and relevant experience.

Applications must be submitted via email to education@galwayartscentre.ie
with the subject line “Galway Arts Centre Graduate Residency Application.”

Deadline for Submissions: 5pm Friday, 22 September 2023

Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed by representatives from the Galway Arts Centre and Galway City Arts Office. The selection will be based on the quality of the artist’s work, their artistic potential, and proposed ideas for the residency programme.

The selected artist will be notified via email by 29th September 2023.

We look forward to receiving your applications and witnessing the artistic growth and development of our local talent. If you have any further questions, please email education@galwayartscentre.ie

We will not be able to offer feedback  on submissions to unsuccessful applicants.

Galway Arts Centre Community Employment Scheme


Galway Arts Centre is the sponsor of a city based Community Employment Programme offering placements in Cultural and Community based organisations including Galway Arts Centre, Cuirt International Festival of Literature, The Blue Theatre Performance Academy, Baboró International Arts Festival for Children, An Taibhdhearc, Galway Community Circus, Our Lady’s Boys Club, Shantalla Residents Association, St. Joseph’s Community Centre Shantalla, The Galway Rowing Club and An Meitheal Rothar.

Roles include Receptionists, Administration and Accounts Assistants, Theatre Support personnel, assistant Curators, Caretakers, Maintenance crew, Outdoor Maintenance crew, Social Media and PR assistants, Outreach and Community workers, and Bicycle Mechanic trainees. Both in-house and accredited training is provided for all of the above roles and Galway Arts Centre encourages and assists all participants in sourcing relevant training courses that will improve employment prospects in the Cultural and Community sector. Galway Arts Centre’s CE scheme welcome applicants from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

All vacancies for the above CE programme are listed on the Jobsireland website and the Galway Arts Centre website as they arise. All applicants must fulfill DSP eligibility for CE, i.e., over 21 years of age and in receipt of unemployment assistance for a minimum of 12 months. If you require further information regarding our Community Employment programme or any of our vacancies, please contact:

Email CE Supervisor Derval Byrne: derval@galwayartscentre.ie