Residencies Open Call 2026

Artlink is a successful artist lead visual arts organisation, currently based in the impressive cliff top location of Fort Dunree. Dunree has been an important military site throughout history; contrasted with its surrounding natural beauty and abundant wildlife, it draws increasing numbers of national & international visitors. Artlink supports the ambitions and profile of local, national and international artists by providing a platform for innovative delivery and realisation of visual arts projects. We manage a residency program through which artists have the opportunity to research, experiment and create new original work and contribute to the creative development of the local arts community. Through a diverse  program which also includes exhibitions, workshops and community projects, we forge local, national and international partnerships to build a strong sustainable culture and contribute to the artistic and economic ecology of the region.

Artlink Residency Guidelines 

Residency details

The artist residencies are open to professional Visual Artists working in any discipline including but not limited to: sculpture, photography, painting, installation, and video.

Artists in residence must be available for four weeks between April and September 2026. (This can be split into two or more visits.) During the residency artists are expected to develop new work or new ideas responding to the unique site and surrounding areas, and engage with local artists and Artlink members. Resident artists are expected to actively create within the studio space for at least 20 hours a week and be willing to hold open studio hours with the public for a minimum of one day a week. Public engagement could be through presenting artist talks, workshops, demonstrations or other events.

Resources

Artilink will offer time, space and professional support for work, reflection, research and experimentation.

Facilities available

• Links to the local community

• 24-hour secure access to studio space (if required)

• Broadband Internet (intermittent)

• Alternative photographic processing kit (hinged back printing-out frames 1 x 20”x 16”, 4 x 12”x16”, UV light, flat hake brushes, weighing scales, thermometers, glass cylinders, developing trays up to 20 x 16, print washer)

• Digital Imaging Suite

• Technical assistance

• “The Potting Shed” community garden and studio

• Digital projector

• Large flat screen monitor

• Glass kiln

• Ceramic kiln

• Electric bicycle

• Speakers and media player

• Mini printing press

Selection Process

Criteria for Assessment of Applications

• evidence of an artist (or artist collective) with a developed and professional approach to  their work

• the ambition and experimentation inherent in the application and proposal

• the innovative nature of the proposal and how it responds to the site and surrounding areas

• clear benefits to the artist(s) practice

• engagement with Artlink’s programme of activities (see www.artlink.ie and www.artlinkonline.ie)

Artlink is dedicated to cultural diversity in its programming, and encourages applications from artists, art collectives, and curators from diverse communities and  backgrounds.

Hints and tips

• Take a look at the short videos of previous Artists In Residence on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/ArtlinkFortDunree/ to give you an idea of the standard of artist we invite to Artlink and what kind of outcomes are possible

• These residencies are self directed, research based residencies they are best suited to artists who are capable of working and living independently and who have a track record of high quality production.

• We receive over 500 applications for these opportunities – please ensure you use clear language to explain your proposal

• It is not necessary to supply print quality images. Clear, in focus images that give the panel a good idea of your work will encourage them to seek out your website for further information.

This project is supported by the Arts Council Ireland Visual Arts, Arts Grant Award 2026 and Donegal County Council.

Deadline for applications Monday 5th January midnight 2026.

Fees

Artists will be paid a residency fee of €7500/6000 for undertaking the residency. The residency fee covers all flights, accommodation, transport, materials, living expenses and artist’s fee. The selected artists are responsible for arranging their own accommodation and travel arrangements and managing their budget as appropriate.
There are three residency positions available. The residencies and the associated fees are allocated as follows:

• 1 x  Visual Artist living anywhere in the world [INTL]  €7500

• 1 x  Visual Artist living and working in Iceland [INTL]  €7500

• 1 x  Visual Artist living and working in Ireland[IRL]     €6000

The [INTL] residency is available to any artist living and working outside the Republic of Ireland and one artist living and working in Iceland, and the [IRL] Residencies are open to any artists living and working in the Republic of Ireland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we apply as a duo/collaborative group?
Yes but the fee will be shared between you

Where can I stay?
There are a number of options locally.  We will advise on this with selected artists.

I am from Northern Ireland. Can I apply?
Yes, artists from Northern Ireland can apply to the International opportunity

I am an Irish artist living abroad, can I apply?
Yes you can apply for the international residency

Is the studio wheelchair accessible?
The studio is located on the ground floor. There are two steps but we have a temporary ramp for access.

When will I find out if I have been selected?
We hope that selected artists will be contacted by the end of February 2026. When they have confirmed they will be announced on our website and an email will be sent to our subscribers. We regret we are unable to provide feedback to applicants.

I cannot use the Google form to apply, is there an alternative?
We receive a large volume of applications and whilst the Google form is useful we understand that it is not accessible to everyone. Please contact us by email before the 12th December to request an alternative of the application form.

Selection Panel

Marianne O’Kane Boal