Artist Residency

Visual Arts & Theatre
About the Residency
Dunamaise Arts Centre is a multidisciplinary venue in Portlaoise, presenting theatre, visual arts, cinema and community programmes. The centre supports artists at different stages of their careers while providing opportunities for audiences to engage with a broad range of work across artforms.
The 2026 residency is focused on supporting artists working in visual arts and theatre, including those whose practice crosses between disciplines. The emphasis is on development, offering time to research, explore early ideas or test new directions in a practical setting. This is not a presentation-led residency, but one that prioritises process and the evolution of work.

What We Offer
Successful applicants will be provided with access to appropriate space within the building, whether that is rehearsal, studio or gallery-based, depending on the nature of the work. Technical support can be made available where required, subject to advance planning. Financial support may be offered where possible and will be dependent on available funding. The team at Dunamaise will work with artists to support their time in the building, and there will be opportunities to share work in progress where appropriate. Artists will also be included in the Centre’s marketing and communications activity.
Who Should Apply
This open call is for individual artists and small groups working in visual arts or theatre. Applications are welcome from artists at different stages of their careers, with a particular focus on those based in Ireland. We are interested in hearing from artists who are developing new work and who are open to responding to the context of the venue and its audiences.

Residency Period
Residencies will take place across the calendar year from January to December 2026. The length of each residency will vary depending on the needs of the project and the availability of space within the programme. Dates will be agreed directly with the selected artists.
Expectations
Artists in residence are expected to use the time to focus on the development of their work and to engage with the Dunamaise team in planning their residency period. At the end of the residency, artists will be asked to provide a performance/exhibiton and summary of their work and, where appropriate, to take part in an informal sharing or presentation.
How to Apply
Applicants are asked to fill out this google form along with a proposal outlining the work they wish to develop and how the residency will support this. Supporting material showing previous work should be included, along with any technical requirements and an indication of preferred dates.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed based on the strength of the proposal, the potential for development within the residency period, and how the work fits within the resources and context of Dunamaise Arts Centre. Consideration will also be given to ensuring a balanced and varied programme across the year. Applications will be contacted in June with the decision.
Key Dates
The open call is now live, deadline for applications 29 May 2026 with final decision made on June 12 2026 following a full review.
Contact
If you have any questions or require support in making an application, you can contact the team at Dunamaise Arts Centre -comms@dunamaise.ie