Call for applications
Submissions open on Monday 23rd September 2024
Closing date Wednesday 13th November 2024
Brought to you by (Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, and Wexford Local Authority Arts Services), and led by Carlow County Council Arts Service under the Invitation to Collaborate Arts Council of Ireland scheme. In partnership with Capacity Ireland and as part of a Creative Europe Project, the programme ‘Breaking the Patterns’ is now accepting applications from emerging visual artists in the above counties.
Our definition of a Visual Artist
*An artist whose art forms creates works that are primarily visual in nature, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, design, text based work, printmaking, performance, photography, video,and filmmaking.
Breaking the Patterns is a two-year programme which commenced in early 2024 which will foster and cultivate creativity through international European art residencies, exhibitions, dedicated artistic mentorship and professional development.
The programme is designed to target, support and engage with emerging Irish Visual Artists, who may not have the means to develop their artistic practice due to barriers such as financial, social or not having the supports to do so. We are looking for emerging artists who are at the early stages of their careers, or who have just completed or are completing further education, or who are passionate about becoming an artist and would like to be supported to do so.
Successful applicants to the programme will take part in a three-month artists residency in Lisbon, Portugal from mid January 2025 until mid April 2025. Artwork which is completed during the programme will be exhibited in an exhibition towards the end of the residency. There are a total of six available spaces on this programme and applicants will be assessed within a competitive context. You do not need to know Portuguese to apply to the programme
Successful artists, will be supported with the following resources:
- Flights to and from Lisbon
- Accommodation – your own private bedroom, shared living spaces such as kitchen, living room and bathroom with artists who are also part of the same programme.
- An artist bursary of €1,500 for the three months and an additional €560 per month to cover living expenses
- Specialised mentorship from an artistic mentor, with guidance and support on how to organise an art exhibition.
- Access to studio space for the artist to create their work in Lisbon
- Exhibit artwork in an international exhibition in Lisbon at the end of the three -month residency and the possible opportunity to exhibit in Ireland as well.
- A part time artistic work experience placement within an established organisation in Lisbon to develop and hone your professional artistic skills.
- Online training tuition in a Level 5 Award course in Entrepreneurship for European Creative Industries.
- Weekly Portuguese language lessons.
- Travel Insurance for the duration of your stay.
- Ongoing support from Capacity Ireland and local pastoral care from our Lisbon partners for the duration of your stay.
Artistic Work Placements
During the artistic residency, each artist will work 2 days a week at an artistic work placement at an established creative organisation in Lisbon. These roles are especially created to give emerging artists the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop their skills within a professional environment. We have the following roles available –
- Gallery Assistant Jahn und Jahn Lisboa
- Art and Cultural Hub Assistant at Safra Lx
- Cultural Space & Gallery Assistant at NowHere Lisboa
- Art and Events Assistant at Hangar
To find out more information about these artistic work placements, please visit Capacity Ireland’s website for detailed descriptions for each role –
https://www.capacityireland.ie/breaking-the-patterns
How to Apply
All artists must complete the Capacity Ireland application form (This is a mandatory requirement to be eligible) and submit a CV and portfolio to rachaelspray@capacityireland.ie.
If your application passes to the next stage, you will be invited to do two interviews, the first with Capacity Ireland and the second with the relevant creative partners in Lisbon. You will be notified within two weeks from your second interview, if successful for the programme or not.
If you have any further queries about the programme, please email rachaelspray@capacityireland.ie.
Key dates:
Applications open: Monday 23rd September 2024 – Application and guidelines can be found on Capacity Ireland website here –
https://www.capacityireland.ie/breaking-the-patterns
Applications close: Wednesday 13th November 2024 at 4pm
This open call is led by Carlow County Council Arts Service in partnership with Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford Local Authorities Arts Services supported by the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon and Capacity Ireland.
