Artist Residencies

Providing Time, Space and Inspiration is the founding principle of Burren College of Art. Our Residencies provide a place to retreat, reflect, and explore your practice outside of the demands and rigors of daily routine. Set in the centre of one of Europe’s most dramatic landscapes, the Burren is a place where the power and beauty of nature envelops and invites you to expand your vision and abilities as an artist.

Overview

Our residency program welcomes applications from artists working at all levels and stages of their careers. While our primary BCA Artist Residency program provides dedicated studio space and the use of our campus facilities for residents without any additional expectations, we are also able to offer residency programmes designed to support those seeking a greater degree of professional feedback and involvement in the College community.

The Residency + and Burren Immersion:12-week Residency programmes are available during the academic year between September and April. The Residency + offers studio time combined with weekly meetings with our faculty, while the Burren Immersion:12-week Residency combines independent studio time with advisory sessions along with the ability to audit one or more of our undergraduate courses (without academic credit) during the semester. All of our residents are welcome to attend public discussions, visiting artist lectures, seminars, exhibitions and events throughout the year.

 

Diane Magee, 2022

3 Week May Residency 2025

After it’s successful first offering in May 2024, we are delighted to be able to offer the 3-week Artist Residency again in 2025 for the dates of April 28-May 16.

As in 2024, the residency includes: your dedicated studio space which you have 24/7 access to, and use of our campus facilities and labs.  Additionally, as May is one of the most beautiful times to be in the Burren, this residency includes a weekly event or activity such as a guided walk, foraging, or talk – given by local experts on the environment and culture of the Burren.

The fee of €1685 includes both the residency and a private room in our shared campus housing (subject to availability).

For the residency fee without accommodation, the fee is €825 for the 3 weeks.

You can submit your application through the portal below, and any questions can be sent to lisa@burrencollege.ie

Places are now full for the 3 week may residency – please get in contact if you would like to be added to the waiting list

 

BCA Artist Residency

The purpose of the BCA Artist Residency programme is to welcome artists at all stages of their lives and careers to the Burren College of Art for an uninterrupted period of creative work. It has proven to be particularly suited to emerging and established artists and faculty wishing to investigate new areas of inquiry, explore new techniques, or develop a body of work for exhibition without distraction. While our regular classes are in session during the Spring and Winter academic year (September – April), during the Summer months (May-August), we host a variety of student groups and workshops, and the level of activity on campus will vary from high to low as visiting faculty-led groups, workshops and our Summer School take place. Artist Residents at the Burren College of art may work in solitude or choose to engage with College events and activities.

We accept applications on a rolling, space-available basis throughout the year.

BCA  Artist Residencies are offered in 1-3 month-long intervals and include:

  • 24/7 access to a dedicated studio space
  • Use of campus facilities: 3D lab for woodworking and metals (MIG and ARC welding tools available); a digital print lab; black and white photography darkroom; lighting studio; library; cafe and wi-fi throughout the campus.
  • Optional attendance at exhibition openings, public lectures and film screenings, and additional campus events.

NOTE: Unlike the Residency + and Burren Immersion:12-week residencies, this program does not offer any tutorials or access to academic courses.

BCA Artist Residencies are available during the following dates in 2025

2025

  • Monday January 6 – Friday January 31
  • Monday February 3 – Friday February 28 
  • Monday March 3 – Friday March 28 – WAITING LIST
  • Monday April 28 – Friday May 16 – WAITING LIST
  • Monday September 1 – Friday September 26 – WAITING LIST
  • Monday September 29 – Friday October 24 – WAITING LIST
  • Monday October 27 – Friday November 21 – WAITING LIST

The fee in 2024/2025 is €935 per 4-week period for BCA Artist Residencies. While accommodation is not included with the Residency, we can provide applicants will a list of local housing upon request. Residents can avail of student housing for the period of their stay at the College at the all-inclusive monthly rate of €900 (€1200 from April 2025), subject to availability.

Please contact Lisa Newman at lisa@burrencollege.ie with any questions.

Artist Residency Application Form

APPLY NOW

 

PLEASE NOTE: Once you’ve submitted your application, you should immediately see an acknowledgement page confirming the submission.  If you do not see this, please contact Lisa Newman at lisa@burrencollege.ie to make sure your application has been received by the College.

NOTE: While we make every effort to accommodate persons with various abilities, if you have physical limitations which would prevent you from walking along narrow country roads between the College and Ballyvaughan, we highly recommend you consider renting a car for at least part of your stay.  This is also recommended for anyone wishing to explore the Burren, nearby cities or other parts of Ireland on their own schedule.

Cancellation Policy

Our refund policy states that all tuition and fees are due at least 4 weeks before the start of the programme. Full refunds may be given up to 4 weeks before the start of the programme, (less €100 cancellation fee). The Burren College of Art accepts no obligation to refund any fee, or part thereof, after this date.  We may also be able to offer alternate dates in the future for rescheduling, subject to availability.

Non-discrimination Policy

Burren College of Art does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, or veteran status in any phase of its employment process, in any phase of its admission or scholarship programs, or other aspects of its educational programs or activities.