Open Call for Traditional Artist in Residence (Ireland)

The Traditional Artist in Residence, based in the Department of Music in the College of Arts, Celtic Studies, and Social Sciences, is designed to provide a traditional artist (traditional musician, singer, dancer, story-teller or practitioner of the oral arts such as agallamh beirte and lúibíní) with a unique opportunity to develop their practice in a university environment while offering students of music the opportunity to engage with a practicing artist in a meaningful way during the course of their studies.

From January to June 2025, the Traditional Artist in Residence will be supported to engage with students and staff. This programme of engagement will be designed by the resident artist, in consultation with the faculty of the university, and could include focused teaching, workshops, mentoring, public events or other activities which bring new energy to the residency programme. Contact time with staff and students during this time will be capped at 4 hours per week, and the resident artist will not be expected to deliver core curriculum.

Funding Information

• The fee to the Traditional Artist in Residence is €30,000, with the Arts Council contributing €20,000 and the university €10,000. UCC will provide the Traditional Artist in Residence with a dedicated space, where they can conduct their own creative practice, within the university. UCC will also support the residency administratively.
• Please note that no accommodation is provided. The fee will be paid in two instalments directly by the Arts Council, with a final report to be submitted by the Traditional Artist in Residence at the conclusion of the residency.
• From July to December 2025, the artist will be supported to concentrate wholly on their own practice.

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant should be a professional practicing artist. Although they might not earn income continuously or exclusively from their arts practice, applicants must identify themselves, and be recognised by their peers, as professional practicing artists.
• In line with the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty, the Arts Council and UCC are committed to ensuring that they take positive policy measures to promote equality of opportunity for all those living in Ireland, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, civil or family status, religion, age, disability, race or membership of the Traveler Community. Furthermore, they note the ground of socioeconomic background as a further basis for which equality of opportunity must be guaranteed.
• They therefore welcome applications that are representative of the diversity of Irish society, including but not limited to any of the characteristics outlined above.
• Applicants based outside Ireland must ensure that they have the necessary documentation to work in Ireland. The Arts Council or University College Cork cannot take responsibility for securing visas and or work permits on an applicant’s

Selection Criteria

• Upon receipt of applications, the Arts Council and UCC will establish a selection committee, comprising representatives from UCC, one from the Arts Council and an external panelist with traditional arts expertise. The selection committee will shortlist applicants based on the following criteria:
  • artistic track record (in the traditional arts) of the applicant.
  • quality of idea approach (referred to above), as outlined in the application
  • potential impact of the residency on the traditional artist’s own creative practice

Application Requirements

• To make an application, artists must provide:
  • A detailed proposal. This should outline the applicant’s vision for the role and a proposed approach for engaging with students, staff and the wider university. Relevant experience to support the proposal should be referenced.
  • A one-page artist’s statement describing how the residency would impact on the development of the artist’s practice in the traditional arts.
  • A detailed CV (maximum 3 pages)

For more information, visit The Arts Council.