CFAs: Digital Artist in Residence Program at University College Cork (Ireland)

Deadline: 11-Sep-2026

The Arts Council and University College Cork (UCC) are inviting mid-career and established digital artists based in the Republic of Ireland to apply for a six-month Digital Artist in Residence programme. The residency provides an €18,000 artist fee, access to university space and technical facilities, and opportunities to develop digital arts practice while engaging students and the wider university community through workshops, mentoring, and public activities. What Is the Digital Artist in Residence Programme? The Digital Artist in Residence at University College Cork is a six-month residency programme designed to support innovation, experimentation, and professional development in digital arts. The programme is delivered by the Arts Council in partnership with University College Cork and is hosted within the university’s Department of Digital Humanities. The residency provides an artist with dedicated time, space, technical resources, and opportunities for collaboration while allowing them to remain primarily focused on their own creative practice. The programme also aims to strengthen connections between professional digital artists, students, academics, and the wider university community. What Does the Residency Support? The residency is intended for artists whose practices engage substantially with digital tools, technologies, cultures, or platforms. Digital humanities and technology-led artistic research Other emerging digital and technology-based artistic practices Applicants should propose a programme of creative research, experimentation, or development that can benefit from the facilities and environment available at University College Cork. What Funding Is Available? The selected artist will receive an €18,000 residency fee. The funding is provided through contributions from both programme partners: €13,000 from the Arts Council €5,000 from University College Cork

Total artist fee: €18,000

The fee is paid directly to the successful artist in two instalments. In addition to the financial support, the residency provides access to university facilities and an environment for creative development. What Does the Residency Provide? The selected digital artist will have access to: Workspace at University College Cork Relevant technical facilities and resources A supportive university-based creative environment Opportunities for public events and knowledge sharing Professional and creative networking opportunities The residency is primarily intended to support the artist’s own practice rather than formal academic teaching. Residency Duration and Timing The programme lasts for six months. The preferred delivery period is January to June 2027, and the residency must be completed by the end of June 2027. Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposed project can realistically be developed within this six-month period. Artist Engagement and Knowledge Sharing Although the artist’s primary focus will be their own creative practice, the residency includes a community engagement component. The selected artist is expected to contribute up to four hours per week to activities such as: Workshops Mentoring Student engagement Public events Demonstrations Knowledge-sharing sessions Informal discussions about digital arts practice These activities are intended to benefit students, university staff, and the wider creative community. The role does not require formal teaching or delivery of assessed curriculum components. Who Is Eligible? The Digital Artist in Residence programme is intended for mid-career and established digital artists.

Applicants must:

Be a resident of the Republic of Ireland. Identify as a mid-career or established artist. Have a demonstrated track record in digital arts. Have an artistic practice that meaningfully engages with digital technologies, tools, cultures, or platforms. Be able to develop their proposed work during the six-month residency. Be willing to participate in outreach, engagement, mentoring, or knowledge-sharing activities. The programme encourages applications from artists who represent the diversity of Irish society. Who Is Not Eligible? Applicants may be ineligible if they do not meet the programme’s residency or professional requirements. In particular, applicants must not have received Arts Council funding or other public funding for the same activities proposed for the residency. Artists should therefore clearly distinguish the proposed residency activities from projects that have already received public funding. Why Does This Residency Matter? The programme provides more than financial support. It creates a bridge between professional digital art practice and the university environment.

The residency can help artists:

Develop experimental or ambitious digital work. Access university-based technical resources. Explore new technologies and creative methods. Connect with students and academics. Expand professional networks. Share expertise with emerging artists. Test ideas in an interdisciplinary environment. Strengthen their artistic practice through dedicated development time. For University College Cork, the programme also creates opportunities for students and staff to interact directly with a practicing digital artist. How to Apply Applicants should prepare a clear proposal demonstrating why the University College Cork residency is appropriate for their artistic practice. A strong application should clearly explain: Your artistic practice Describe your background, professional experience, and track record in digital arts. Your proposed project Explain what you want to research, develop, experiment with, or create during the residency. Why UCC is relevant Explain how the Department of Digital Humanities, university environment, facilities, or community could contribute to your work. Your development goals Identify what you expect to achieve during the six-month residency. Your engagement plans Describe potential workshops, me