Submit Entries for Creative Spark Artist-in-Residence Programme

Creative Spark invites applications for the Creative Spark Artist-in-Residence Programme, funded by the Arts Council of Ireland. The open call offers three residency opportunities supporting artistic development, creative exchange, and engagement with Creative Spark’s facilities and local creative community. The deadline for applications is 17 October 2026 (time zone not specified in the source). The Creative Spark Artist-in-Residence Programme supports both emerging and established artists. It is designed to enable artistic development while encouraging creative exchange and engagement with Creative Spark’s specialist facilities and the local creative community. The programme offers three residency categories, each with a different geographic focus. Applicants may apply to the category that best matches their living situation and/or connection to the relevant region. The source does not specify a cash grant amount or reimbursement details. Instead, the programme describes access to space, facilities, support, and engagement opportunities. Applicants accepted to the residency will have access to:

Additional stated requirement:

Creative Spark welcomes applications from: The programme is particularly encouraging applications from practitioners working in: Applicants may apply to one of the following residency categories: While the source does not list formal “priority themes” as a checklist, it does describe the types of approaches and practices the programme wants to support. Creative Spark is especially interested in: This residency is positioned for artists seeking structured time and space to develop work while working directly with specialist creative facilities, including printmaking, darkroom/photography resources, digital fabrication, textiles, and ceramics-related equipment (kiln room). In addition to studio access, the programme explicitly supports public engagement activities and local exhibition opportunities, which can help strengthen practice development and professional visibility.

Official opportunity page (source): Creative Spark – Artist in Residence Programme

What is the Creative Spark Artist-in-Residence Programme? It is a residency open to emerging and established artists, funded by the Arts Council of Ireland, offering studio space and access to specialist Creative Spark facilities along with public engagement and local exhibition opportunities. When is the application deadline? The deadline for applications is 17 October 2026. The source does not specify the deadline time or time zone. Which residency category should I apply for? Choose the category that aligns with your circumstances: County Louth (living in or strong connection), National (living on the island of Ireland outside County Louth), or International (based outside Ireland). Is accommodation provided?

No. The source explicitly states: “Please note that accommodation is not provided.”

Do I need to work in a specific discipline? No—applications are welcomed across all art forms. However, the programme particularly encourages applications from visual arts, photography, printmaking, textiles, ceramics, design, and digital fabrication. What facilities and resources are available during the residency? Selected artists will have shared studio space (with water supply) and access to the Fine Art Print Studio, Darkroom, FabLab, Textile Lab, and Kiln Room, plus technical support where appropriate. How will applications be assessed? Applications are assessed based on the quality of the artist’s work, the strength and feasibility of the proposed residency project, and the potential impact on the artist’s practice and professional development, including engagement commitment through workshops, talks, collaborations, or other public/peer interaction. If you are considering applying, review the official Creative Spark Artist-in-Residence Programme page to confirm the correct residency category for your location and to access the “Apply Here” submission route. Pay close attention to the selection criteria and plan for engagement activities, and remember that accommodation is not provided.