Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Offering Visual Artist Residency Opportunity

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is offering a new residency, based at Down Arts Centre in Downpatrick from September 26 to April 27, 2026.

The opportunity is open to a visual artist to provide dedicated time and space to develop their creative practice while engaging with audiences and communities across the district. The residency reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting artists and strengthening the creative sector throughout Newry, Mourne and Down.

The successful artist will have the opportunity to develop a new body of work, explore new ideas and approaches and contribute to the vibrant programme of arts and cultural activity taking place across the district. The residency also hopes to provide opportunities for the public to engage directly with the artist and their creative process through activities such as artist talks, demonstrations, workshops or open studio sessions.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said, “We are delighted to be able to offer this residency opportunity to a visual artist and to continue our support and investment into the development of creative talent across Newry, Mourne and Down.

“Residencies provide artists with valuable time and space to experiment, develop new ideas and create new work, while also allowing the public to gain an insight into the artistic process.

Our district has a wealth of creative talent and initiatives such as this help us to nurture that talent, encourage greater participation in the arts and contribute to the cultural life of our communities.”

The residency forms part of the Council’s wider commitment to developing the local arts and cultural sector and supporting artists at different stages of their professional practice. The Council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy places a strong emphasis on strengthening the sector and supporting individual artists and creative development.

To be eligible for the award, applicants must be resident within the Newry, Mourne and Down Council Area. The residency includes studio space at the Down Arts Centre and will begin in September 26 and run until March 31st, 2027.

There is a requirement that artists will inhabit this space for an agreed period within the residency. The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 9 September 2026, with a maximum budget of £15,000 for the award. This fee is to include all materials and time required to deliver the residency.

Visual artists interested in the opportunity are invited to submit an expression of interest, including details of their artistic practice, relevant experience and proposed approach to the residency.

For guidance notes on eligibility and the application process contact the Arts Team and to request an application pack visit downartscentre@nmandd.org. For more information contact Arts Development Manager, Jackie Barker, at Jacqueline.Barker@nmandd.org.