The ISACS Network is pleased to present the 2026 edition of the ISACS and Áras Éanna Ionad Ealaíne Residency which offers ground based artists duos the opportunity to live and create for one month on the Island of Inis Oírr, Co. Galway.

This residency is an opportunity for artists to spend time thinking and developing in a unique environment. Inis Oírr as the smallest of the Aran Islands is a place where the landscape dictates how to live and life depends on community.

It is a place for deep reflection, for developing new connections and diving into your artistic practice far from the distractions of day-to-day life.

Artists will be considered for any level of project, from development of concept ideas to completion of an existing piece of work.  But every project must examine artistic practice and have reflections on such throughout the process.

Anticipated Outcomes as part of residency:

– A weekly blog/vlog/audio blog chronicling the experience which ISACS will use to communicate their artistic journey and other valuable insights about the residency.

– A live final sharing which will reflect upon/celebrate the time spent on the island and the artistic work that has happened during this time. (This can take any form, previous residencies have hosted talks, shared exhibitions, held performances). Producing ‘something’ to share is NOT the purpose of this residency, and while it is an anticipated outcome, it is not a given that this will happen. This sharing should be considered a warm thank you and goodbye to the island and islanders who have hosted you.

– Artistic Outcomes to be outlined by the Artist in their application, and to be supported by ISACS/Áras Éanna mentorship

What is involved?

We welcome applications for a ground-based duo to apply for a bursary to participate in the 1-month Artistic Residency on the beautiful Island of Inis Oírr, Co. Galway.

Áras Éanna Ionad Ealaíne provides accommodation and access to a dedicated studio and use of a theatre space.

The ISACS Network will accompany the selected artists to the island at a time of their choosing for a short stay – beginning, middle or end of residency. ISACS & Áras Éanna will offer advice, tips and context about the island in advance.

The Residency

This is a fully supported residency which includes the following:

Residency fee

  • €2000 from the ISACS Network & €1500 from Áras Éanna Arts Centre (towards artists travel and living expenses) upon receipt of invoices to the respective partners- N.B: Payment is 80% up front and 20% on completion.

Documentation/ Photography

  • Photographer Emilija Jefremova (local Galway based & internationally renowned photographer) will spend a day with the successful candidate recording images about the artistic process

Mentorship

  • Artistic mentor Aoife Carry will support and underpin the residency as an outside eye at intervals during the month of October 2026.

When?

From the 2nd to the 30th of October 2026 – it is preferable that the selected artists stay on the island for this whole period uninterrupted to get the benefit of full artistic immersion.

Eligibility criteria

Applications will only be accepted from artists who are current professional/organisation members of ISACS. Not a member? Sign up/Renew Here.

We are seeking:

  • Artists who are a ground-based duo
  • Artists who want to establish a genuine connection with the Island, its culture, nature, language and community.
  • Artists who primarily create work which is ground-based and embedded in the outdoors environment and/or inspired by the outdoors
  • Artists who demonstrate a distinct interest in either the environment/ marine life/ Irish heritage/ island life.
  • Artists who articulate a clear reason and artistic outcomes for this residency towards the creation of a piece of an exploration of their practice or a specific piece of work
  • Artists who are committed to the anticipated outcomes of the residency

We especially encourage Artists who self-identify as belonging to a minority or disadvantaged group to apply.

NB

  • An insurance policy identifying the full coverage details will need to be provided by the selected artists upon acceptance of this residency.
  • Evaluation feedback post residency will be required in order to claim final drawdown of 20% from ISACS Network.
  • Relevant logos and credits must be included in all digital content created/arising during/beyond/related to the residency.

How to apply

Fill out the application form by the 30th of June at noon→

Application Form

This initiative is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland.