WHAT IS JUMPSTART?

A nationwide two-year residency offering an artistic and sectoral mentoring programme for emerging aerial artists.

PRIORITIES & AIMS 

The priority for JumpStart 26/27 will be to facilitate the selected artist to develop their artistic thought/creative process, physical technique, grant writing and professional networks. JumpStart aims to build confidence in the selected artist and develop a practical support network between programmers and artists while providing artistic mentoring and development.

WHAT DOES JUMPSTART INVOLVE? 

The successful artist will receive

  • A stipend of €3,500 in Year One to cover your fees, travel and per diem

  • All accommodation from 8-18 July 2026 and during the IACC residency

  • Free tickets to all shows and events at Cairde and Earagail Arts Festivals

  • Free one-week pass at the Irish Aerial Dance Festival

  • One-week mentoring with Chantal McCormick  during your residency at the IACC

TIMELINE

Year 1: Go-see, training and mentoring

The artist will be invited to join the professional programme with international guests and arts workers at:

  • Cairde Sligo Arts Festival, 8-10 July 2026
  • Earagail Arts Festival, 11-13 July 2026
  • 1 Week intensive aerial dance training at Irish Aerial Dance Festival, 13-18th July 2026

In addition, the artist will receive one week mentoring at the Irish Aerial Creation Centre with Chantal McCormick on either 28 September–2 October 2026 or 9-13 November 2026. The artist will also receive support towards preparing funding applications for the creation of a new work.

Year 2: The partnering Festivals will provide the selected artist with a platform to showcase a work in progress during Summer 2027.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA 

We are seeking to support artists who are:

  • Current members of the ISACS Network and Irish-based

  • Have created and performed at least 1 short aerial work to date

  • Identify as being part of a minority or disadvantaged group

HOW TO APPLY 

The deadline for applications is Monday, 16 February 2026.

APPLICATION FORM 

JumpStart is a joint initiative between the ISACS Network, Earagail Arts Festival, Cairde Sligo Arts Festival, and Fidget Feet – Irish Aerial Dance Festival, and is supported by The Arts Council of Ireland.