Brief Information
The DCU Visual Artists in Residence 2026 program offers two professional visual artists an exclusive 12-month residency on Dublin City University’s All Hallows campus. Developed in collaboration with Fire Station Artists’ Studios (FSAS), the residency supports research-led artistic practice through studio space, academic engagement, and access to a dynamic university community. This program is ideal for artists whose work benefits from time, research, reflection, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Key Dates & Details
- Program Name: Open Call: DCU Visual Artists in Residence
- Organizers: Dublin City University (DCU) & Fire Station Artists’ Studios (FSAS)
- Location: All Hallows Campus, Dublin, Ireland
- Residency Duration: 12 months (with possible 6-month extension)
- Studio Access: Monday–Saturday, 8:00–21:00
- Studio Size: 3m x 5m (research-focused, suited to writing, digital media, small-scale production)
- Application Deadline: 2 January 2026, 12:00 PM (Irish time)
- Target Group: Professional visual artists with a research-based practice
- Official Website: https://www.dcu.ie/
Table of Contents
Overview
The DCU Visual Artists in Residence 2026 program strengthens DCU’s long-standing commitment to embedding arts and culture across its campuses. Since its establishment in 2019, seven artists have completed the residency, engaging deeply with academic and research communities while contributing to DCU’s vibrant cultural landscape.
The residency specifically supports research-led, process-focused artistic practices, providing artists with an academic environment conducive to experimentation, dialogue, and interdisciplinary exchange. Artists gain meaningful opportunities to collaborate with scholars, attend public lectures, join cultural events, and contribute to DCU’s growing artistic ecosystem.
To explore previous artists and projects, DCU provides documentation and profiles on the university’s Arts and Culture website:
https://www.dcu.ie/dcuartsandculture/artists-residence
Residency Supports
Selected artists will receive:
- A dedicated 3m x 5m studio on All Hallows Campus
- Access to academic researchers and cultural communities
- Access to DCU Library and reading rooms
- Workshop spaces (where feasible)
- Guidance from the DCU Cultural Arts Officer
- At least one FSAS curatorial visit
- Access to Fire Station Artists’ Studios facilities at subsidised rates
This residency is ideal for artists working in digital media, writing, photography, installation research, socially engaged practice, small-scale sculpture, or interdisciplinary artistic development.
Eligibility
The DCU Visual Artists in Residence 2026 is open to:
- Professional visual artists with a demonstrable track record
- Artists seeking long-term academic engagement
- Practitioners from photography, painting, installation, digital media, socially engaged art, or process-based practice
- Artists able to deliver at least one public event during the residency (workshop, lecture, talk)
- Artists able to maintain monthly communication with the Cultural Arts Officer
Residency studios are not suitable for large-scale sculpture or heavy production.
Professional Artist Criteria
Applicants must meet at least three of the following eight criteria:
- Solo exhibition in a gallery or visual arts centre
- Participation in 5+ exhibitions (group or solo)
- Completion of an international residency
- Receipt of arts funding, awards, or bursaries
- Work commissioned or purchased by museums, government, or corporate collections
- Registration as a professional or self-employed artist
- Graduation with a degree/diploma in art
- Minimum five years of artistic practice
Application Details
Applications must be submitted as one PDF titled “Visual Artist Residency Application” and emailed to:
📧 [email protected]
Your PDF must include:
- A cover letter (max 500 words) outlining your interest, proposed project, and how DCU engagement supports your practice
- A CV (max 3 pages)
- Supporting documentation covering at least two projects from the past five years
- Up to five high-quality images or links to video/audio (ensure links are active)
Separate image attachments will not be accepted.
Selection Process
Applications will be assessed by DCU’s Visual Arts Committee, an FSAS representative, and a professional artist.
Selection Criteria Weighting:
- Track record & experience: 40%
- Potential for artistic development: 40%
- Engagement plan with DCU community: 20%
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview.
The process aligns with DCU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy:
https://www.dcu.ie/people/edi
Residency Extension
A 6-month extension may be granted if the artist is collaborating with a DCU researcher or academic programme and requires additional time.
Is the DCU Visual Artists in Residence 2026 a funded residency?
It provides studio space and academic engagement opportunities, but does not specify a financial stipend.
Can artists working in all media apply?
Yes, except for artists requiring large-scale workshops or heavy production facilities.
How many artists will be selected?
Two artists will receive the 12-month residency.
Is international experience required?
Not required, but applicants must meet three criteria from the professional artist list.
Official Link
👉 Click here to apply via the official DCU website
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