Artist in Residence Opportunity at Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick

26 August 2026

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is offering a new residency for a visual artist, based at Down Arts Centre in Downpatrick, running from September 2026 to April 2027. The opportunity is open to an artist resident within the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area, with a maximum budget of £15,000 for the award.

The residency will provide dedicated time and space for the successful artist to develop their creative practice while engaging with audiences and communities in the district. It reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting artists and strengthening the creative sector in 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 programme of arts and cultural activity taking place in 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.

The residency includes studio space at Down Arts Centre, with a requirement that artists inhabit the space for an agreed period during the residency. The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 9 September 2026. The award 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, or to request an application pack, contact the Arts Team at downartscentre@nmandd.org.

For further information, contact Arts Development Manager Jackie Barker at Jacqueline.Barker@nmandd.org