Open Art Residency Program Ireland 2024 - Cow House Studios

Program Overview

The Cow House Studios Open Residency Program offers artists critically valuable time and space to become immersed, research, and make new work. Applications are open to Irish and international cultural practitioners working in any discipline: visual artists, theatre-makers, writers, thinkers, choreographers, designers, performers, filmmakers, sculptors, photographers, etc. are strongly encouraged to apply.

What's Provided

Cow House Studios provides a private room in shared accommodation, meals, and twenty-four-hour access to the studio and facilities. The 343 m² (3,700 ft²) open-plan space contains woodworking tools, a darkroom, and a computer lab. Many readily available materials are provided for artists' use.

Available Dates & Fees

• Week 1: April 27–May 3
• Week 2: May 4–10
• Week 3: May 11–17
• Week 4: May 18–24
• Price: €560 weekly
• Price includes: three meals daily, private room and studio, use of studio tools, facilities, and materials
• 20% discount for students and educators; 20% discount for those willing to share a room and studio; discounts can combine to 40% off

Residency Length

Artists may apply for a one or two-week residency. The program aims to grant each successful applicant their desired dates; however, shorter stays may be offered subject to availability.

How to Apply

• Application deadline: Sunday, January 18, 2026
• Submit a portfolio in PDF format (maximum 10MB); no specific image requirement—submit only relevant materials
• Include captions or short descriptions with images
• For videos, films, or audio: provide links to your website, Vimeo, or YouTube
• Writers may submit a ten-page sample in PDF format
• Notifications by Monday, February 9, 2026

Eligibility & Selection

The residency is open to creative practitioners working in any medium. Cow House Studios has hosted visual artists, performers, writers, musicians, and curators. Between four and eight artists are hosted weekly. Individual feedback is not provided due to the high volume of applications.

Getting There

The studios are located in Ballybawn, Rathnure, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford (Eircode Y21 T0X8), about three miles from the villages of Rathnure and Killanne. Free pick-up is offered from Enniscorthy between noon and 1 PM on the first day of residency. Alternatively, guests may drive or use services such as Wexford Bus, Bus Éireann, or Irish Rail from Dublin.