Theatre Artist In Residence 2025

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR UCC AND CORK OPERA HOUSE’S JOINT NEW IRISH THEATRE ARTIST IN RESIDENCE 2025.

In support of the innovative partnership between leading Cork institutions, Cork Opera House and University College Cork applications are now invited for the third Theatre Artist in Residence Programme, which is jointly funded by Cork Opera House and UCC.

On this occasion, we welcome applications from professional Theatre Artists who are also international migrants, refugees or asylum seekers. This residency is specifically for Theatre Artists who have migrated to Ireland or sought refugee / asylum status due to the inability to practice in their home country or because of factors such as conflict or persecution. This Call for a Theatre Artist in Residence is framed and supported by UCC’s University of Sanctuary programme which provides scholarships and fellowships for students, researchers and academics who are refugees and asylum seekers.

In order to qualify for this residency, you must have the right to work in Ireland, have a reasonable proficiency in English and be independently driven. Theatre Artists should be practising in the areas of directing, devising, writing, designing for the stage, or other forms of performance creation in theatrical arts. The appointment of the Theatre Artist in Residence is for one year and the successful applicant will be paid a bursary of €20,000. The Artist in Residence will be welcome to liaise directly with the CEO of Cork Opera House and the Professor of Creative Practice at the Department of Theatre UCC throughout their residency.

Both institutions believe that celebrating and promoting diversity in the artists we work with are key to shaping a cultural sector that is inclusive, compelling and meaningful. This residency aims to provide a supportive and inspiring environment where the artist can freely explore their practice, share unique stories and deepen their relationship with the vibrant Irish theatre scene.

What We Offer:

• 12 month funded residency (€20,000) to focus on your own theatre practice.
• Access to office space in either UCC Theatre Department or Cork Opera House.
• Limited access to performance and rehearsal studios in the Department of Theatre at UCC.
• Mentorship from CEO of Cork Opera House / Professor of Creative Practice at UCC.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The artist must have migrated to or sought refugee / asylum status in Ireland within the last 10 years. 
• Ability to demonstrate a reasonable proficiency in English.
• Ability to demonstrate being independently driven.
• Be able to evidence your right to work in Ireland.
• Ability to commit to a 12-month residency. 

As part of your application, please include the following: 

• A CV (maximum 3 pages) 
• Two examples of previous work (e.g. photos [up to 6], video [3 mins max per example], script extract [max 5 pages]). 
• Artist’s Statement and/or manifesto (300 words maximum) or audio file spoken equivalent, if preferred. 
• Description of how you would like to use the 12 months of residency support (1000 words maximum) or audio file spoken equivalent, if preferred; including a description of how the residency will fit into your professional ambitions and goals. 

Candidates are strongly encouraged to read the ‘Frequently Asked Questions and Further Information’ section here before they submit their application.

Please send your application documents to: egleeson@corkoperahouse.ie                  

Informal enquiries may be made to Eibhlín Gleeson, CEO Cork Opera House (egleeson@corkoperahouse.ie)

Candidates will be shortlisted for an in-person interview – which will be held in Cork on Tuesday. 12th Nov 2024. The residency runs from 1 January – 31 December 2025.

Closing date for applications is Friday, 25th October 2024.