Short Description:
Clay City is a year-long collaboration between Throwing Shapes and Staycity, offering one 12-month graduate program and three 3-month professional residencies for ceramic artists.
This one-of-a-kind initiative provides free studio space and accommodation in Dublin City, aiming to support artists in developing their careers while contributing to Ireland’s leading ceramics community. Our goal is to attract both Irish and international ceramic graduates and residency applicants, encouraging community engagement and establishing Dublin as a hub for ceramics. Staycity’s involvement is crucial in removing financial barriers for artists seeking to work and live in Dublin City.
The graduate residency opens for applications on the 7th July and is a fully supported opportunity for an early-career ceramicist to further their practice. It includes full studio access, mentorship and a subsidised apartment in the heart of the city for one year.
The professional residencies offer established artists and ceramicists 3-month’s in a state-of-the-art ceramics studio to complete a specific project or create space for dedicated studio research time. The first professional residency application will open on the 1st August.
Throwing Shapes, in partnership with Staycity, offers three 3-month Professional Residencies for established ceramic artists and potters. This professional residency provides full studio access and free accommodation during the chosen 3-month program.
Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit the application form with all elements. Application Form will open on the application opening date. We are scoring based on the following criteria;
1. Research-led artistic development
A self-directed residency proposal with a specified outcome. This could be but is not limited to:
– An exhibition or collection of work
– A specified material research project
– A commissioned body of work
2. Use of studio resources
Use of studio time, equipment, and community engagement to realise your project
3. Teaching and community contribution
Indicate your willingness to teach or engage in peer- or community-based learning during the residency
Eligibility:
– Established arts or ceramics practitioner with proven track record
3+ years of independent work outside of an institution, 3+ collections or bodies of work, or alternative equivalents
– Possess advanced ceramics and/or pottery skills
– Be legally entitled to live and work in Ireland for duration of residency. If a visa is required, this is the applicant’s responsibility
– Commit to full participation in studio activities, mentorship, community events and potential teaching opportunities
– Applications are welcome from professional artists/ceramists based in Ireland or internationally
Program Benefits or Awards:
* 3-months of full access to Throwing Shapes ceramics studio. (does not include clay, materials, or firing costs)
* Access to wheels, kilns, studio glazes, workshop equipment, hand-building space, communal tools, and peer-learning environment
* Fully subsidised city-centre accommodation provided by Staycity. This is a two-bedroom spacious, own-door and well equipped apartment in central-north Dublin. The accommodation will be shared throughout the 3-month period with our graduate resident. While rent is free, utility bills will need to be paid for
* Opportunity to teach workshops
* Solo exhibition at the end of the residency with curatorial & marketing support
* Access to member events, Talking Clay series, seasonal retreats and seasonal studio markets
* Mentorship sessions with staff and studio leaders as well as social media mentorship with Staycity media staff
* Permanent feature on the Throwing Shapes website and alumni blog
* Invitations to alumni events, retreats and future professional opportunities
* Please note that a stipend is not included in the residency, you will be asked to clarify how you plan on covering your living costs while on your residency (through savings, part-time work, or additional secured funding)
* You must to commit to donating one piece of your collection of work created during your time in the studio to Throwing Shapes at the end of your residency
Entry Fee: none
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Deadline: 30 August 2025
Website link:
https://throwingshapes.ie/pages/claycity
