Short Description
Despite supporting six studio buildings, supporting over 100 visual artists in our studios, and having delivered hundreds of opportunities, MART continues to receive Arts Council allocations that fall woefully short of our scale and impact. The latest 25% cut for 2026 is not an isolated incident; it’s part of a longstanding pattern that leaves MART one of Ireland’s largest artist-led studio and exhibition providers scrambling to fill chronic funding gaps instead of focusing fully on artistic innovation.
In response to this we’re transforming Gallery 1 into a Free Short-Term Project Workspace for part of 2026 programme. It will be a no-cost residency designed for sculptors, installation artists, performance makers, and digital creators who need a large, flexible environment to test ideas, build ambitious work, or refine practice without exhibition pressures and a focus on under-represented voices. This process-driven opportunity invites you to develop boldly, share if you wish, and help shape a more equitable visual-arts ecosystem.
Eligibility
- Application open to Artists working in Sculpture, Installation, Digital & Live Performance Artists
- Individual Artists, Collectives, Organisations, Group of Friends.
Who We’re Prioritising
We expect high demand and can offer only 3 – 4 slots in 2026. To support equity and project need, priority will go to applications from:
- Artists from marginalised communities
- LGBTQIA+ artists
- Artists with a specific 2026 project or exhibition that requires large workspace to realise
- Artists working primarily in 3-D / installation, performance, or digital practices (our other exhibitions/activities already favour 2-D disciplines such as painting)
How to Apply
Online Application
Program Benefits & Awards
- Cost-free, three-week residency in MART’s largest gallery—ideal for creating, devising, building, filming, experimenting or professional-practice R&D.
- Self-driven work/time with light support from the MART Directors and team.
- Large open floor plan suited to sculpture, installation, performance rehearsals, or digital production.
- Invite visits from guest curators, mentors or peer artists.
- Optional informal open-studio at period’s end (details agreed in advance; no pressure to present polished work or host the public if you prefer not to).
- Nominal artist payment: €250 (programme is currently unfunded).
- Visibility & community via MART’s website and social channels.
Entry Fee
None
Location
Dublin, Ireland
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 30 September 2025
Website Link: https://mart.ie/2026-open-call/
