Organizer Information
Studio Light Moves is an initiative of the Light Moves Festival, based in Limerick, Ireland. The program is dedicated to supporting innovative practices at the intersection of Dance and Digital Media Residency, offering residencies, mentorship, and professional guidance. Collaborating with Dance Limerick, Limerick City Gallery of Art, the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, and the DMARC maker-space at the University of Limerick, the organization provides artists with opportunities to experiment with technology, screen-based practices, and interdisciplinary performance.
Title & Description
Open Futures 2026 – Residency-Based Lab for Dance & Digital Media
This open call invites collaborative pairs—one dance artist and one digital/media artist—to participate in a two-week residency in Limerick, Ireland. The program focuses on interdisciplinary experimentation, combining choreography, interaction design, screen-based work, and installation. Participants will receive mentorship, access to technical equipment, studio space, and the opportunity to present work in the Creative Lab and at public sharing events. The residency encourages pre-existing collaborations as well as innovative approaches to new methods of integrating dance and technology.
Categories
Dance, Multimedia, Technology, Interdisciplinary Arts, Performance, New Media
Eligibility
- Collaborative pairs: one dance artist and one digital/media artist.
- Open to international and Irish-based artists.
- Artists should demonstrate experience or pre-existing collaborations in dance, media arts, or interdisciplinary practices.
- Applicants must commit to the full residency period in Limerick.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Financial support: €3,600 per pair (€750/week per person for 2-week residency + €300 per person for preparatory research days).
- Studio access at Dance Limerick, Limerick City Gallery of Art, DMARC, and the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance.
- Accommodation in Limerick during the residency.
- Travel support (national: max €50, international: max €250 per person).
- Mentorship from expert practitioners in dance, digital media, and technology.
- Participation in Creative Lab day with presentations, discussions, and skill exchange.
- Public presentation opportunities at Dance Limerick.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Statement of Interest (300–400 words, written/audio/video) outlining artistic aims, technology/media area, and Creative Lab contribution.
- CV and short bio (max 150 words) for both artists.
- Two examples of previous work (video links).
- High-resolution headshots and social media/website handles.
How to Apply?
Please email your submission to Emer at lightmovescommunications@gmail.com with the subject line Open Futures 2026 Application.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 12 February 2026
- Artist Notification: 23 February 2026
- Residency & Creative Lab: 18–29 May 2026 (including 23 May, Saturday)
- Public Sharing Event: 29 May 2026
Location
Limerick, Ireland
Additional Details
- Emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and integration of dance with technology.
- Equal opportunity and accessibility support are available for applicants with additional needs.
- The selection panel evaluates artistic commitment, project feasibility, and developmental impact.