ABC Artist in Residence Programme 2026/2027 Armagh City, Banbridge and

Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council invites applications from professional artists, resident and working in the ABC Borough , aged 18+ for two ambitious six-month Artist in Residence programmes based in Banbridge and Armagh City. These residencies offer an opportunity for selected artists to deepen their practice while contributing meaningfully to the cultural life of one of Northern Ireland’s most vibrant and diverse boroughs.

Gratefully co‑funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, this programme reflects ABC Council’s commitment to nurturing artistic excellence, expanding access to the arts, and strengthening creative engagement across communities. The residency aims to embed two artists within the heart of the borough, its people, its stories, and its creative potential, while providing the time, space and support needed to develop new work.

The residencies will be based at FE McWilliam Gallery & Studio Banbridge and The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre Armagh. Applicants may apply for one residency only.

Previous Artists in Residents may not apply. A) Residencies with Purpose and Ambition Our Artist in Residence programme champions individual artistic development while placing community engagement at its core.

The selected artists will have the opportunity to: Develop their own creative practice with dedicated studio time and professional support. Inspire and collaborate with local schools, community groups, and residents.

Contribute to a thriving cultural ecosystem that values creativity, participation, and shared experience. This is a unique opportunity for artists to shape a period of meaningful creative activity, build new relationships, and leave a lasting impact on the borough’s cultural landscape.

B) About the Residency The appointed artists will work closely with the teams at FE McWilliam Gallery & Studio , and The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre. The residencies are structured to balance community engagement with personal artistic development.

Time Commitment 1 day per week delivering workshops, engagement sessions, or collaborative projects with schools, community organisations, and local groups. Engagement will be both outreach and centre based.

1 day per week dedicated to the artist’s own practice C) Residency Objectives The Artist in Residence will:

• Deliver a programme of arts engagement activities tailored to schools, community groups, and diverse audiences.

Each artist will engage in projects with one community group and two schools across the borough during the residency (Min: 6 weeks with community group and 4 weeks with each school group)

• Encourage creative participation across all ages and backgrounds.
• Build collaborative relationships with local organisations, educators, and community leaders.
• Contribute to the cultural life of the borough through workshops, talks, demonstrations, exhibitions, or public events.
• Produce a body of personal work supported by dedicated own practice time.
• Share insights into their creative process through open studios or public conversations.
• Document their work and engagement activity for evaluation and promotional purposes.
• Inspire children and young people in schools and community groups to explore their creative potential.
• Support the council’s wider goals of: - Empowering and uniting the creative community across the borough and celebrating and sharing creative skills and talents. - Linking creativity, heritage and community for social and environmental benefit D) What the Residency Provides
• Access to the venues’ facilities and other council venue facilities if required.
• Support from ABC Council’s Arts team.
• Opportunities to share work developed during the residency.
• Connections with schools, community organisations and local networks.
• A platform to develop new ideas, methodologies, and community‑focused artistic approaches.
• Please Note: Accommodation or Studio