GMIT Mayo launches Artists Summer Residency Programme
Six week summer programme supports established and emerging artists
GMIT Mayo has launched its Artists Summer Residency Programme 2015 which supports emerging and established artists in the region. The programme provides opportunities for artists to research and develop their practice through the provision of studio space on campus, access to GMIT’s library facilities and participation in an exhibition on site in the historic Mayo campus.
The residency will take place over six weeks in July and August and applications are now being accepted for the programme. Four places will be available, following an interview process that is to take place in mid-June on campus.
John Mulloy, Art & Design lecturer, and co-ordinator of the Summer Residency Programme, says: “The residency will be of most benefit to artists seeking space and quiet time to focus on their artistic development, and is aimed at both emerging and established artists.”
“It will also be of interest to arts professionals who plan on taking a summer break from academic duties and who wish to explore and research from the West of Ireland.”
“The four artists involved in last year’s residency, Betty Gannon, Joanna Hopkins, Amanda Rice and Ian Wieczorek, developed a site-specific exhibition titled ‘In Situ’ which explored the social history and fabric of the campus and its surroundings in a very engaging way, and which attracted a lot of attention.”
Dr Deirdre Garvey, Head of GMIT Mayo, says the inaugural programme proved to be a very positive experience for the artists, lecturers and staff on campus and she looks forward to welcoming a new group of artists this summer.
“Working in a shared space, the selected artists will have the opportunity to develop an informal exchange of ideas and influences and to share expertise. Participating artists are encouraged to explore possible future independent creative collaborations locally, regionally and nationally, especially through contacts with local arts organisations which may arise over the course of the summer.”
To apply for a place on this programme, and for further information, please email John.Mulloy@gmit.ie by 5 June 2015.
