GMIT offers artists places on summer residency programme in Mayo campus

The Mayo Campus of GMIT is delighted to welcome applications for this year’s summer residency programme in Castlebar. The residency aims to provide opportunities for artists to research and develop their practice through the provision of studio space, 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 intending applicants are invited to email John.Mulloy@gmit.ie  or telephone 098 35371 by Friday 27 May 2016 for more information and to arrange an interview.

“This is the third year the residency is running, and it is becoming an important part of the artistic landscape of County Mayo”, says Dr Mulloy.

“The four artists involved last year developed a site-specific exhibition, ‘Off The Wall’, exploring the social and institutional history and current uses of the campus and its surroundings in a compelling way, engaging with issues such as the incarceration of vulnerable people and approaches to mental health in Ireland. Three of the group have continued to work together and recently had a group exhibition in the Mart Gallery in Dublin”.

Dr Deirdre Garvey, Head of GMIT Mayo, described last year’s residency as a “very successful example of community engagement through the arts” and looks forward to welcoming a new group of artists to the Campus this summer.

“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”.

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.

For further information on art courses delivered in GMIT Mayo including the part-time BA in Contemporary Art Practices, see http://www.gmit.ie/lifelong-learning/lifelong-learning-mayo