Mayo Bolay artist's residency opportunity revealed

THE Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar has announced that it will support a visual artist with a residency programme for the fourth consecutive year.

A unique residency, it focuses specifically on artists feeling disconnected from their practice, whether for a myriad of reasons - health, financial, family, caring responsibilities, or a creative block, the terrain feels different.

The goal is to provide the artist with an opportunity to expand and reconnect to their practice, in a supportive and creative environment. By dedicating eight weeks in the west of Ireland to create new work or further develop an existing project, the Linenhall will offer facilities and resources for productive experimentation, dialogue, and collaboration. Artists with children or dependents are welcome to apply.

The Bolay residency 2023 takes place from October 30 to December 22 and includes use of a purpose built studio in the Linenhall, accommodation at Lough Lannagh Village, tailored mentorship, a purpose-built digital suite, an artist fee of €8,000, a materials budget and an exhibition opportunity at the Linenhall in 2024.

A panel of industry professionals will select the successful artist.

“It’s always our great privilege to be in a position to support artists in this substantial and sustainable way,” commented Linenhall director Bernadette Greenan. “We continue to be grateful for the ongoing support from our funders like the Arts Council of Ireland, Mayo Arts Office, Lough Lannagh Village in Castlebar and the councillors of Castlebar Municipal District, which allows us to do so.”

The inaugural Bolay residency, since named in honour of visual artist Veronica Bolay, a Linenhall trustee board member for 13 years, was presented by the Linenhall in 2020 during a period of lockdown. In its first year, Mayo artist Bryan Gerard Duffy was the chosen recipient. Duffy developed three site-specific artworks for public areas of the arts centre that will remain at the Linenhall indefinitely.

In 2021 there was new focus, facilitating an artist in benefiting from a supportive environment and dedicated studio time at a pivotal stage of their career. Donegal artist Maria McKinney was the recipient that year and performance artist Dominic Thorpe was the 2022 recipient.

“The Bolay residency has had a really positive impact on my practice, allowing invaluable space and time to reflect and develop new trajectories within my work,” said Thorpe.

Submissions open on Friday, May 19, with a deadline of Friday, June 23, at 5 p.m. and are accepted via visualartists.ie/bolay-residency-2023/. Due to the substantial nature of the residency, the administration and selection process will be managed by the Visual Artists Ireland team.

Contact Bernadette Greenan at director@thelinenhall.com or (094) 9023733 with any queries.