Open Call: Funded Artist Residency in Galway, Ireland

About the exchange

This opportunity is part of the first reciprocal residency exchange between Fish Factory Creative Centre in Stöðvarfjörður and Engage Art Studios in Galway.

In March 2027, an Engage artist will spend one month at Fish Factory. In return, an artist residing in Iceland will undertake a one-month residency at Engage Art Studios in Galway.

The exchange connects Galway’s urban arts community with Fish Factory’s multidisciplinary residency in a remote coastal village in eastern Iceland. Both organisations are artist-centred, community-rooted, and committed to supporting artistic development through international exchange.

The residency

The selected artist will spend one month at Engage Art Studios in Galway in March 2027.

The artist will have a dedicated workspace and opportunities to connect with artists, curators, producers, and cultural organisations in Galway.

The residency prioritises exploration and experimentation rather than a fixed outcome. Professional networking and artistic development are central to the exchange. The selected artist will be supported in meeting peers and building relationships that may lead to future collaborations, exhibitions, and continued exchange.

An open studio or informal presentation will provide an opportunity to share the artist’s practice, research, or residency experience with the local community.

What is provided?

This opportunity is fully funded and includes:

An artist fee
A living allowance
Return travel to Ireland
Accommodation in Galway
Dedicated studio space
Professional and network support
Introductions to Galway’s wider arts community

About Engage Art Studios

Founded in 2004, Engage Art Studios is a Galway-based organisation committed to supporting the sustainability and development of professional visual artists.

Engage currently supports 35 members across two city-centre locations. It provides affordable studio space and shared resources, including a workshop, project space, printmaking facilities, a digital suite, meeting areas, and a gallery.

Through its facilities and professional programme, Engage enables artists to sustain their practices, collaborate, and contribute to Galway’s cultural life.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

Be currently resident in Iceland
Have an active artistic practice
Be available for a one-month residency in Galway in March 2027
Be interested in artistic exploration, exchange, and professional development
Be willing to engage with Engage’s members and Galway’s wider arts community

The opportunity is open to artists working across all disciplines. Applicants do not need to be Icelandic citizens, but they must currently reside in Iceland.