BCA Artist Residency
Providing Time, Space and Inspiration is the founding principle of Burren College of Art. Our Residencies provide a place to retreat, reflect, and explore your practice outside of the demands and rigors of daily routine. Set in the centre of one of Europe’s most dramatic landscapes, the Burren is a place where the power and beauty of nature envelops and invites you to expand your vision and abilities as an artist.
Our residency program welcomes applications from artists working at all levels and stages of their careers. While our primary BCA Artist Residency program provides dedicated studio space and the use of our campus facilities for residents without any additional expectations, we are also able to offer residency programmes designed to support those seeking a greater degree of professional feedback and involvement in the College community.
The Residency + and Burren Immersion:12-week Residency programmes are available during the academic year between September and April. The Residency + offers studio time combined with weekly meetings with our faculty, while the Burren Immersion:12-week Residency combines independent studio time with advisory sessions along with the option to audit one or more of our undergraduate courses (without academic credit) during the semester. All of our residents are welcome to attend public discussions, visiting artist lectures, seminars, exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Burren College of Art
Newtown Castle
Ballyvaughan
Co. Clare
H91H299
Ireland
Residency Program Information
Residency Program Summary
Application Information
The purpose of the BCA Artist Residency programme is to welcome artists at all stages of their lives and careers to the Burren College of Art for an uninterrupted period of creative work. It has proven to be particularly suited to emerging and established artists and faculty wishing to investigate new areas of inquiry, explore new techniques, or develop a body of work for exhibition without distraction.
We accept applications on a rolling, space-available basis throughout the year.
BCA Artist Residencies are offered in 1-3 month-long intervals and include:
- 24/7 access to a dedicated studio space
- Use of campus facilities: 3D lab for woodworking and metals (MIG and ARC welding tools available); a digital print lab; black and white photography darkroom; lighting studio; library; cafe and wi-fi throughout the campus.
- Optional attendance at exhibition openings, public lectures and film screenings, and additional campus events.
NOTE: Unlike the Residency + and Burren Immersion:12-week residencies, this program does not offer any tutorials or access to academic courses.
The fee in 2026/2027 is €985 per 4-week period for BCA Artist Residencies. While accommodation is not included with the Residency, we can provide applicants will a list of local housing upon request. Residents can avail of campus housing for the period of their stay at the College at the all-inclusive monthly rate of €1250 from Sept 2026/2027, subject to availability.
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Accessibility
While our regular classes are in session during the Spring and Winter academic year (September – April), during the Summer months (May-August), we host a variety of student groups and workshops, and the level of activity on campus will vary from high to low as visiting faculty-led groups, workshops and our Summer School take place. Artist Residents at the Burren College of art may work in solitude or choose to engage with College events and activities.
The majority of our studios and labs are accessible at ground level.
Our library is only accessible by stairs.
Housing & Accomodation
Newtown House is one of the original buildings on the campus, located next to the 16th century Newtown Castle. The House offers six twin/double bedroom accommodation for students, residents and guests of the College. Two of the bedrooms are en suite and four share two large bathrooms. The House has a fully equipped kitchen, shared communal spaces, and wi-fi throughout. Laundry facilities are available next to the House.
Newtown House is located directly on the College campus, and is steps away from our studios and other facilities.
Studio & Facilities
Please visit our website here for further details about studios and campus facilities:
Residents have 24/7 access to studios and most labs except for the 3D Sculpture lab.