Cork artists among recipients of Arts Council residencies for 2026

The Arts Council has announced that Cork artists are among the recipients of its 2026 artist in residence awards to the value of €30,000.

The awards, which are jointly funded by the Arts Council and partner universities, provide artists with the dedicated workspace and finances to develop their work, acquire resources, and further the creative scene of Ireland. The 2026 residencies will be hosted across prominent Irish institutions including University College Cork.

Among the recipients from UCC include Brendan Canty (Arts Council film artist in residence), Aoife Ní Bhriain (Arts Council traditional artist in residence), Dean Browne (Arts Council writer in residence), and Alan Butler (Arts Council digital artist in residence).

This year marks an exciting opportunity for digital artists, who have for the first time been included in the programme through three pilot residencies across University College Cork, the University of Galway, and the University of Limerick. The successful applicants will take up their positions in early 2026.

Maura McGrath, chair of the Arts Council, congratulated the successful applicants: “As chair of the Arts Council, I am delighted to congratulate the new artists in residence across our universities.

“These programmes support artists to deepen their practice while bringing fresh creative energy into teaching, research, and campus life.

“By connecting students and staff with professional artists, they spark new ideas and show how creativity can enrich every discipline.

“We are very grateful to our university partners for their ongoing commitment to these residencies.”