Taibhsín
Artist Call-Out: Taibhsín Residency & Seed Bursary Opportunities at An Taibhdhearc
An Taibhdhearc, Amharclann Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, is delighted to invite applications for two artist development opportunities for writers, theatre makers and performance based artists working professionally in the Irish language.
These opportunities are open to individual professional theatre makers, writers and artists and we are happy to consider proposals from duos, provided the project is feasible within the available resources. We welcome artists at all career stages and from all backgrounds.
🌿 1. Artist Residency
A flexible residency of up to 6 months in An Taibhdhearc, to support an artist in the exploration and crafting of a new work. An Taibhdhearc wants to welcome artists with ideas and ambitions to expand contemporary practice as Gaeilge. As we head towards our 100th anniversary in 2028, at An Taibhdhearc, we are committed to providing development opportunities and a home for Irish speaking artists. In a new era for the National Irish Language Theatre, this residency is the start of An Taibhdhearc’s deep commitment to meaningful support of artists and purposeful connection to the sector.
What’s Included:
Artist fee of €8500 (equivalent to 10 weeks at €850, scheduled in accordance with artist requirements and availability)
Artist support, including:
Dramaturgical support from Literary Associate at an Taibhdhearc Pamela McQueen
Opportunities to engage with An Taibhdhearc's wider network and team (for example, one-to-ones with Director, Producer, Marketing and Technical Manager)
Development space in An Taibhdhearc (flexible/shared use - can include hot desk space and meeting space, to be scheduled in accordance with mutual availability)
The opportunity to do a closed sharing with the Taibhdhearc team, invited guests and other industry partners, subject to feasibility
Invitations to productions and events in An Taibhdhearc
Support to attend a masterclass or conference of your choice in Ireland, with travel and accommodation provided.
Hybrid and remote working is possible as part of this opportunity
Access budget of up to 25% of fee (available if required)
🗓 Timeframe: Residencies can take place any time from September 2025 - September 2026.
Two residencies will be awarded in this time period.
✨ 2. Seed Bursary
A bursary to support artists working professionally at all stages of their career to take time in a low-pressure space to explore an idea, develop work, or spark something new..
Space and freedom to explore new directions and new concepts in your practice.
A chance to work, develop your ideas, and practice in Irish, even if you haven’t done so yet.
What’s Included:
Bursary of €3000, to be spent exploring or developing your ideas
Development space in An Taibhdhearc (flexible/shared use - can include hot desk space and meeting space, to be scheduled in accordance with mutual availability)
Optional dramaturgical consultation with An Taibhdhearc’s Literary Associate Pamela McQueen
Invitations to productions and events in An Taibhdhearc
🗓 Projects must be completed by March 2026.
Four Seed Bursaries will be awarded in this period.
🗣️ An Ghaeilge
As the national Irish-language theatre, Irish is the primary working language of An Taibhdhearc. These opportunities are for professional artists and theatre makers who are developing and making their work through Irish, or who are committed to developing work through Irish over the course of the residency or bursary.
We aim to foster a supportive, artist-centred environment that honours diverse approaches to language, identity, and creative process. Other minoritised languages that reflect an applicant’s identity can be included as a form of expression. Please click here for our language policy, which clearly offers guidance in relation working in Irish, and other minoritised languages, but not including English.
👥 Who Should Apply?
We’re looking for professional artists and theatre makers at all stages of their careers who:
Have a great idea, a project or an area of enquiry that would benefit from time, space, and support
Have a theatre or performance-based practice
Are committed to developing work through Irish
Are open, curious, and engaged in creative development
We want this opportunity to be as inclusive as possible. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, please reach out and ask - we’d love to hear from you!
We welcome applications from across the island, and from people of all genders, nationalities, races, cultural backgrounds, ages, religions, languages, different abilities, sexual orientations or socio-economic statuses. We want to hear from artists who are parents and carers. We particularly encourage applications from members of groups who are underrepresented in the cultural sector.
🧰 What the Funding Can Be Used For
Artist time, research, creative development
Materials or project-related expenses (please note, equipment purchase cannot be supported under this scheme)
Up to 20% of this bursary can be used to pay a collaborator, fellow practitioner or expert for advice or support
Access supports (separate budget up to 25% for Residency strand) - this can include access provision, travel and caring/childcare expenses up to an agreed amount.
🚫 Funding cannot be used for:
Formal training or education fees
Equipment purchases
Production or touring costs
Work developed or made in English or bilingual work in English and Irish.
📬 How to Apply
Applications are due on or before the 21st of August 2025 at 17:00.
Applications can be submitted in:
Written format
Audio or video format (max 4 minutes)
A short online application form is available here.
If you are want to send the application in audio or video format, be sure that you cover all questions that are in the above form.
You can video applications and audio applications to eolas@antaibhdhearc.ie
💡 If you require assistance with your application or access to support materials, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
📝 Selection Process & Criteria
Applicants may be shortlisted for a short informal conversation. We may use the following criteria to guide our selection:
Artistic potential and clarity of idea
Potential impact on the artist’s development
Feasibility of the proposed approach within the time/resources
Relevance to Irish language and An Taibhdhearc’s mission
🧾 The Fine Print
Applicants must be over 18
Decisions are final and feedback may not be possible for all applicants
If you would like to identify as a member of an underrepresented community, you are welcome to do so. This information is not required and will only be used in anonymised form for reporting purposes.
📍 About Us
An Taibhdhearc is the National Irish-Language Theatre, based in Galway. We are committed to supporting artists who innovate, create, and connect through the Irish language and other minoritised languages. We aim to be a welcoming home for bold and diverse creative voices.