Open Call: North West Dance Residency Programme 2026
About the North-West Dance Residency Programme
The purpose of the North-West Dance Residency Programme is to build and create a supportive framework for dance in the north-west region, through provision of space, a financial stipend and access to practical supports such as production advice, accessing funding streams and mentoring.
This programme is made possible through partnership with a number of local authority arts offices in Galway (city & county), Roscommon and Mayo; and a number of venues: Áras Éanna (Inis Oirr), An Grianán (Letterkenny), Roscommon Arts Centre and Ballina Arts Centre. As the main resource for professional dance in the North West region, Galway Dance manages all aspects of this programme and is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland.
In 2026 the partners are offering:
- Rehearsal/Studio Space for two weeks in one of the partner locations.
- Artist Fee of €1500
- Travel/Accommodation Stipend €250
- Artists will be within a supportive framework provided by the partners. We can offer showings of work, workshop facilitation, open rehearsals, assistance with funding applications and networking opportunities for artists.
- Galway Dance will provide administrative, production, networking and mentoring support as required throughout this residency and will be the main point of contact for artists throughout.
- If successful, the residency will be awarded for ONE location and may be for first or second preference. Consider and detail feasibility when selecting locations, as we are aware that accommodation is not included in this opportunity.
Residency locations & availability:
- 2 weeks in Galway city (flexible)
- 2 weeks at Áras Éanna (December 2026)
- 2 weeks at Ballina Arts Centre (flexible)
- 2 weeks in Roscommon Arts Centre (dates btw June 16th – July 17th 2026)
- 2 weeks at an Grianán, Letterkenny (flexible)
Who are we looking for?
- We are looking for professional or pre-professional dance artists, at all stages of their career or practice. Especially from the locations of our partners.
- The partners welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
- We are also aware of the barriers to accepting residency placements for many artists who have other responsibilities, such as caring and/or other employment obligations. To this end, we can offer some of the residencies non-consecutively, and/or over weekends and/or over a longer time period.
Application Process:
- We have changed the application process this year and are asking you to film yourself answering the questions 1-4 on the Google Form. Nothing fancy, just you talking to the camera/mobile phone telling us your answers. Max amount length of
- The application form via Google Forms can be found here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctOL6qyOF6PCwQibtamDk8kJDcZt9sOzLyKQS-CoDp1siOcg/viewform?usp=publish-editor
- Closing Date for applications: 5pm Friday March 27th, 2026
- Any queries can be addressed to Galway Dance Director Kristyn Fontanella at contact@galwaydance.ie
- Successful applicants will be informed by April 3rd, 2026.
