Artist Residencies
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.
Overview
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.
Residency costs at a glance
Compare the four residency programmes. Fees below are for 2026/2027; the period covered and accommodation arrangements differ by programme.
| Programme & duration | Programme fee | Accommodation | Included & optional support |
|---|---|---|---|
| ResidencyBCA Artist Residency 1–3 months |
€985per 4-week period | Charged separately. Campus housing: €1,250 per month, subject to availability. |
Dedicated studio and campus facilities. Self-directed practice; tutorials and academic courses are not included. |
| Residency+4-week sessions During the academic year |
€1,295per 4-week period | Charged separately. Contact the College for accommodation options and costs. |
Studio and campus facilities, plus weekly faculty advisory sessions and access to the Visiting Artists programme. |
| Burren Immersion12-week residency | €6,200for the 12-week programme | Included. Campus accommodation for the three-month residency. |
Studio, campus facilities and weekly faculty advisory sessions. Optional non-credit course auditing costs €720 per course, subject to availability and approval. |
| Summer 2 Week Residency2 weeks 26 July–6 August 2027 Waiting list |
€500for the 2-week residency only | €1,200 total for the residency plus a private room in campus accommodation. Bedding and a fully equipped kitchen included. |
Two weeks of studio time in the Burren. Limited places; apply through the application form below. |
Summer residency fees are for the full two-week stay; the other fees cover the periods shown above. For availability and accommodation enquiries, email contact@burrencollege.ie.
BCA Artist Residency
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. 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.
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 off-campus housing upon request. Residents can avail of student housing for the period of their stay at the College at the all-inclusive monthly rate of €1250, subject to availability.
Please contact us at contact@burrencollege.ie with any questions.
Summer 2027 2-Week Residencies
We are delighted to be able to offer a limited number of 2 week residencies in Summer 2027. In addition to offering artists the time and space to develop their work in their studios in the Burren.
Available dates in Summer 2027 are:
Monday, July 26 – Friday, August 6 (2 weeks) – WAITING LIST
To apply, please complete the application form through the ‘Apply Here’ button below.
Fees and Accommodation:
2 week residency + private room in Campus Accommodation = €1200
2 week residency fee only (without BCA accommodation) = €500
Our campus housing includes all bedding and a fully equipped kitchen. Limited places are available. Please write to contact@burrencollege.ie with any questions.
Artist Residency Application Form
PLEASE NOTE: Once you’ve submitted your application, you should immediately see an acknowledgement page confirming the submission. If you do not see this, please contact us at contact@burrencollege.ie to make sure your application has been received by the College.
NOTE: While we make every effort to accommodate persons with various abilities, if you have physical limitations which would prevent you from walking along narrow country roads between the College and Ballyvaughan, we highly recommend you consider renting a car for at least part of your stay. This is also recommended for anyone wishing to explore the Burren, nearby cities or other parts of Ireland on their own schedule.
Cancellation Policy
Our refund policy states that all tuition and fees are due at least 4 weeks before the start of the programme. Full refunds may be given up to 4 weeks before the start of the programme, (less €100 cancellation fee). The Burren College of Art accepts no obligation to refund any fee, or part thereof, after this date. We may also be able to offer alternate dates in the future for rescheduling, subject to availability.
Non-discrimination Policy
Burren College of Art does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, or veteran status in any phase of its employment process, in any phase of its admission or scholarship programs, or other aspects of its educational programs or activities.