Residency Information

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The residency is fully booked until January 2028!

About the Residency

The Olive Stack Gallery Artists Residency offers two visual artists the opportunity to spend one month living and creating in the heritage town of Listowel, County Kerry.

The residency takes place above a long-established independent gallery in the heart of the town and is shaped by a shared, artist-led approach that values trust, mutual respect and generosity of spirit. It is best suited to artists who are comfortable in a communal setting and who value being part of an active cultural environment.

Each residency is for a duration of one month and runs from the first to the last day of the calendar month.

Accommodation & Studio

Artists are accommodated in a shared apartment located above the gallery.

  • Each artist has a private bedroom and private bathroom

  • A large shared studio is available for daily studio practice

  • A shared kitchen and living space is fully equipped for self-catering

  • Laundry facilities are available on site

The accommodation is situated in a busy town-centre location and does not include outdoor space. For this reason, the residency is not suitable for pets.

Life in the Gallery

The residency is closely connected to the daily life of the gallery. Visiting artists are welcomed into the rhythm of the space and take part in maintaining a warm and professional atmosphere for visitors.

This shared presence allows artists to gain insight into how an independent gallery operates while remaining free to focus on their own studio practice for the majority of their time.

A spirit of reliability, good communication and ease with the public is essential.

Who the Residency Is For

The residency welcomes international visual artists working across a wide range of media and approaches.

It is particularly well suited to artists who:

  • Are self-directed and comfortable working independently

  • Value community, conversation and cultural exchange

  • Are open to sharing space and responsibility with another artist

  • Appreciate small-town life and an active gallery setting

Applications are welcomed from both established and emerging artists. Diversity and inclusivity are central to the ethos of the programme.

What Is Included

  • Private bedroom and private bathroom

  • Shared studio, kitchen and living space

  • Broadband internet

  • End-of-month professional cleaning service

Utilities and other personal expenses are the responsibility of the artist.

Exhibiting & Workshops (Optional)

Artists may choose to present their work in the gallery towards the end of their residency. This is entirely optional and discussed on an individual basis.

There is also the possibility of hosting a workshop or event during the residency.

Visiting Listowel

Listowel is a lively heritage town in North Kerry with a  very strong literary and cultural tradition. The gallery is centrally located on Main Street, within walking distance of shops, cafés, restaurants, pubs, parks and riverside walks.

The surrounding area offers easy access to beaches, coastal scenery and the wider landscapes of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Applications

Residencies are offered following an application process. Details regarding availability, fees and terms are shared directly with selected applicants.

Applicants are encouraged to read all information carefully before applying to ensure the residency is the right fit for their practice and expectations.

Final note 

This residency is rooted in trust, mutual respect and care — for the space, the gallery and each other. It works best when artists arrive with openness, maturity and a genuine interest in the shared experience.