A new Artist-in-Residence scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland, has been announced to encourage public engagement with the Decade of Centenaries.

Announced by Catherine Martin TD, minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, the scheme invites artists to reflect on the rich collections available to mark the centenary, and create innovative pieces in order to reach new audiences and engage communities. The scheme will support authentic historical enquiry about the period, and promote the use of archival resources to understand the events of a century ago.

The programme is delivered in partnership with five institutions: the National Library of Ireland, the National Museum of Ireland, the National Archives Ireland, the Military Archives, and the Beyond 2022 Project. Each institution will host one artist, with up to €20k available per residency.

It is hoped that the artists will explore original ways to engage with the decade of centenaries, and that the programme will highlight the importance of artistic enquiry in the Decade of Centenaries programme.

Announcing the new scheme, Catherine Martin TD said:

‘As we embark on the final, most challenging phase of the Decade of Centenaries, new programmes such as this can serve to bring some of our rich primary material into the public domain in engaging and imaginative ways. Artistic and creative endeavours will have an important role in encouraging reflection, exploration and debate during the remainder of the Decade of Centenaries 2012–23, allowing people of all traditions to question and consider issues which may be challenging and difficult.’

The closing date for receipt of applications is 17:00 on Friday, 19 March 2021. The successful artists will be announced in April or May.

Click here to find out more about the scheme and how to apply.