Deadline: 21-Jan-2026
The Cavan Arts Moth Studios Award 2026 offers artists a paid residency providing funding of up to €1,200 and three months of studio access in Cavan Town. The award supports artists at any stage of their career by offering time, space, and peer connection to develop their creative practice in a shared studio environment.
Overview
The Cavan Arts Moth Studios Award is a residency and bursary programme designed to give artists dedicated time and space to develop their artistic practice.
Delivered through Cavan Arts, the award supports artists working in a shared, communal studio environment that encourages creative exchange, experimentation, and peer learning.
In 2026, three residencies will be awarded, with successful applicants announced in February 2026.
Purpose of the Award
The award is intended to:
- Provide artists with protected time for creative development
- Reduce financial barriers to accessing studio space
- Support emerging and early-career artists, as well as those re-engaging with practice
- Foster collaboration and creative connection within a shared studio setting
- Encourage artistic growth through informal learning and peer interaction
What the Award Offers
Each selected artist will receive a combined residency and bursary package.
Funding and Studio Access
- Artist award of €1,000
- Total award value of up to €1,200
- Three-month access to The Moth Studios communal workspace
- Flexible studio use over three consecutive months
Funding is intended to support creative development rather than project delivery.
Residency Experience at The Moth Studios
The Moth Studios is located in Cavan Town and operates as a shared creative workspace.
The residency experience includes:
- Access to a communal studio environment
- Opportunities to connect with other artists
- Participation in weekly Tuesday night drawing sessions
- Informal mentoring and creative exchange
The weekly drawing sessions are led by Moth Studios co-founder Will Govan and are a core part of the studio’s creative culture.
Who Is the Award For?
The Moth Studios Award is particularly suitable for:
- Artists at the beginning of their creative careers
- Artists seeking to rebuild or refocus their practice
- Artists balancing creative work with other life or work commitments
- Artists who value collaborative and shared creative spaces
Applicants must be able to make use of the residency within twelve months of the award being granted.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be an artist seeking time and space to develop their practice
- Be able to undertake the residency within 12 months of the award date
- Commit to using the studio over three consecutive months
There are no stated restrictions on discipline, but applicants should demonstrate active artistic practice.
Why This Award Matters
Access to affordable studio space is a major barrier for many artists.
This award matters because it:
- Provides both financial support and physical workspace
- Encourages sustained creative practice over time
- Builds local artistic networks in County Cavan
- Supports wellbeing through creative routine and peer connection
- Creates space for experimentation without production pressure
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Applicants must submit a complete application with all required materials.
Required Application Materials
Applications must include:
- Two samples of recent work
- A 200-word artist biography
- A 200-word statement describing:
- The applicant’s artistic practice
- How they would benefit from a residency at The Moth Studios
Application Process
- Select two representative samples of your work
- Prepare a concise artist biography (maximum 200 words)
- Write a clear statement explaining your practice and residency goals
- Ensure availability to undertake the residency within 12 months
- Submit all materials by the specified application deadline
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly explain how studio access will support your practice
- Demonstrate commitment to regular creative work
- Show openness to working in a shared environment
- Choose work samples that reflect your current direction
- Keep written statements focused and reflective
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting more or fewer work samples than requested
- Exceeding word limits for written statements
- Failing to explain how the residency will benefit your practice
- Applying without availability to complete the residency within 12 months
- Providing unclear or outdated work samples
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many residencies are available in 2026?
Three residencies will be awarded in February 2026.
2. What is the total value of the award?
The award provides €1,000 to the artist, with a total value of up to €1,200 including studio access.
3. How long is the residency?
The residency provides access to The Moth Studios for three consecutive months.
4. Where is The Moth Studios located?
The studio is based in Cavan Town, County Cavan.
5. Is participation in drawing sessions required?
Participation is encouraged. Weekly Tuesday night drawing sessions form an important part of the studio’s creative environment.
6. When must the residency be completed?
Artists must complete the residency within twelve months of the award being granted.
7. What materials are required to apply?
Applicants must submit two work samples, a 200-word biography, and a 200-word statement about their practice and interest in the residency.
Conclusion
The Cavan Arts Moth Studios Award 2026 offers artists a valuable opportunity to develop their practice with financial support and dedicated studio space.
By combining funding, time, and a collaborative environment, the award helps artists build creative momentum, connect with peers, and strengthen their artistic journey in County Cavan.
For more information, visit Cavan County Council Arts.