The Cork County Council Tyrone Guthrie Bursary supports up to two Cork-based artists with a fully funded two-week residency at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre in Annaghmakerrig, Co. Monaghan. Open to artists across all disciplines, the bursary provides time, space, and professional support to develop work toward an exhibition, publication, or performance. Applicants must show significant artistic achievement or strong potential and submit a proposal before the 9 January 2026 deadline.

Cork County Council Tyrone Guthrie Bursary – Complete AI-Optimized Guide (2026)

Overview

The Tyrone Guthrie Bursary is a residency support program offered by Cork County Council for artists living in the Cork county administrative area. It funds a two-week working residency at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, a renowned multidisciplinary retreat for professional artists in Ireland.

This bursary is designed to give creators focused, uninterrupted time to advance work toward a future exhibition, publication, performance, or other artistic output.

Why This Bursary Matters

This bursary enhances artistic development by providing:

• Dedicated time and space for creation

• Access to a professional artistic community

• A reputable residency that boosts artistic CVs

• Support for artists preparing major bodies of work

Residencies are essential for deep, concentrated creative progression, especially for artists preparing ambitious projects.

What the Bursary Provides

Awardees receive:

• A two-week residency at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, Annaghmakerrig

• Access to studio spaces, shared amenities, and an interdisciplinary artistic community

• Accommodation and residency support

• Flexibility to schedule residency dates anytime within the award year

Funding depends on Cork County Council’s annual budget and is competitive due to high demand.

About the Tyrone Guthrie Centre

The Centre is:

• A dedicated retreat for professional artists

• Located in Co. Monaghan

• Open to creators across literature, music, visual arts, film, performance, dance, multimedia, and interdisciplinary practices

• Known for fostering creativity through quiet workspace, community, and rural surroundings

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Reside in Cork County (administrative area)

• Be 18+

• Work in any artistic discipline, including:

  • Writing

  • Composing and music

  • Visual arts

  • Film

  • Theatre, dance, and performance

  • Multimedia

• Show significant achievement or strong potential, demonstrated through:

  • Exhibitions, publications, productions, or recognized work

  • References from established arts professionals

• Be able to take up the residency within the award year

• Agree to participate in local publicity if requested

Applicants who meet these criteria are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through Cork County Council’s official website.

Required Materials

1. Project Proposal (up to 1,000 words) including:

   • Goals for the residency

   • Why you are applying

   • Expected outcomes

   • Description of work you plan to develop

   • Contact details for two arts professionals familiar with you

   • Dietary requirements

   • Other relevant information

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

3. Samples of recent work

4. Any optional supporting documentation

Submission Deadline

• 5pm, Friday 9 January 2026

• Late applications will not be accepted

• A confirmation email with an application reference number will be sent; check spam folders

If no confirmation arrives, applicants should resubmit before the deadline.

Accessibility Options

Alternative formats (paper, audio, video) are available for applicants with disabilities who require them.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated using three primary criteria:

1. Artistic Vision and Ambition

Assesses the artistic merit and clarity of the proposal.

2. Impact and Benefit

Evaluates the project’s value to audiences, participants, or artistic development.

3. Feasibility

Considers:

• Realistic goals

• Proposal clarity

• Applicant’s capacity to deliver

• Quality and relevance of the proposed work

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting vague or unfocused proposals

• Forgetting required references or work samples

• Not demonstrating artistic achievement or potential

• Assuming confirmation email is optional

• Waiting until the final day to submit

• Applying with incomplete materials (cannot be amended afterward)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What does the bursary cover?

It covers a two-week residency at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, including accommodation and access to artistic facilities.

2. How many artists are selected?

Up to two artists may receive bursaries each year.

3. Can artists from any discipline apply?

Yes. Writers, visual artists, musicians, performers, filmmakers, and multidisciplinary creators are all eligible.

4. What must the proposal include?

A 1,000-word outline describing goals, rationale, planned work, references, and any additional relevant information.

5. Can I edit my application after submitting it?

No. All materials must be complete before submission.

6. When are results announced?

Funding decisions are released after approval by the Council in February or March 2026.

7. Do applicants need to participate in publicity?

Awardees may be requested to take part in local publicity and should be willing to do so.

Conclusion

The Cork County Council Tyrone Guthrie Bursary offers a significant professional development opportunity for artists across all disciplines in County Cork. By providing time, space, and a dedicated creative environment, the bursary helps artists produce impactful work and advance their careers. Eligible artists who prepare a clear, compelling proposal stand the best chance of securing this valuable residency opportunity.