Open Call for John Broderick Residency Program (Ireland)

Deadline: 29-Jun-2026

The John Broderick Residency 2026 offers professional writers an opportunity to develop their creative practice while engaging with communities in Athlone, Ireland. The residency is organised through a partnership between the Arts Council and the Westmeath County Arts Office and supports writers working across all literary genres.

The programme combines creative development, public engagement, mentorship, and community participation while promoting the literary legacy of Irish writer John Broderick. Selected writers will receive €16,500 for a 10-week part-time residency, along with additional accommodation support of up to €1,200 if required.

What is the John Broderick Residency?

The John Broderick Residency is a professional creative writing residency designed to support literary development alongside meaningful community engagement activities.

The residency focuses on:

• Creative writing practice
• Literary mentorship
• Public engagement
• Youth participation
• Community arts
• Inclusive cultural participation
• Promotion of Irish literature
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration

The programme encourages writers to contribute to the cultural life of Athlone while developing their own literary work.

About John Broderick

John Broderick was an Irish novelist and writer closely associated with Athlone, Ireland. His literary works explored Irish social life, identity, relationships, and everyday experiences.

The residency seeks to:

• Promote awareness of John Broderick’s works
• Encourage literary engagement inspired by his legacy
• Support public appreciation of Irish literature
• Foster connections between writers and local communities

Applicants are expected to demonstrate familiarity with Broderick’s literary contributions.

Main Objectives of the Residency

The residency aims to support both artistic development and community participation.

Core Objectives Include:

• Supporting professional writers
• Encouraging creative experimentation
• Promoting literary engagement in communities
• Mentoring emerging writers
• Engaging young people in creative writing
• Supporting inclusive participation
• Encouraging collaboration across artistic disciplines
• Expanding access to literature and storytelling

Residency Focus Areas

Creative Writing Development

Writers may use the residency period to:

• Develop new literary projects
• Conduct research
• Experiment with creative ideas
• Advance works-in-progress
• Explore new literary approaches

Public Engagement

The residency places strong emphasis on interaction with local communities.

Activities may include:

• Public talks
• Workshops
• Literary discussions
• Community writing sessions
• Readings and presentations

Mentorship of Emerging Writers

Applicants should have experience supporting:

• Emerging writers
• Young writers
• Community participants interested in writing

Mentorship is an important component of the residency.

Youth Engagement

The programme encourages activities that inspire young people to engage with creative writing and storytelling.

Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

The residency supports collaborative work connecting writing with:

• Visual arts
• Performance
• Music
• Community arts
• Cultural initiatives

Inclusion and Diversity

The programme promotes participation from:

• Diverse communities
• Underrepresented groups
• New and emerging voices
• Community-based participants

Funding and Financial Support

Residency Funding

The selected writer will receive:

• €16,500

for a:

• 10-week part-time residency

beginning in:

• September 2026

Accommodation Support

An additional accommodation stipend of:

• Up to €1,200

is available for writers who require accommodation in Athlone during the residency period.

Residency Duration and Structure

Residency Length

The residency lasts:

• 10 weeks

Format

The programme is:

• Part-time

This structure allows writers to balance creative practice with public engagement responsibilities.

Who is Eligible?

The residency is open to professional writers across all literary genres.

Eligible Applicants Must:

• Be over 18 years of age
• Be resident on the island of Ireland
• Work professionally in creative writing
• Demonstrate public engagement experience
• Have mentoring experience
• Show familiarity with John Broderick’s work

Eligible Writing Genres

Applicants from all literary genres may apply, including:

• Fiction
• Poetry
• Drama
• Creative nonfiction
• Literary essays
• Hybrid literary forms

Experience Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate experience in:

• Mentoring emerging writers
• Working with young people
• Delivering public engagement activities
• Supporting creative learning environments

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit several supporting documents as part of the application process.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Applicants must provide:

• A CV of no more than three pages

The CV must include:

• Professional experience
• Relevant achievements
• Two referees

Referee Requirement

At least:

• One referee must be familiar with the applicant’s community engagement work

Writing Samples

Applicants must submit:

• Samples of previous publications

OR

• Published articles

The samples should demonstrate literary quality and professional writing experience.

Public Engagement Documentation

Applicants must also provide:

• A description of previous public engagement activities
• Examples of workshops, mentoring, or community work

Submission Requirements

All submitted materials should:

• Clearly display the writer’s name

This applies to:

• CVs
• Writing samples
• Supporting documents
• Public engagement materials

Selection Criteria

Applications are expected to be evaluated based on:

• Literary quality
• Professional writing experience
• Community engagement capacity
• Mentorship experience
• Knowledge of John Broderick’s work
• Ability to engage diverse audiences
• Strength of creative practice

Why This Residency Matters

Supports Irish Literary Development

The residency provides valuable support for writers developing creative work in Ireland.

Encourages Community Participation in Literature

The programme strengthens connections between writers and local communities.

Promotes Mentorship and Literary Education

Emerging writers and young participants benefit from direct engagement with professional authors.

Preserves Literary Heritage

The residency helps sustain awareness of John Broderick’s literary legacy and contribution to Irish literature.

Encourages Inclusive Cultural Participation

The programme prioritises broad community access to creative writing and literary activities.

How to Apply

Step 1: Review Eligibility Requirements

Ensure you meet all residency conditions related to:

• Age
• Residency
• Professional writing practice
• Community engagement experience

Step 2: Prepare Your CV

Develop a CV that includes:

• Literary achievements
• Public engagement work
• Mentoring experience
• Referee information

Step 3: Select Writing Samples

Choose strong examples of:

• Published work
• Literary publications
• Articles or creative writing pieces

Step 4: Document Public Engagement Experience

Prepare information about:

• Workshops delivered
• Community projects
• Mentoring activities
• Youth engagement initiatives

Step 5: Demonstrate Knowledge of John Broderick

Show familiarity with:

• Broderick’s literary themes
• His contribution to Irish literature
• Relevance of his work to your practice

Step 6: Submit the Application

Complete the official application submission before the residency deadline.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate strong literary experience
• Highlight meaningful community engagement work
• Show evidence of mentorship experience
• Present clear examples of public participation activities
• Connect your practice to Irish literary culture
• Demonstrate understanding of John Broderick’s legacy
• Emphasise inclusive and accessible engagement approaches

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete application materials
• Weak descriptions of community engagement work
• Lack of mentorship experience examples
• Ignoring formatting or page limits
• Limited evidence of literary professionalism
• Failing to demonstrate familiarity with John Broderick’s work

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the John Broderick Residency?

It is a creative writing residency supporting professional writers through artistic development and community engagement activities in Athlone, Ireland.

How much funding is provided?

The selected writer will receive €16,500 for the residency, plus up to €1,200 for accommodation support if needed.

How long is the residency?

The residency lasts 10 weeks and is conducted on a part-time basis.

Who can apply?

Professional writers over 18 years of age who are resident on the island of Ireland may apply.

Are all literary genres eligible?

Yes. Writers working in all genres are eligible to apply.

Is mentoring experience required?

Yes. Applicants should demonstrate experience mentoring emerging writers, young people, or community participants.

What documents are required?

Applicants must submit a CV, writing samples, referee details, and examples of previous public engagement work.

Final Thoughts

The John Broderick Residency 2026 offers an important opportunity for professional writers in Ireland to strengthen their creative practice while contributing to community engagement and literary culture in Athlone.

By combining artistic development, mentorship, public participation, and celebration of Irish literary heritage, the residency supports meaningful connections between writers, communities, and cultural traditions across Ireland.

For more information, visit Westmeath County Council.