Glenveagh National Park, County Donegal – The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in collaboration with the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Regional Cultural Centre (RCC), Donegal is thrilled to announce the launch of two new artist residencies at the recently redeveloped Russell’s Cottage in Glenveagh National Park. These residencies are designed to provide artists with an inspiring environment to create work that reflects the breathtaking beauty of Glenveagh.

Residency Details:

1. 1. Plein Air Painters Residency
      • • Dates: November – December
      • • Description: This residency invites Plein Air painters to capture the raw and natural beauty of Glenveagh National Park. The pristine landscapes and diverse wildlife offer endless inspiration for artists who work directly in the open air.

1. 1. Writers Residency
      • • Dates: February – March
      • • Description: This residency provides writers with a tranquil and stimulating environment to craft their narratives. Whether drawing inspiration from the park’s Victorian Castle, exquisite gardens, serene Lough Veagh, or the rugged Derryveagh Mountains, writers will find Glenveagh the perfect muse for their literary pursuits. The opportunity is presented in association with the Donegal literary journal The Pig’s Back, which is produced by the Regional Cultural Centre in Letterkenny, in association with Donegal County Council and the Arts Council.

Application Information:

• • Deadline: Sunday 29^th September, 8pm 

• • Artist Fee: €3,000 to be paid to the successful artists. Funded by the Creative Ireland programme, which is supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

• • Accommodation: Three weeks at Russell’s Cottage

Successful applicants will be required to produce an output that incorporates the essence of Glenveagh National Park. This initiative aims to foster a deeper connection between artists and the natural world, celebrating the park’s stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity.

Glenveagh National Park, located in the heart of County Donegal, is renowned for its wild, rugged scenery that hosts rare and protected habitats and species. Visitors can explore its Victorian Castle, beautifully manicured gardens, and tranquil trails along Lough Veagh, making it a haven for nature lovers and creatives alike.

Quotes:

“We are excited to offer these residencies as a way to connect artists with the incredible natural beauty of Glenveagh National Park. We believe that the park’s serene and inspiring environment will spark creativity and result in exceptional works of art,” said Jeremy Howard, Director of the Regional Cultural Centre.

“Glenveagh National Park is a place of natural wonder and inspiration. A truly unique natural amphitheatre where people come face to face with nature in its place. On behalf of Glenveagh National Park I want to share our enthusiasm for this initiative and state that all the staff are all looking forward to welcoming the artists and sharing in their prospective works” said Emmett Johnston, Regional Manager, Glenveagh National Park.

Application Process:

To apply for this opportunity, please email info@regionalculturalcentre.com with the following information:

• Full name, address and contact number.
• C.V.
• 300 – 500 words about your work and how this residency would benefit your practice.
• 200 – 400 words on your proposed output (Pop-up exhibition, artist talk, reading, publication, workshop etc.).
• Examples of work.

(Please note that Russell’s Cottage is inaccessible by public transport.)