The artist in residence programme supports artists (from various disciplines) in their own professional development, to create new work, while ensuring greater access to the arts for more people across Kerry, as the artist’s work with individuals, fellow artists, community groups and schools, through mentoring, workshops and projects. The programme is co-funded by Kerry County Council and the Arts Council of Ireland.

Dancer in Residence – Catherine Young

Through The Welcoming Project, Catherine delivered a nine-week dance outreach programme to welcome new communities and in particular newly arrived Ukrainian refugees, in Tralee, Ballybunion and Dingle. Catherine met with participants three times a week with the classes providing a much-needed lifeline to these new communities to be active, social and integrate.

As part of the residency, a six-week dance programme was delivered to three class groups in the Presentation Primary School Tralee.

Photo: Rory Kirby

Filmmaker in Residence – Jesse Gilbert

There was an overwhelming response to a call out to schools interested in working with the Kerry Filmmaker in Residence last October, so Jesse’s residency focused on working with the schools which expressed an interest at that time. Over the summer, Jesse offered his expertise to the Killarney youth film group SONAR, community groups and emerging filmmakers.

The Kerry Filmmaker in Residence is solely funded by Creative Ireland.

Visual Artist in Residence – Lisa Fingleton

Lisa facilitated visual art workshops and shared her expertise with groups, day care centres, festivals and fellow artists. 

Photo: Rena Blake

Writer in Residence – Emer Fallon

Emer has a keen interest in climate and the environment and she explored these topics further during her residency, as she engaged with both new and established writers across the county, through her Writers on the Bus project. This unique project highlighted the service provided by Local Link Kerry, while connecting writers living along the bus route and providing them with a platform to showcase their work. Emer facilitated a series of creative writing workshops and four Local Link bus journeys. Participating writers were encouraged to actively observe and explore what they experienced on their journeys and in their day-to-day environment. Following an open call for submissions, 12 pieces were selected to be displayed on Kerry’s Local Link buses, where they will be on view until 20th March.

Pieces Selected for Display on the Buses & Artist Biographies

Over the summer, Emer also offered writing advice and feedback to individuals and groups of all writing levels and experience.