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 is delivering a dance outreach programme to welcome new communities, in particular Ukrainian refugees, in Ballybunion and Dingle. The classes will provide a much-needed lifeline to these new communities to be active, social and integrate.

Photo: Rory Kirby

Filmmaker in Residence – Jesse Gilbert

Jesse will focus on establishing long-term pathways and opportunities for young people keen to make films. This will involve countywide workshops with Transition Year groups that aim to give students an introduction to the craft of filmmaking. He will also work with the Killarney youth filmmaking group SONAR whose films have achieved national success at youth film festivals. 

Jesse will also be offering workshops and clinics to community groups and individuals interested in filmmaking.

Secondary schools with Transition Year groups, community groups and individuals interested in working with Jesse, can email jgilbertfilm@gmail.com

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

Visual Artist in Residence – Lisa Fingleton

Lisa is available to provide workshops to schools and community groups, and to meet with amateur and professional artists who are looking to develop their skills through one-to-one mentoring. If interested in working with Lisa email arts@kerrycoco.ie

Photo: Noel Sweeney

Writer in Residence – Emer Fallon

Emer plans to build on the work of last year’s Writers on the Bus project with an online anthology, featuring a selection of pieces from the writers who responded to the call out for submissions, which is due for release on Borrowbox later this year. Emer is also looking forward to continuing her work with Castleisland Day Care Centre, where she’s been gathering the memories and stories of some of Kerry’s older residents.

Emer is available to provide workshops to schools and groups and to provide one-to-one mentoring to anyone setting out on their writing journey. If interested in working with Emer, email emerwriterinres@gmail.com

Photo: Manuela Dei Grandi