Tailored Support for Artistic Growth
Artist Development Residency
An exciting opportunity for photographic artists to experiment, refine their practice, and develop new work with expert guidance and industry-leading resources.
Investing in Artists' Futures
At Photo Museum Ireland, we are committed to supporting photographic artists at all stages of their careers. Our Artist Development Residency provides the tools, mentorship, and opportunities needed to advance artistic practice, develop ambitious new work, and gain visibility on both national and international platforms.
This year-long residency is structured around three core strands—Exhibition, Photobook, and Darkroom—each offering expert guidance and production support. Residents benefit from bespoke mentorship with leading Irish and international curators, photographers, and industry professionals, helping them refine their practice and expand their creative and professional horizons.
Core Residency Benefits
All Artist Development Residents receive:
Bespoke Mentorship Sessions
Residents gain expert guidance and critical feedback from renowned curators, helping to refine their practice and further develop creative vision.
Specialist Workshops
Helping artists to build essential skills for a sustainable career. Sessions include in archive management, workflow, funding and applications, and professional practice.
Full Access to Artist Production Facilities
Our state-of-the-art facilities, are available to artists, including high-end scanning, printing, and traditional darkroom techniques, fully supported by our team.
Artist Membership
Artists are awarded a free one-year Artist Membership, providing exclusive access to resources, networking, professional development, and a vibrant creative community.
Promotional Support
Our residents gain visibility through media outreach, social media amplification, and strategic industry engagement, connecting their work with key audiences.
Networking & Professional Growth
Residents join a dynamic community of peers, curators, and industry leaders, opening doors to collaborations, exhibitions, and career-defining opportunities.
Mentorship with International Leaders
Mentoring sessions provide invaluable insights from top curators, photographers, and publishers, giving residents exclusive industry insights.
3 Artist Development Strands
Each residency strand is designed to provide in-depth support for distinct aspects of photographic practice.
Exhibition Development Strand
A residency for artists seeking to develop and present their work in an exhibition context. This strand offers curatorial guidance, production support, and a platform to showcase work within a professional museum setting.
- Exhibition Opportunity
- Curatorial Development
- Production Support
- Installation & Display Consultation
- Audience Engagement Strategies
The exhibition residency concludes with a solo exhibition at Photo Museum Ireland.Supporting artists with a high-profile space to show their new or developed work, allowing them to gain significant exposure within the contemporary photography landscape.
In-depth guidance on concept, curation, and exhibition layout in regular feedback sessions with esteemed curators.
Assistance with print production, framing, and presentation methods
Practical and creative support to ensure work is presented to museum standards
Support in crafting artist talks, public programming, and educational outreach
Photobook Development Strand
An opportunity to explore the photobook as an artistic medium, focusing on sequencing, design, and production. Artists receive mentorship from photobook specialists and gain insight into publishing, distribution, and the wider book market.
- Editorial & Conceptual Guidance
- Book Design & Layout Support
- Production Consultation
- Publishing & Distribution Insights
- Photobook Showcase
Expert feedback on sequencing, narrative, and thematic development
One-on-one sessions with designers and bookmakers to fully realise the physical form of the work.
Advice on printing techniques, materials, and formats
Connections with publishers, distributors, and photobook networks
Assistance in researching opportunities to present work at photobook fairs and industry events
Darkroom Development Strand
Designed for artists working with traditional and experimental darkroom techniques, this residency provides access to a fully equipped darkroom and mentorship in analogue processes.
Full use of Photo Museum Ireland’s professional darkroom facilities
Guidance in advanced analogue printing, alternative processes, and film development
Assistance sourcing and working with specialist materials
Encouragement to push the boundaries of darkroom techniques in a contemporary context
Past Exhibition Residency
Exhibition Resident 2024 - Shane Lynam premiers new exhibition 'Pebbledash Wonderland' at Photo Museum Ireland
A Vital Artist Resource
The Photo Museum Ireland Artist Development Residency is a vital artform development resource for photographic artists at any stage of their career. By providing the time, space, and support to experiment and refine their practice, we ensure that each resident leaves with a stronger artistic vision, new professional opportunities, and meaningful outcomes that shape their career trajectory.
Through this residency, we continue our commitment to fostering a thriving photographic arts community in Ireland and beyond.
– Trish Lambe
Director, Photo Museum Ireland
Support Our Artist Residency Programme
Photo Museum Ireland’s Artist Residencies are made possible through the generosity of our supporters. By investing in artists, you help nurture new ideas, champion diverse voices, and shape the future of contemporary photography. When you make a donation or simply show up and engage, every action strengthens our ability to support creative talent.