Musicians with a connection to Fingal are now invited to apply for an exciting new residency opportunity, as Fingal County Council Arts Office partners once again with Music Network to offer the Swords Cultural Quarter Musician-in-Residence Award 2026.
Based at The Carnegie in Swords, this residency provides a valuable platform for artists to develop new work, explore creative ideas, and engage meaningfully with local audiences.
A Residency Focused on Artistic Development
The selected musician or group will receive:
- A €6,000 award
- Dedicated workspace at The Carnegie
- Mentoring and professional development support
- Opportunities to collaborate and engage with the community
The residency will take place part-time over four months (July–October 2026) and will culminate in a public performance, offering audiences a chance to experience the work developed during the programme.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to:
- Individual musicians or groups from all genres
- Artists with at least two years of professional performance experience
- Musicians who are from or currently living in Fingal
- Applicants aged 18 or over
This inclusive approach reflects the programme’s aim to support a wide spectrum of musical practices while strengthening connections between artists and the local community.
Supporting Creative Growth in Fingal
Speaking about the initiative, Sarah O’Neill, County Arts Officer, highlighted the importance of the residency in fostering artistic innovation and supporting musicians in developing new work as part of the wider vision for the Swords Cultural Quarter.
Similarly, Music Network CEO Sharon Rollston emphasised the value of providing artists with the time, space and resources to think ambitiously, while creating opportunities for audiences in Fingal to experience new music.
Building on a Strong Foundation
The residency builds on the success of its inaugural recipient in 2025, harpist and composer Alannah Thornburg, whose project The Thinning Veil: Haunting Tales and Tunes of Fingal drew inspiration from local folklore and ghost stories, demonstrating the rich creative potential of the programme.
Information Session & Site Visit
Two key events are scheduled for prospective applicants:
- Online Information Session
📅 Tuesday 21 April, 11am
An opportunity to learn more about the application process and ask questions. - Site Visit at The Carnegie, Swords
📅 Wednesday 22 April, 6:30pm
Includes a chance to meet the 2025 resident, learn about their experience, and attend a live performance.
How to Apply
The application deadline is Thursday 7 May at 2pm.
Full details, eligibility criteria, and application guidelines are available via the Music Network website.
A Valuable Opportunity for Jazz and Creative Musicians
While open to all genres, opportunities like this residency are particularly valuable for jazz and improvising musicians seeking time to develop new material, collaborate, and connect with audiences outside traditional performance settings.
With strong institutional support and a focus on artistic exploration, the Swords Cultural Quarter Musician-in-Residence Award continues to grow as a significant opportunity within Ireland’s music development landscape.
