Artfarm Ireland
ARTfarm is an artist-run, non-profit artist residency programme. It is an artist's rural studio space with a Human Rights and Environmental ethos situated in the quiet setting of Cloonkeen, 5km from Newbridge Village in North East County Galway, Ireland.
The mission is to create opportunities for artistic expression by providing interaction through residencies, projects, talks and for artists to come with an aspiration to share, experiment and develop new ideas, exploring Art in a rural context, Art and Ecology and Artist as Activist. The space is coordinated by artist Sheila Flanagan and supported by the voluntary nonprofit arts group The Artfarm Collective.
ARTFarm aspires to be an inspiring place for artists, thinkers and dreamers. A 'time out' to consider the role as artists, as producers and consumers, as members of community, and part of the ecosystem. The organisers aspire to re-examine the Western Canon of Art that exists, question roles, methods of expression, market influences and validation. A space to try new creative paths placing emphasis on Socially Engaged Practices, arts activism and themes of ecological ethics, sustainability, colonialism and extraction.
It is envisioned that broader arts engagement in this rural region may assist in an abstract way in rural regeneration, human rights and social inclusion initiatives, dialogue on themes and topics of post-agricultural countryside, safe food production, water, energy and long-term sustainability.
There is no specific outcome. Artists are requested to come to the area with the notion of what one can give rather than what one can get from the residency:- to become part of the community and to melt into community life here. The outcome is about sharing ideas and conversations around the role of arts in light of this Climate Emergency, to explore zero-carbon art and new means of creative expression.
If one chooses to become involved in volunteering with the local community in the community garden and nature trail that too would be welcome.
Studio Facilities:
- 1000 sq. ft. old stone Studio.
- 3 Bay Hay Barn and Turf Shed
- A basic Tool kit of hand tools is available.
There is a good supply of art materials available and a wealth of strange and wonderful objects awaiting those who like to work with recycled materials. Artists must work in a way that is free of Health and Safety issues. Toxic or hazardous materials are not acceptable.
The real studio space is the acres of rural landscape of fields, lanes, bog lands and forestry to explore.
The artist in residence will be provided with a two-bedroom old-style stone cottage with solid fuel heating. This residency is self-catering. It is the responsibility of the artist to look after their own needs and be as independent and self-reliant as possible.
There is no landline, internet or TV. Mobile phone cover may vary depending on the provider.
The ethos here is one of creativity and living in harmony with nature so artists are requested to be aware of energy use, conscious of principles of zero waste and living with a light ecological footprint.
This residency is not suitable for families. Pets are not allowed.