Limerick City Gallery of Art (LCGA) has announced an open call for its annual Test Space Residency programme for 2026, now in its sixth year. The residency offers two awards: one for early-career art practitioners and one for those at a more advanced stage. Selected artists will receive an 8-week studio residency with a €5,000 stipend, curatorial support, promotion, and the opportunity to engage with LCGA's audiences and community. The programme was established in 2020 in response to the Arts Council's EDI Policy and prioritizes projects involving public engagement, workshops, talks, or community inclusion events. Applications are open to writers, filmmakers, dancers, performers, academics, and visual artists across all disciplines.
This residency matters because it provides crucial time, space, and financial support for artists at different career stages, fostering diversity and inclusion in the arts. By encouraging applications from a wide range of creative fields and emphasizing public engagement, Test Space helps strengthen the connection between contemporary art practice and local communities. The programme also serves as a launchpad for participants, with past residents going on to tour work, publish, and secure solo exhibitions at LCGA and other leading institutions, making it a significant opportunity for professional development in Ireland's visual arts landscape.