Successful artists will receive funding up to a maximum award of €8000, a space to work in and advice and mentoring to support their career development. Audiences will also have an opportunity to engage with the resident musicians at a series of open rehearsals, workshops and public performances in Dún Laoghaire.
Three residencies are available to musicians working in any genre of music, from rock to pop or classical, jazz, trad and everything in between. One residency is specifically for emerging musicians. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a strong connection to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, or propose a project that links with the area, for example taking inspiration from the location or by engaging with local communities or musicians.
The Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Cllr. Denis O'Callaghan said: “Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is delighted to offer this opportunity again in 2024 for musicians to focus on the creation of new music. We are committed to encouraging new work and allowing the arts to flourish and are very grateful to the Arts Council for funding this Scheme.”
Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said: “Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is very pleased to continue our strong working relationship with Music Network to provide this important Scheme. This is an important collaboration with a national music resource organisation to support musicians.”
Commenting on the announcement, CEO of Music Network Sharon Rollston said: “It’s a pleasure to work with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council once again on the management of this annual scheme. These residencies provide valuable time and resources for musicians to develop their artistic practice, advance their careers and produce exciting new work which we look forward to sharing with the residents of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown later this year.”
The 2023 dlr Musicians-in-Residence were guitarist Chris Comhaill, violinist Lidia Jewloszewicz-Clarke and singer Simon Morgan. Speaking about his experience, Chris Comhaill, recipient of the 2023 Emerging Artist award said: “The residency has given me much more confidence in my abilities. It has taught me how to present a show as an artist and how to engage with an audience and a community... it’s a game-changer and so valuable to musicians lucky enough to get to take part.”
As part of this year’s scheme two residencies are available to established musicians with a maximum funding award of €8000 each, and an additional award of up to €5000 will support the work of an emerging musician or group.
Anyone interested in making an application to the scheme can register for an online information session on Wednesday 17 January at 11:00 am.
This year’s residencies will run from May to November 2024. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 6 February at 2:00 pm.
