The artist in residence programme supports artists (from various disciplines) in their own professional development, to create new work, while ensuring greater access to the arts for more people across Kerry, as the artist’s work with individuals, fellow artists, community groups and schools, through mentoring, workshops and projects. The programme is co-funded by Kerry County Council and the Arts Council of Ireland.

Dancer in Residence – Catherine Young

Photo: Rory Kirby

Filmmaker in Residence – Jesse Gilbert

There was an overwhelming response to a call out to schools interested in working with the Kerry Filmmaker in Residence last October, so Jesse’s residency will focus on working with the schools which expressed an interest at that time. Over the summer, Jesse offered his expertise to the Killarney youth film group SONAR, community groups and emerging filmmakers.

The Kerry Filmmaker in Residence is solely funded by Creative Ireland.

Visual Artist in Residence – Lisa Fingleton

Lisa has facilitated visual art workshops and shared her expertise with groups, day care centres, festivals and fellow artists. The level of interest in working with Lisa has been so high that she is booked up for the remainder of her residency.

Photo: Rena Blake

Writer in Residence – Emer Fallon

Emer has a keen interest in climate and the environment and she is exploring these topics further during her residency, as she engages with both new and established writers across the county, through her Writers on the Bus project. This unique project highlights the service provided by Local Link Kerry, while aiding writers living along the bus routes, in reducing their carbon footprint, connecting them with each other and providing them with a platform to share and showcase their work. Emer is providing a series of workshops, exploring themes such as ‘A Sense of Place’, ‘Grounding your Words’, and ‘A Deep Dive into the Weather’, with the aim of creating new work for display on eight of the buses.

Over the summer, Emer offered writing advice and feedback to individuals and groups of all writing levels and experience. She is booked up for the remainder of her residency.