Introducing Clay City

Clay City is a year-long collaboration between Throwing Shapes and Staycity, offering one 12-month graduate program and three 3-month professional residencies for ceramic artists. 

This one-of-a-kind initiative provides free studio space and accommodation in Dublin City, aiming to support artists in developing their careers while contributing to Ireland's leading ceramics community. Our goal is to attract both Irish and international ceramic graduates and residency applicants, encouraging community engagement and establishing Dublin as a hub for ceramics. Staycity's involvement is crucial in removing financial barriers for artists seeking to work and live in Dublin City.

The graduate residency opens for applications on the 7th July and is a fully supported opportunity for an early-career ceramicist to further their practice. It includes full studio access, mentorship and a subsidised apartment in the heart of the city for one year.

The professional residencies offer established artists and ceramicists 3-month's in a state-of-the-art ceramics studio to complete a specific project or create space for dedicated studio research time. The first professional residency application will open on the 1st August.

Application deadlines for each program are listed below. Please read through our Application Guides to check if you are eligible to apply.

Graduate Program

Applications Open: 7 July 2025

Applications Close: 28 July 2025

Interviews: 5-7 August 2025

Programme Start: 15 September 2025

Programme End: September 2026

Professional Residencies

Autumn Residency 2025

Applications Open: 1 August 2025

Applications Close: 30 August 2025

Interviews: 10-12 September 2025

Programme Start: 15 October 2025

Programme End: 15 January 2026


Spring Residency 2026

Applications Open: 1 October 2025

Applications Close: 30 October 2025

Interviews: 4-7 Nov 2025

Programme Start: 1 February 2026

Programme End: 30 April 2026


Summer Residency 2026

Applications Open: 1 February 2026

Applications Close: 28 February 2026

Interviews: 3-6 March 2026

Programme Start: 1 June 2026

Programme End: 31 August 2026

Email questions to claycity@throwingshapes.ie