Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following:

- Graduated from a recognised third-level institution (BA, BFA, MA, MFA, etc.) in Visual Arts, Design or Ceramics within the past three years (2022–2025).

- Possess advanced ceramics and/or pottery skills.

- Be legally entitled to live and work in Ireland from September 2025 to September 2026. If a visa is required, this is the applicant’s responsibility.

- Commit to full participation in studio activities, mentorship, community events and potential teaching opportunities.

- Applications are welcome from graduates based in Ireland or internationally.

Graduate Residency Package

* Twelve months of full time access to the Throwing Shapes ceramics studio. (does not include clay, materials, or firing costs)

* Access to wheels, kilns, studio glazes, workshop equipment, hand-building space, communal tools, and peer-learning environment. (Please note: plaster casting & mould making facilities are not available in the studio.)

* Fully subsidised city-centre accommodation provided by Staycity. This is a two-bedroom spacious, own-door and well equipped apartment in central-north Dublin. The accommodation will be shared throughout the year with our three separate professional residents for three months each. While rent is free, utility bills will need to be paid for

* Opportunity to teach workshops

* Solo exhibition at the end of the residency with curatorial & marketing support

* Access to member events, Talking Clay series, seasonal retreats and seasonal studio markets

* Mentorship sessions with staff and studio leaders as well as social media mentorship with Staycity media staff

* Permanent feature on the Throwing Shapes website and alumni blog

* Invitations to alumni events, retreats and future professional opportunities

* Please note that a stipend is not included in the residency, you will be asked to clarify how you plan on covering your living costs while on your residency (through savings, part-time work, or additional secured funding) 

* You must to commit to donating one piece of your collection of work created during your time in the studio to Throwing Shapes at the end of your residency

Proposal Requirements

Applicants must submit the application form with all elements. We are scoring based on the following criteria; 

1. Research-led artistic development

A self-directed residency proposal exploring ceramics practice via experimentation, technique, materials, or conceptual inquiry

2. Use of studio resources

Use of studio time, equipment, and community engagement to realise your project


3. Teaching and community contribution

Indicate your willingness to teach or engage in peer- or community-based learning during the residency

4. Engagement with Dublin and Ireland

How working within Dublin or Ireland will inform or shape your research and develop your practice.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 28 July 2025 at 16:00 GMT

Residency Period: September 2025 – September 2026

Application Submission Checklist

An application form will go live on 7th July on the main Clay City webpage and this page.

Completed application form including:

* Residency proposal (as outlined above) - PDF, Max. one page, 100MB max. 

* CV - PDF, Max. one page, 100MB max. 

* Portfolio (up to five works/collections with captions) - PDF, Max. 5 Pages - 100MB in form, WeTransfer to claycity@throwingshapes.ie if file size is limiting. 

* Two referees (name, role, email)

* Letter of recommendation (optional)

File Management

Please use high quality images and name each file name uniformly:

* FirstnameSurnameFilename.pdf

E.g

JaneMurphyCV.pdf

Questions

Please read through all Terms & Conditions below. For any queries not answered below, please contact Throwing Shapes via claycity@throwingshapes.ie 

Residency Conduct

Residents must engage fully with the studio and residency programme throughout the duration of their stay.

Active participation in the Throwing Shapes community is expected, including involvement in events, workshops, and studio life.

Accommodation Rules

Residents will be housed in a two-bedroom apartment shared with other visiting artists throughout the year. Each resident will have a private double-bedroom. The kitchen and bathroom are shared.

The apartment is fully furnished and equipped with basic kitchenware and bedding.

The accommodation is intended for the resident only. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate partners, spouses, children, or other family members. This programme is designed to support individual practice and focus.

No pets are permitted in the apartment.

Residents are expected to maintain a clean, respectful, and cooperative shared living environment.

Any damage to the apartment, furnishings, or shared amenities must be reported immediately. Residents may be held responsible for the cost of repair or replacement.

Throwing Shapes reserves the right to inspect the apartment if concerns arise regarding its use or condition.

Behaviour & Termination

Any disruptive behaviour, including but not limited to hosting parties, causing disturbances, or disrespecting shared spaces, will result in immediate termination of the residency and removal from the accommodation and studio.

Residents must comply with local laws and the studio's code of conduct at all times.

Utilities & Bills

All utility bills (electricity, gas, internet, etc.) are the responsibility of the resident unless otherwise agreed in writing prior to the start of the residency.

Engagement & Attendance

Consistent attendance and active engagement with the residency schedule and studio practice are required. Repeated absences or disengagement without a valid reason may result in removal from the programme.

General

Throwing Shapes reserves the right to update or amend these terms at any point.