New artist development programme launched

Arts Week with Judy Murphy

The Town Hall Theatre, in partnership with Theatre Artist James Riordan and Galway Theatre Festival, is inviting applications for Blas, a pilot Artist Development programme to take place over seven months during 2025.

The programme is seeking early to mid-career theatre and performance artists from or based in Galway City or County.

The purpose of this first stage of Blas is to support a group of artists to develop new solo pieces of theatre to a work in progress stage in 2025, with a view to full production in 2026.

The programme will involve bespoke mentorship, masterclasses, rehearsal space and technical support and will be led by Theatre Artist James Riordan (Brú Theatre). The Town Hall has had a long-standing relationship with James, who was Theatre Artist in Residence of the building for two years and who has presented his work on the main stage.

“We are keen to assist in the sustainability of artists making work in Galway, welcoming the selected artists into the venue in the heart of Galway city and supporting them with all of our available resources,” said a statement from The Town Hall Theatre.

Applications may be submitted in English or Irish and  proposals are welcomedc from artists working in either language, with applications from the global majority particularly welcomed. Blas is funded by the Town Hall Patrons Award and the Arts Council.

The programme includes:

■ A €3,000 stipend for each of the 3 selected artists;

■ Continuing in-person and online mentorship and support from James Riordan, along with an assortment of professional mentors. Successful applicants must attend six in-person days in Galway city throughout the programme, along with their own rehearsals. Dates to be decided with the chosen artists to allow flexibility;

■ Strategic and Dramaturgical support;

■ Access to the Town Hall Studio throughout the remainder of 2025 and a sharing to an invited audience;

■ Support from Galway Theatre Festival, with an eye towards presenting the finished pieces as part of  the festival in the future.

■ Networking events in the city with funders, festivals and venues, and a number of theatre tickets for shows in the Town Hall and Black Box, including Q and A’s with visiting theatre companies.

The deadline for recepit of applications is Thursday, May 15, with the successful applicants announced on May 23, with Blas beginning on June 9.

Pictured: James Riordan of Brú Theatre who will lead the Blas Blas, a pilot artist development programme.

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