26th February 2026
National Sculpture Factory and The Guesthouse announce a new initiative in an International Curator’s Residency opportunity, through open call, based in the critically acclaimed residency The Guesthouse.
In a new collaboration in August 2026, NSF and The Guesthouse align objectives and mission in the inaugural residency that will invite the awarded International Curator to develop their thinking and methodologies, have space in the NSF, with access to resources and equipment as well connect with Cork city and the wider region.
The Guesthouse is an artist-led initiative run on a voluntary basis by our artists community. The Guesthouse Project was established to foster a distinctive type of work and social space, facilitating conversation and cross-practice exchange within and beyond the arts and engaged in experimentation, interdisciplinarity, and collaboration. Inspired by the residential and domestic nature of the building, with the kitchen at its centre, open events became a key gathering point and an interface between artists and the public. It remains an artistic endeavour that challenges conventional models of organisation and sustains a commitment to artist-led, process-driven practice.
theguesthouse.ie
Into this nourishing atmosphere, NSF, a systemically significant national resource organization for the fabrication and production of Fine Art, brings its expertise and machinery, its curatorial enquiry, and space, to enable an opportunity for an individual curator to experience the thriving Cork artistic scene with its tributaries in and out from the region.
nationalsculpturefactory.com
To take place from 3 – 29 August 2026, this residency opportunity entails the following:
* Residence in a top floor self-contained flat in The Guesthouse where arts activities and events take place in a convivial atmosphere, covering all utilities, insurance
* An introduction to the artists community and art ecosystems of Cork
* A stipend of €250 per week
* A contribution of up to €300 for flight and transport to Cork
* A subsistence contribution of up to €100 per week
* A space within NSF to work with access to advice, expertise and machinery if required
This opportunity is aimed at:
* Emerging curators who can demonstrate a committed practice of enquiry and commitment
* A CV demonstrating a background of exhibition and event production
* A clear interest in Cork and the Munster region
* Demonstrable methodologies that are self-guided and self-directed
* Clear evidence of community interest and social engagement in practice
* Curators who enjoy working with other artists and creatives
* It is not a suitable residency for children
* Partners are welcome
To apply please send the following, in a single PDF:
* A cover letter
* A CV
* A plan for how you approach the residency period of up to 4 weeks, with the stipulation of 1 public event before the end of the residency
* 3 Visuals of previous work undertaken: images, video and sound are eligible. Please test all links in advance.
The PDF should be sent to director@nationalsculpturefactory.com.
Selection will take place by a panel composed of personnel from both NSF and The Guesthouse.
The deadline for submission is 5pm on Friday 10 April 2026.
Selection will take place the week of 13 April with the award to be announced the week of 20 April 2026.
For any queries, please email director@nationalsculpturefactory.com
Please note all submissions must be by email