New Associate Artist Programme to Support Creative Talent in Derry
Greater Shantallow Community Arts has announced the launch of a new Associate Artist Programme, creating an exciting opportunity for an emerging or established artist to develop their creative practice while working alongside local communities.
The six-month pilot programme has been developed as part of GSCA's 2025-2030 Strategic Development Plan - Create, Connect, Inspire, Care, Community and reflects the organisation's continued commitment to investing in artists, strengthening community engagement and increasing access to high-quality arts and culture across the Derry and Strabane district.
The successful Associate Artist will become embedded within the organisation's creative and community programmes, benefiting from dedicated workspace, mentoring, professional development and networking opportunities while contributing to the artistic life of Greater Shantallow Community Arts.
The programme has been designed to provide artists with both the time and support needed to develop new creative work, explore innovative ideas and build meaningful relationships with local communities through workshops, collaborative projects and public engagement.
Throughout the six-month placement, the Associate Artist will work across a range of GSCA initiatives, engaging with young people, community groups and intergenerational programmes while sharing their own creative journey and helping to inspire future generations of artists.
As part of the programme, the selected artist will receive access to Studio 2's rehearsal and development facilities, one-to-one mentoring, career development guidance, networking opportunities with the wider cultural sector and support in developing future projects and funding applications. The programme will conclude with a public showcase, giving audiences the opportunity to experience new work created during the residency.
The initiative also aims to strengthen Greater Shantallow Community Arts' role as a community arts organisation that places creativity at the heart of community development, recognising the important contribution artists make to wellbeing, cultural participation and community pride.
Artists will be selected based on the quality of their work, commitment to community engagement, alignment with GSCA's values and the potential impact the opportunity will have on their professional development.
By establishing this pilot Associate Artist Programme, Greater Shantallow Community Arts hopes to lay the foundations for a sustainable artist development framework that will continue to support local creative talent for years to come, while delivering lasting benefits for communities across the Derry and Strabane district.
The initiative represents another important step in delivering GSCA's vision to Create, Connect, Inspire, Care and build stronger Communities through the power of the arts.
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