Navigator Residencies 2023 accepting expressions of interest

Applications close on Friday 31st March at midnight.

The 10-day Navigator Jazz Residency programme has expanded its reach in 2023 to collaborate with 7 arts centres - original partners The Source Arts Centre, Thurles, An Grianán in Letterkenny, The Courthouse in Tinahely, Co. Wicklow, and Ballina Arts Centre in Mayo, and new partners Riverbank Arts Centre in Kildare, The Crescent, Belfast and Garter Lane Arts Centre in Waterford.

The Navigator programme offers jazz and improvising musicians professionally remunerated time and space to develop and perform work with a deep sense of space, informed by community involvement. Artists may work in a period of 10 consecutive days or a number of shorter periods (where possible for the arts centre).

In 2023, four arts centres are accepting expressions of interest from artists across the improvised music world in Ireland, while three arts centres are working in collaboration with IMC’s 30/30 programme and its artists. To celebrate 30 years of IMC’s work in 2022/23, 30 outstanding improvising artists were selected for a bespoke support and mentorship programme, and three artists from the programme will have the opportunity to connect with a local area and develop work on the residency programme.

Navigator has also developed parent-friendly residencies at the Courthouse Arts Centre Tinahely, and An Grianan Theatre, Letterkenny - offering supports for artists who need to manage their work as parents alongside their work as artists.

Through ongoing dialogue between IMC, the venues and the selected artists, a bespoke residency programme will be designed and delivered to assist in creating new work, new interactions, new collaborations, while also deepening the artists sense of place and space through an experience which is ultimately reflected in new interactions and outputs.

Artists can express interest in the programme now through this link. Please apply before midnight on Friday 31st March.

Some notes for artists expressing interest

• The Expression of Interest form below asks for details around your track record as an artist, availability for/interest in the specific residencies, and any ideas you may have regarding connecting with local communities.
• Eligible musicians should be working in the jazz or creative improvised music sectors on the island of Ireland. Irish artists based elsewhere who still have a significant amount of practice on the island of Ireland may also be eligible, however, international travel costs may not be covered, depending on the situation.
• Artists on the programme are selected by the arts centres in collaboration with IMC, based on the needs and context of the arts centre and their local community.
• Ideas for connecting with local communities may be general (applicable to a variety of different areas or communities) or specific. If proposing a connection with a particular local community, please note that arts centres may select artists depending on their particular needs. If an arts centre is particularly interested in an artist, you might be asked to reconsider your project in the context of a different area.
• Artists may express their interest in more than one residency, or all residencies. If an arts centre expresses particular interest in a project, you might be asked to consider a residency with an arts centre you have not selected.
• In general, artists will not work with an arts centre in their local area. Navigator aims to increase the national mobility of artists by creating connections between an artist from one part of the country and an arts centre/arts community in another part of the country.
• The Navigator programme is largely a solo residency, and not suitable for an ensemble in residence. However, there are opportunities to work with local artists in the area, or in some instances to work with other collaborators.
• If you are considering expressing interest in the programme and would like to discuss any aspect, please email us and we will do our best to clarify any queries, or arrange a discussion with you.

In Navigator’s inaugural year 2021, guitarist Hugh Buckley developed work at The Source Arts Centre, saxophonist Nick Roth engaged with local young musicians, visual artists and more in Ballina Arts Centre, Ríona Sally Hartman created new work for children and collaborated with artist Cressida Lynch, and pianist Cormac McCarthy created new music, performed in duo with Donegal-based saxophonist Micheal Murray, and worked with young musicians at An Grianán Donegal, amongst many other activities.

The programme continued in 2022, beginning with guitarist and electronic musician Aengus Hackett in residence at Tinahely Courthouse Arts Centre, working with local youth jazz bands and developing work based on sounds and poetry from Tinahely. Singer and activist Emilie Conway was in residence at The Source Arts Centre, Thurles, working with local choirs and artists. Guitarist Chris Guilfoyle was in residence at Ballina Arts Centre, leading workshops with local schools and musicians and developing his music. Vocalist and composer Olesya Zdorovetska was in residence at An Grianán Theatre, Donegal, constructing work on the theme of ‘home’ through conversation with artists and people who have made Letterkenny their home.