Ed Devane announced as NAVIGATOR Artist in Residence at Garter Lane Arts Centre for October 2026

IMC’s Navigator Residency programme was established in 2021. Since then, 32 musicians have undertaken bespoke residencies with venue partners including Ballina Arts Centre, The Source Arts Centre (Thurles), An Grianán Theatre (Letterkenny), Riverbank Arts Centre (Newbridge), Courthouse Arts Centre (Tinahely), Garter Lane Arts Centre (Waterford) and Crescent Arts Centre (Belfast). For the 2026 edition, NAVIGATOR expands to include Triskel Arts Centre, Co. Cork as a new residency partner.

NAVIGATOR offers jazz and improvising musicians professionally remunerated time and space to develop and perform work, while building creative and professional relationships in new locations.

Ed Devane is an Irish sound artist and creative technologist whose work seamlessly merges the worlds of music, interactive installations, and experimental sound design. Over the past 15 years, Ed has continuously pushed the boundaries of traditional performance by integrating coding, electronics, and custom instrument design into his art. His creative journey began with a passion for sound and evolved into a multifaceted practice that explores the intersection of art, technology, and community engagement.

Throughout his career, Ed has collaborated with a diverse range of organisations—from grassroots community groups to internationally recognised arts festivals—crafting immersive auditory experiences that invite audiences to rethink their perceptions of sound. Whether it’s through live performances that fuse improvisation with electronic manipulation or interactive installations that respond to the environment, Ed’s work is always about breaking new ground and inviting active participation.

Ahead of his Navigator residency, Ed said:

“During my Navigator residency I plan to focus on my music practice which tends to get pushed way down the to do list in favour of instrument design, code development and other activities related to my broader sound craft practice. Improvising, composing and performing music requires the right conditions, and residencies offer the space and time to delve deep, away from the distractions and responsibilities of Real Life. Through the people I meet, the resonant objects I encounter, and the architectural acoustics I travel through, I will be open to opportunities to collaborate, to play, and to learn."

Síle Penkert, Artistic Director at Garter Lane Arts Centre, said:

“We are delighted to have Ed Devane in residence at Garter Lane Studios. The IMC NAVIGATOR programme has greatly expanded connections between individual artists and arts centres over the past four years. Through the programme, artists who might not ordinarily consider an arts centre as a destination are immersed in a wholly creative environment. Garter Lane Studios offers a uniquely supportive setting for artists. Located in the heart of Waterford's Cultural Quarter, the building is home to practitioners across visual arts, dance, theatre and multidisciplinary practice. The mix of resident and visiting artists creates a culture of openness and exchange, making it an ideal setting for a residency such as NAVIGATOR.”

The NAVIGATOR residency programme is part of IMC's commitment to further develop the national scene for jazz and improvised music, improve artist touring mobility, develop audiences nationwide, and develop creative opportunities and fruitful new relationships for musicians.

Ed Devane: eddevane.com / soniphorm.com
Garter Lane Arts Centre: garterlane.ie