Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Arts Office and Music Network have opened applications for their 2024  Musicians-in-Residence Scheme.

Entering its tenth year, the Arts Council-funded initiative “provides musicians with space and time to create new work, develop their skills, collaborate with other artists and showcase their music,” according to statement.

Successful applicants can receive funding of up to €8000, alongside a space to work in and mentoring.

Audiences will also have the chance to witness with the selected resident musicians through a series of open rehearsals, workshops and public performances.

Three residencies are available to artists of any genre, with one being dedicated to specifically to emerging musicians.

Those who wish to apply to the scheme “must be able to demonstrate a strong connection to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, or propose a project that links with the area, for example taking inspiration from the location or by engaging with local communities or musicians.”

🎶Applications OPEN for the dlr Musicians-in-Residence Scheme 2024! 🌟
3 residencies are available to musicians working in any genre of music, funding up to a max award of €8K + space to work.
Find out more at https://t.co/5hCznMt37d
Funded by @dlrcc @artscouncil_ie @musnetirl pic.twitter.com/nRkyrfsIoc

— dlr Arts Office (@dlrArts) January 4, 2024

“These residencies provide valuable time and resources for musicians to develop their artistic practice, advance their careers and produce exciting new work which we look forward to sharing with the residents of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown later this year,” said CEO of Music Network Sharon Rollston.

“The residency has given me much more confidence in my abilities. It has taught me how to present a show as an artist and how to engage with an audience and a community," said Chris Comhaill, recepient of the 2023 Emerging Artist Award. "It’s a game-changer and so valuable to musicians lucky enough to get to take part.”

Anyone interested in making an application to the scheme can register for an online information session on Wednesday 17 January at 11:00 am.

This year’s residencies will run from May to November 2024. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 6 February at 2:00 pm, for more information about the residencies and how to apply visit Music Network’s website.