Rural Retreats

Open Call for Artists & Arts Workers

7 March — 16 May 2026

The Dock invites artists and arts workers to apply for week-long Rural Retreats hosted in partnership with Drumnadubber Arts, a new residential arts organisation based in rural Leitrim. This opportunity responds to high levels of fatigue reported across the arts sector, and offers time and space to rest and reset — without the burden of administration, production, or other labour-intensive demands.

Participants will be hosted for one week/six nights at Drumnadubber Arts in rural Leitrim. The Dock will cover the full cost of accommodation and provide a daily subsistence (€20/day). Due to the rural location, the retreat will best suit individuals with their own vehicle. Please note, this is a self-directed retreat; we can recommend slow adventures and nature sites to visit across Leitrim.

Drumnadubber Arts

Drumnadubber Arts is an artist-led organisation that offers three residential cabins in County Leitrim. They are located in a quiet, rural setting between the villages of Drumsna (4.4 km) and Leitrim Village (5.6 km). The town of Carrick-on-Shannon is 7.4 km away and offers bus and train services with direct connections to Dublin Airport, Dublin City Centre, and Sligo.

Drumnadubber Arts is located in the townland of Drumnadubber (Ridge of the Wells) on two acres of land. The land, house, and outbuildings operated as a stud farm until the 1980s. The site is now home to two artists who live on-site and operate the residency spaces. A cat and a dog also live on the property. There are a number of looped walks in the area along quiet boreens.

You can read about the facilities and accessibility information here: DRUMNADUBBER STUDIOS INFO and ACCESSIBILITY.

How to apply

This is a light-touch application designed to minimise administrative load. Through the online form provided, applicants are asked to submit existing materials only.

Biography
Description of practice
Preferred dates
Access needs (optional)

Submissions will open on 7 March through an online form here and there will be a rolling deadline until 30 May 2026; submissions will be reviewed monthly.

For queries, please email thedockartscentre@gmail.com with the subject line, Rural Retreats.

Evaluation

This is a light-touch evaluation process designed to capture your experience, feedback, and/or suggestions. On completion of the retreat, we request a written response (c. 150-200 words) or a 20-minute online conversation with a member of the team.