Dublin’s new community ceramics studio Throwing Shapes has announced the launch of Clay City, a new ceramics residency programme including a fully supported opportunity for an early-career ceramicist to further their practice through a year-long residency with full studio access, mentorship, and a fully subsidised apartment in the heart of the city.
The residency is open to graduates of art and design third-level institutions (within the past three years), based in Ireland or internationally, with demonstrated excellence in ceramics and pottery. In collaboration with Staycity, the programme offers free accommodation in an independent apartment for the full 12-month period alongside access to Throwing Shapes’ expansive studio facilities as well as residencies for three professional artists.
The programme was launched on the 27th June at the Throwing Shapes summer exhibition showcasing work of their 100 members. “We’re excited to support emerging talent and provide the space and resources to foster ambitious, self-directed research in ceramics,” said Siofra Murdock, Owner of Throwing Shapes. “This residency is about more than just making work, it’s about artists embedding themselves in the context of Dublin and Ireland, using this unique setting to push their practice forward, while developing Dublin as a hub for ceramics.”
“Staycity Aparthotels is thrilled to partner with Throwing Shapes to establish this brand new residency, presenting a seismic opportunity for any emerging artist, in terms of time and space, to establish their career foundations,” said Laura Gibbons, Head of Community and Charity Engagement at Staycity Aparthotels. “As an Irish company, founded in Dublin, we’re proud to support the recipient of this residency to bring their own creative dynamism to the city.”
The Clay City applications will open on the 7th July and will be assessed on the strength of an artist’s portfolio and the quality of their proposed residency project. Throwing Shapes particularly welcomes proposals that engage meaningfully with Dublin or Ireland as a research and creative context. They are additionally offering three professional short-term residencies over the next year.
The successful candidates will receive:
- A one-year studio membership or three-month membership
- A fully subsidised own-door apartment in central Dublin
- Full access to equipment, kilns, and shared spaces
- Personal mentorship and professional development sessions with both organisations
- A solo exhibition at the end of each residency
- Teaching opportunities and participation in public events
Applications for the graduate residency close Monday, 28 July 2025 at 4PM GMT. Residency period: September 2025 – September 2026
More information and application details can be found at: throwingshapes.ie/claycity
