Notre Dame at Kylemore partners with the New York Academy of Art, the Royal Hibernian Academy, and the University of Notre Dame's MFA in art program to offer two annual month-long residencies. This program is designed to help hone students' technical skills, provide studio practice and the opportunity to present their work to fellow art residents and faculty to receive advice and feedback. The residencies wrap up with a final public exhibition. Successful applicants for the art residencies will have access to the Kylemore Estate, Abbey museum and Victorian walled gardens.
Notre Dame Kylemore offers 2 sessions of our MFA Arts Residency Program per year.
Spring 2026 Residency
- Dates: January 11 - February 7, 2026
- Applications Open: September 22, 2025
- Applications Close: Monday, December 15, 2025
Apply for the Spring 2026 Residency
Fall 2026 Residency
- Dates: October 25 - November 21, 2026
- Applications Open: Saturday, July 11, 2026
- Applications Close: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Eligibility and Application
The residencies are awarded to visual artists who have successfully completed art college and are ideal for those looking to carve out time to dedicate to their work in a quiet, remote, peaceful setting. Those who are awarded must commit to the rules and regulations of the University of Notre Dame code and conduct, treating everyone they encounter with dignity, respect, and kindness.
What Does the Award Include?
A committee will decide on the successful awards and successful applicants will receive an admittance letter with an invitation to participate in the arts residency. The month long award includes room and board, a cultural program that gives students insight into Irish history, politics and geography as well as the opportunity to explore the Irish landscape.
Not Included
Travel to and from the residency and activities during the artist's time in Kylemore.
Housing
As part of the residency, artists will stay in a newly renovated, high-standard private ensuite room. Each room is equipped with a writing desk and residents will have access to the libraries, social spaces and opportunities for self guided walks along the lakes of Kylemore. Most importantly, artists will have access to shared studio space 24/7.
Meals
Full board is provided with a hot or continental breakfast and Irish-inspired lunches and dinners each day. Meals are designed and prepared by our in-house award-winning chef Mikel Redondo. We ask that all participants meet for meals in a timely manner and commune with the group. All residents must abide by the rules of conduct as outlined by the University.
Applications
Interested artists will need to submit 3-5 images of their work and complete the application. Four placements will be awarded.
We are looking for past graduates of the Notre Dame MFA program working in the mediums of:
- paint,
- drawing, or
- sketching
Apply for the Spring 2026 Residency
Key Pillars of the Program
Art residencies at the University of Notre Dame at Kylemore are built on foundational pillars that align with the university's core values and strategic vision. These elements create transformative experiences for artists from a graduate MFA program while advancing Notre Dame's commitment to academic excellence, faith, and service.
1. Creative Space & Resources
- Dedicated studios: World-class workspaces reflecting Notre Dame's commitment to excellence in facilities
- Technical equipment: Access to tools, materials, and technology relevant to artistic disciplines
- Interdisciplinary resources: Access to Notre Dame's diverse academic resources across disciplines which include introduction to Irish history, politics, archeology and culture through field trips and artist case studies
- Living accommodations: Environments that foster contemplation and immersive practice aligned with Notre Dame's residential traditions, comfortable housing that allows artists to immerse in their practice
- Cultural context: Integration of local history, traditions, and contemporary issues
- Environmental connection: Relationship to the natural landscape and physical setting
2. Community Engagement & Catholic Mission
- Local impact: Opportunities for artists to serve and engage with the broader community, reflecting Notre Dame's commitment to the common good
- Local engagement: Opportunities for artists to connect with and learn from the local community of artists
- Global perspective: Programs facilitating international dialogue that advance Notre Dame's global engagement strategy
- Public programming: Events that showcase artistic work while promoting Notre Dame's educational mission
3. Sense of Place & Catholic Intellectual Tradition
- Kylemore Abbey’s heritage: Programs that engage with Notre Dame's distinctive Catholic character and history
- Ethical inquiry: Integration of moral and ethical considerations that reflect Notre Dame's commitment to human dignity and align with the Benedictine contemplative charism
- Environmental stewardship: Connections to nature and sustainability reflecting Notre Dame's care for our common home with en plein air activities
4. Professional Development & Academic Excellence
- Faculty mentorship: Access to Notre Dame's distinguished faculty and visiting scholars; access to established artists, curators, or industry professionals
- Institutional partnerships: Connections to Notre Dame's global network of museums, galleries, and arts organizations as well as our key partners New York Academy of Art and Royal Hibernian Academy
- Research opportunities: Collaborative projects that advance Notre Dame's commitment to research and discovery
- Networking: Connections to galleries, museums, and other arts organizations
- Skill-building: Workshops and learning opportunities relevant to artistic practice
5. Financial Sustainability & Institutional Advancement
- Strategic funding: Diverse revenue streams aligned with Notre Dame's development priorities
- Inclusive accessibility: Support systems ensuring program participation regardless of financial barriers
- Community investment: Partnerships that strengthen Notre Dame's relationship with external stakeholders
6. Documentation & Lasting Impact
- Knowledge dissemination: Publications and digital platforms that extend Notre Dame's educational reach
- Alumni engagement: Ongoing connections with artists that build Notre Dame's global community
- Archives: Preservation of artistic processes and outcomes
- Publications: Catalogs, books, or digital platforms that extend the residency's impact
- Long-term relationships: Ongoing connections with alumni artists and continued dialogue
Alumni
Once you have completed a residency at Notre Dame Kylemore, you become an alumni and will be able to be a part of our network with special offers, scholarships and invitations to book launches and exhibitions hosted by the University of Notre Dame. You will also have early booking and access opportunities for other workshops, readings and cultural events held at Kylemore. View past awardees here
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Fall 2025 Awardees |
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