Northern Borders

A partnership between An Grianán Theatre & Accidental funded by Shared Island Civic Society Fund.

 
 
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Artist’s Residency

A two-week residency offering early-career artists dedicated space, time and resources to develop their craft or creative project. Hosted at Accidental in Belfast and An Grianán Theatre in Letterkenny. 

Technical Placements

An open call-out for technicians to take part in placements and exchanges with the in-house technical teams at Accidental in Belfast and An Grianán Theatre in Letterkenny. Placements are tailored to the individual - from shadowing an experienced team on a live production, to getting hands-on with a specific project, to cross-training in a new skill area.

Artist’s Residency

In partnership with An Grianán Theatre, funded by Shared Island Civic Society Fund.

A two-week residency offering early-career artists dedicated space, time and resources to develop their craft or creative project. Hosted at Accidental in Belfast and An Grianán Theatre in Letterkenny. 

Residency Objectives

The first edition of the Northern Borders Residency, in partnership with Accidental and An Grianán Theatre, and funded by Shared Island Civic Society Fund. It is a two-week residency offering early-career artists dedicated space, time and resources to develop their craft. The residency is open to all art forms, and to all artists based in the northern counties of Ireland - Donegal, Sligo, Monaghan, Louth, Tyrone, Leitrim, Derry, Cavan, Fermanagh, Armagh, Antrim and Down.

The programme's aim is to give artists the opportunity and resources to develop a creative project, or simply the time and space away from everyday life to explore their creativity and craft. Prospective artists are encouraged to apply for the venue furthest from where they're based - this enhances the residency experience, allowing for a genuine sharing of experience and a broadening of creative networks. Whether based at Accidental in Belfast or An Grianán in Letterkenny, artists will have access to a different space, community and creative context to their own. Chosen artists will be matched with a venue, based on location and artistic fit. 

What the Residency Provides

  • Two weeks of dedicated rehearsal space ranging from studios to main theatre spaces - open, self-structured time. 

  • Access to the resources of Accidental and An Grianán Theatre

  • Support from in-house professionals

  • Optional work-in-progress showing at the end of the residency, with invited audiences and professionals from around both venues

  • Optional recording of the work, if desired

  • Networking opportunities throughout the residency

  • Accommodation and travel covered.

Fees & Expenses

Artist fee - €1,500 (or sterling equivalent)

Accommodation and travel are covered. 

Duration

Two weeks.

Autumn/Winter 2026. Exact dates to be arranged by venue & participant. 

Location

One residency at Accidental Theatre, Belfast and one at An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny.

Artist Criteria:

Open to all art forms and disciplines - if you have a project or practice you want to develop, this residency is for you. Including, but not limited to, theatre makers, musicians, multidisciplinary artists, etc. 

This project is a solo residency, however, there may be opportunities for collaboration in specific circumstances e.g with a specific repeat collaborator or with artists local to the venue. But please note, the fee will not change and accommodation is for the sole artist. 

Applicants should be early-career artists based in the northern counties of Ireland - Donegal, Monaghan, Louth, Tyrone, Leitrim, Derry, Cavan, Fermanagh, Armagh, Antrim and Down

How to  Apply:

  • Artist CV / History of Practice

  • An outline of what you would like to explore/get out of the residency

  • Examples of your work (i.e. Recordings, photos, etc)

Shortlisted participants may be invited to discuss further with the relevant venue.

Please send applications to: info@accidentaltheatre.co.uk
Subject line: Northern Borders Artist Residency – [Your Name]

We actively encourage applications from people who are currently underrepresented in the arts sector, including those from Global Majority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, d/Deaf and disabled people, and those from working-class backgrounds. If you have access needs related to the application process, please let us know.

Closing Date: 31st August 2026 | 23:59

Please note applications will be scanned for AI/ML and may be rejected.

This Role is kindly supported by the Shared Island Civic Fund.

 
 

Technical Placements

In partnership with An Grianán Theatre and funded by Shared Island Civic Society Fund.

An open call-out for technicians to take part in placements and exchanges with the in-house technical teams at Accidental in Belfast or An Grianán Theatre in Letterkenny. Placements are tailored to the individual - from shadowing an experienced team on a live production, to getting hands-on with a specific project, to cross-training in a new skill area. Whether you're just starting out or you’re an early-career technician looking to broaden your specialism and connections, this is a chance to get involved with real working venues and join a growing network of technicians across the north.

This opportunity is for technicians based in the northern counties of Ireland - Donegal, Sligo, Monaghan, Louth, Tyrone, Leitrim, Derry, Cavan, Fermanagh, Armagh, Antrim and Down.

Placement Objectives

Placements aim to build technical skills, share knowledge and create connections for those working, or aspiring to work, as technicians in the creative industries in Ireland. There will be a range of opportunities from shadowing for young people to specific project work for existing technicians who want to broaden their skillsets or connections. 

What the Placement Provides

  • Vocational & hands-on placement working alongside in-house venue teams

  • Experience across a range of technical work - including audio mixing, live-streaming, filming and operating live theatre shows etc. 

  • Skills development and mentoring from experienced professionals

  • Insight into the day-to-day running of a working theatre venue

  • Networking opportunities across both venues

  • Access to a range of organisations that need casual theatre technician staff on a regular basis

Fees & Expenses

  • Travel covered

  • Accommodation Covered (in specific circumstances)

  • Full Day (€180) & Half Day (€90) fees covered.

Duration 

Dependent on individual and venue, interests and programmed projects. 

How to Apply:

  • CV 

  • Outline of what you would like to get out of a placement

Please send applications to: info@accidentaltheatre.co.uk
Subject line: Northern Borders Technical Placements – [Your Name]

We actively encourage applications from people who are currently underrepresented in the arts sector, including those from Global Majority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, d/Deaf and disabled people, and those from working-class backgrounds. If you have access needs related to the application process, please let us know.

Closing Date: Rolling (but limited slots available)

Please note applications will be scanned for AI/ML and may be rejected.

This Role is kindly supported by the Shared Island Civic Fund.