Faoiseamh is the Irish word for relief, alleviation or ease.

National Circus Festival of Ireland (NCFI) and Motion Chapel believe periods of creative reflection is a crucially important part of an artist’s practice.

This new residency opportunity protects time and space for two ground-based Circus and/or Street Performance companies/artists in this new exciting partnership between the NCFI and Motion Chapel.

This residency is for Irish-based companies at any stage of their career (emerging, established etc.), to take time out from performance or other commitments to explore, create and germinate an idea.

This opportunity is thanks to funding from the Arts Council of Ireland.

Faoiseamh can host a total of four people from 2 companies.
Solo artists can also apply.
The two awarded companies/artists will work concurrently for two weeks in Motion Chapel, with each company benefiting from a minimum of 4 hours exclusive space usage a day, as well as the communal living and working/office spaces.

Artists will receive a stipend as well as support towards production and/or mentoring costs such as working with a director, an outside eye or similar.
Accommodation will be provided in Motion Chapel’s dorm on-site, as well as an optional communal dinner in the evenings. Lunch and breakfast is self catered, kitchen facilities are provided on-site.

Residency Details:

• Artist stipend per person for the full residency: 650€
• Production and/or mentor stipend per company: 500€
• Accommodation: 14 nights in a shared dorm
• Food: Self-catered breakfast and lunch, communal dinner provided

If you experience barriers to completing this application due to access needs, please let us know by email to contact@motionchapel.com or phone to 0838916976. We are happy to offer alternative ways to submit your responses, such as by phone, audio, video, or through assisted submission.

In 2024 NCFI proudly launched the Circus for All Policy, to ensure the festival connects to our whole society so there are no barriers between us and you, our joyous audience. We encourage applications from every member of our community and have included questions to ensure we prioritise these applicants to grow our circus community. Answers are confidential and are used solely for internal reporting.

Circus is a powerful force for connecting people and challenging preconceptions. Circus creates beauty, fun, death-defying and life-affirming experiences.

We look forward to reading about your ideas and projects.