News

Derry City and Strabane District Council Launches Associate Artists Pilot Programme

4 September 2026

Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Arts and Culture Co‑Delivery Group has launched a new Associate Artists Pilot Programme, supporting stronger, more purposeful collaboration between cultural organisations and individual artists whose work aligns with each organisation’s ethos.

Seven organisations are taking part in the pilot; An Gaelaras, Centre for Contemporary Art Derry‑Londonderry, Greater Shantallow Community Arts, In Your Space Circus, Nerve Centre, New Gate Arts and The Playhouse, with each exploring artist‑centred approaches that create meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships.

Sorcha Shanahan, spokesperson for the Arts & Culture Co‑Delivery Group, said:

"At a time when everyone in the arts is struggling, this programme is a way for arts and cultural organisations to consciously collaborate with and learn from freelance artists, exploring ways to enrich the ecosystem as a whole and create new avenues for artists and organisations to share the resources available."

Projects will be shaped by each organisation’s capacity and ambitions, as well as the needs of the artist, with opportunities such as creative development time, access to resources, professional development and engagement with audiences or communities.

Gary Curran from The Playhouse added:

“We’re delighted to be part of this pilot. Our Associate Artist Residency will support an artist developing work for younger audiences, offering paid time, mentoring, practical resources and support to create a sustainable, audience‑tested piece. In turn, The Playhouse will strengthen its capacity to produce theatre for children and families across Derry/Strabane.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Grace Uí Niallais, said: “This is an important initiative that recognises the diverse work our arts and cultural organisations do in supporting artists. Each participant is committed to the guiding principles of the pilot and to sharing learning with the wider sector. We look forward to learning and hope this pilot will help shape future programmes with a clear and aligned approach to organisations supporting artists across the district.”

The Associate Artists Pilot Programme will run until March 2027. For more information, contact [email protected].