We are excited to announce the inaugural MLP x The Complex writer-in-residence programme aimed at early-career visual arts writers based in Ireland. This programme is designed to help writers develop their practice by inviting them to produce up to five new critical responses to the Exhibitions and Events programme at The Complex in Dublin.

The residency is intended for visual arts writers who are seeking an opportunity to explore their critical voice in response to the activities of an art space. The selected writer will have the opportunity to share their work with Mirror Lamp Press’ and The Complex’s audiences and extended networks. Responses will be self-directed and developed in dialogue with both the MLP editors and The Complex team. They will be published on the MLP website and shared through mailouts and social media channels.

The residency will run from May – September 2024, during which time the selected writer will receive:

  • €1,500 fee (€300 per text). Half will be paid at the beginning and half on completion of the residency.

  • €500 production budget to disseminate thinking and research through means of either an event, DIY publication, video recording, podcast or other activity.

  • €300 budget for mentoring.

  • Ongoing editorial support from the Mirror Lamp Press Editors.

  • Publishing through the MLP website and dissemination through the MLP and The Complex channels.

As part of the residency, there will be a small production budget to enable writers to disseminate their work, thinking and research further in dialogue with the MLP and The Complex team. This could be used to support an event, print a small leaflet publication or zine, create digital or audio content, or for other activities identified by the writer. The selected writer will also have a budget for a mentoring session during their residency and will be supported by the MLP editors and The Complex team to identify potential mentors aligning with their interests to help them develop their practice.

The writer will be selected by Gwen Burlington (Co-editor, MLP), Eoghan McIntyre (Co-editor, MLP) and Mark O’Gorman (Curator / Producer of Visual Arts, The Complex).


Who can apply

Early-career artists or writers who have not yet published widely and who are looking to develop their writing in response to an art space or exhibition programme.

Applicants must commit to attending a minimum of five exhibitions and/or events at The Complex in Dublin in person from May to September and be outside of formal education at the time of application and during the length of their residency.

Applicants are not explicitly required to have a background in visual arts to apply for the residency. However, a strong interest in visual arts, a willingness to engage deeply with the activities at The Complex, and a receptive approach to the editing process and collaborating with editors and mentors are essential.

How to apply

Please send a proposal of 300 words outlining your artistic practice, approach to the residency, and your interest in writing about the artists and events at The Complex. You must include two samples of your writing (excerpts are acceptable, and unpublished works are welcome) by 6pm Monday 15th April 2024 to [email protected]

Applicants can expect a response within two weeks of the deadline. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a Zoom interview.