Apply now for the 2025 Mirror Lamp Press x The Complex writer-in-residence programme aimed at early-career visual arts writers based in Ireland. Following on from 2024, there will be two 5-month residency opportunities where writers are invited to produce up to five new critical responses to the exhibitions and events programme at The Complex Gallery in Dublin. One of the residencies will be offered to a writer who has not published more than three pieces of writing.

The residency is intended for visual arts writers seeking an opportunity to be edited and to explore their critical voice in response to the activities of an art space. The selected writers will share their work with Mirror Lamp Press’ readers and The Complex’s audiences. Responses will be self-directed and developed in dialogue with the MLP editors and The Complex team.

Residency 1: March – July 2025
Residency 2: August – December 2025

 Selected writers will receive:

  • €1,500 fee (€300 per text). 50% will be paid at the beginning and 50% on completion of the residency.
  • €500 production budget to disseminate thinking and research through an event, DIY publication, video recording, podcast or other activity.
  • €500 budget for mentoring divided into two mentoring sessions.
  • €500 budget towards skill development e.g. a tutorial with a graphic designer, proofreader, editor, or writing workshop of choice.
  • 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 two mentoring sessions and skill development during their residency and will be supported by the MLP editors and The Complex team to identify potential mentors or skills aligning with their interests to help them develop their practice.

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

Who can apply

Writers who want to develop their writing practice through being edited and in response to an art space or exhibition programme. One of the residencies will be offered to an early career writer who hasn’t published more than three pieces of writing. Applicants must be outside of formal education at the time of application and during the length of their residency (including graduate programmes such as PhD).

Applicants are not explicitly required to have a background in visual arts to apply. 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.

Please note

Writers are required to attend a minimum of five exhibitions or events at The Complex in Dublin in person during their residency. Writers must engage with and respond to the visual arts programme during their residency and can choose any additional events at The Complex (the programme will be shared with shortlisted applicants for interview).

Please be aware this opportunity requires a significant time commitment. We encourage writers to fully immerse themselves in the residency, actively engaging with the artists and curators of the visual arts programme and the editors of Mirror Lamp Press.

About The Complex

The Complex is a multi-disciplinary arts centre in Dublin’s north inner city. It is committed to providing arts to all people and space to artists for all art forms. Combining sixteen studios, a large warehouse performance space and a gallery, it brings a diverse range of arts practitioners and audiences together in one dynamic place. The Complex is interested in work that is of meaningful social value. Its mission is to enrich local communities and promote well-being with inspiring arts programmes.

How to apply

Please send a proposal up to 500 words (max) outlining your writing practice to date, your approach to the residency, and your interest in writing about the artists and events at The Complex and Mirror Lamp Press publishing. Please specify how you would like to use the production budget, what mentor you are interested in working with, what skills you would like to develop and which residency you would prefer (March–July or August–December). You must include two samples of your writing (excerpts are acceptable, and unpublished works are welcome) by Monday 10th February 2025. Please send your application via email to [email protected]

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Applicants can expect a response by the beginning of March.

MLP x The Complex Writing Residencies 2025