Carlow County Council Arts Service engages artists through the Artists in Residence over a number of programme supports for a specific time period and across different contexts.
Carlow County Council Arts Service have currently advertised two opportunities for artists in residence.
Currently there are a number of artists working across the county as Artists in Residence supported by Carlow County Council which include: Artists in Residence in Forward Steps Family Resource Centre, Tullow; and Writer in Residence in collaboration with Carlow County Library.
Tullow Artist in Residence
Philip Cullen: Artist in Residence-A Creative Journey with Community at its heart.
Creative Ireland and the Carlow County Council Arts Office are dedicated to fostering meaningful creative engagement within our communities. By supporting artists to collaborate, imagine, and create alongside local people, we champion artistic excellence while ensuring that creativity is accessible, inclusive, and rooted in shared experience.
In May 2025, a call went out for a new artist residency programme hosted in Forward Steps Family Resource Centre, Tullow.
In September 2025, Philip Cullen began his residency, bringing with him years of expertise. Philip is a highly skilled artist who trained in The Crawford college of Art and Design specialising in sculpture, film and creative writing. He has worked as a community artist since 1995 and has exhibited in Ireland, Belgium and Luxembourg as well as completing many public and private commissions.
Philip's approach centers on listening and invites participants to take ownership of their own artistic journey, whether through percussion, creative writing, painting or sculpture. Philip's gentle facilitation style helps people step into creativity with confidence.
The group, which have creatively named themselves Blathra, meet every Thursday morning in their new location-Tullow Men’s Shed. Led by Philip's expertise, they have grown in confidence and have created a supportive and expressionist environment. The group are currently working on two outdoor art pieces which will be displayed in Tullow.
Philip’s work shows what is possible when an artist doesn’t just work in a community but works with it. Creative Ireland and Carlow County Council Arts office are delighted to support this residency and create a space where art belongs to everyone.