Açık Çağrı | Mount Stewart Küresel Bitki Ağları Yaratıcı İkamet Programı
The ‘Historic Houses, Global Crossroads’ UKRI project is working to reposition two of Northern Ireland’s most significant historic houses and grounds at Clandeboye Estate and Mount Stewart, County Down as significant sites of intercultural and environmental exchange. The project is funded by UK Research & Innovation (Arts & Humanities Research Council) and managed by the University of Birmingham in collaboration with the University of Newcastle, Queen’s University Belfast, University of Toronto, National
University of Singapore and the National Trust. This opportunity operates in parallel with a similar opportunity based with HHGC project partner Clandeboye Estate, County Down.
As part of the project’s work, we invite proposals for a six-week creative artist residency in May to June 2026 at Mount Stewart, a historic property and demesne cared for by the National Trust on the shores of Strangford Lough, County Down, Northern Ireland.
This residency will explore Mount Stewart’s globally significant plant networks and their
intercultural and ecological legacies. By interpreting the property’s history of plant acquisition and landscape design, the selected artist/creative is invited to reimagine Mount Stewart as a site of global ecological connection. Their output will contribute meaningfully to contemporary dialogues around biodiversity, climate adaptation, and cultural exchange in heritage landscapes.
The selected creative resident will be supported to develop a site-specific body of work that responds meaningfully to the property’s global connections. Their work will incorporate research, community co-production and provide opportunities for visitor interactivity, creating meaningful connections between Mount Stewart’s heritage and today’s audiences.
This residency offers a platform for an artist/creative to engage with Mount Stewart’s rich history and ecological significance, contributing new perspectives that illuminate the layered narratives of plant migration, cultural exchange, and environmental stewardship. It offers an opportunity to pose questions for the future around global ecologies and their meanings for communities today.
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. It is working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It recognises the importance of reflecting and representing the diversity of the communities and audiences it serves. Applications from artists of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged.
Budget/Fee: £10,000, in two instalments, paid to the artist to cover all aspects of the residency (including personal liability insurance whilst at Mount Stewart, should this be deemed necessary, any other fees arising, materials costs, all travel, accommodation and subsistence, and production/removal of the artistic output and supporting materials).
Deadline for applications: Monday 29 September 2025
Creative Residency Duration: May to June 2026
Details on how to apply are available on the project webpage.