Sample-Studios, one of Ireland’s largest artist studios, is celebrating 15 years of launching, supporting and sustaining creative careers in Cork in 2026. To mark this significant milestone, Sample-Studios has announced ‘Sample 15’ Artist Bursaries – a new initiative designed to support the professional development of our members and recognise the vital role they play in the cultural life of Cork City.
Since its foundation in 2011, Sample-Studios has grown from a volunteer-led initiative based in the former Tax Office on Sullivan’s Quay into one of Ireland’s largest artist studio organisations with 190 members, supporting a vibrant and diverse community of artists based in Churchfield. Over the past 15 years, Sample-Studios has been a cornerstone of Cork’s creative ecosystem, providing affordable studio space, professional development opportunities, exhibitions, residencies, and platforms for experimentation and collaboration.
The Sample 15 Artist Bursary Programme reflects Sample-Studios’ enduring commitment to nurturing creative practice and artistic innovation, celebrating this anniversary year and looking forward to the future. The programme awards fifteen bursaries of €1,000 each to Sample-Studios members which will support them to expand and deepen their artistic practices during 2026 by enabling access to mentorship, residency and equipment that may otherwise be out of reach.
Sample-Studios Artistic Director Aoibhie McCarthy states, ‘by investing directly in our artist members, Sample-Studios continues to affirm the importance of long-term, artist-centred support structures. “Sample 15” celebrates 15 years of such support, while looking confidently toward the next 15 years of artistic ambition, innovation, and shared cultural impact.’
The Sample-Studios ‘Sample 15’ Artist Bursary recipients are:
- Elize de Beer – Support to undertake month long residency at Artica Svalbard, Norway.
- Awen – Engage in five mentorship sessions with choreographer Inma Pavon.
- Eoghan O’Kelly – Engage in a month-long residency at the Icelandic Textile Centre in April 2026.
- Riki Matsuda – Purchase a Canon flatbed scanner, a Canon camera and a portable SSD.
- Debbie Godsell – Engage in a four-part programme of mentorship with artist Deirdre O’Mahony.
- Chris Finnegan – Engage in a two-week residency in the Tyrone Guthrie Centre.
- Aisling Roche – Engage in a 12 week programme of mentorship with artist Rachel Parry.
- Kim Crowley – Engage in a programme of mentorship with Curator Jane Morrow.
- Ciara Rodgers – Engage in the Artist Residency in Motherhood over a 2 month period.
- Ashleigh Ellis – Engage in 7 day residency at Oghyll Red Barn, Youghal, and day trip to Lismore Castle Gardens and Gallery.
- Artem Trofimenko – Purchase Torso S-4, hard case and portable power solution.
- Struàn Bell – Support to undertake residency in Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre.
- Áine Ryan – Support to undertake residency in Uillinn West Cork Arts Centre.
- Billy Lingwood – Purchase UV exposure unit and chemical ingredients.
- Emma O’Hara – Purchase of medium-sized professional etching press.