SCHOOLHOUSE FOR ART RESIDENCY AT RUSSBOROUGH HOUSE, BLESSINGTON
Schoolhouse for Art is delighted to invite artists to apply for weekly daytime residencies at the magnificent Russborough House in County Wicklow.
Each week throughout July & August 2026
Location: Russborough House, Blessington, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Studio Venue: West Wing Courtyard Studios
Duration: Weekly daytime residencies throughout July & August 2026
Accommodation: Not provided
About the Residency
Schoolhouse for Art is delighted to invite artists to apply for weekly daytime residencies at the magnificent Russborough House in County Wicklow.
This residency offers artists dedicated studio space in the West Wing Courtyard Studios during Russborough House's public opening hours. Work indoors with easels and still-life props, or take your practice outdoors to the sprawling parklands and formal gardens.
There is no accommodation provided – This residency is perfect for local or commuting artists to let Russborough House's historic architectures and breathtaking grounds be your muse. Residency Weeks (Monday – Saturday) extended times available upon request
Studio access aligns with Russborough House opening hours (typically 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Week 1: July 6 – 11
Week 2: July 13 – 18
Week 3: July 20 – 25
Week 4: July 27 – August 1
Week 5: August 3 – 8
Week 6: August 10 – 15
Week 7: August 17 – 22
Week 8: August 24 – 29
Residencies run Monday–Saturday (Consider Sunday move out day)
Option to extend residency available upon request
What is included
Daily studio access during Russborough House opening hours
Private or shared studio space in the West Wing Courtyard (max 4 artists per week)
Easels and basic still-life props (lamps, simple objects)
Free on-site parking (Fob provided but must be returned otherwise penalty applied)
Access to parklands, gardens, and external grounds for plein air work
Creative freedom – any medium welcome
Storage of work outside opening hours (artists may leave the work & materials in the studio after hours at their own risk)
Tea/coffee making facilities (basic kitchenette – small fridge, kettle, sink)
What is not included
Overnight accommodation
Art materials (canvases, paints, brushes, solvents, etc.)
Cost
€100 per week
€250 per month
How to Apply
Send a motivation letter and a website/socials link to:
Schoolhouse for Art will handle all applications.
Why apply?
Work in one of Ireland's most beautiful historic houses
Affordable, flexible day residency – no overnight commitment
Peaceful, inspiring environment away from the home studio
We look forward to welcoming you to our studio in Russborough House this summer.
More about Russborough House
Nestled in the heart of County Wicklow, Russborough stands as a testament to Ireland’s rich architectural heritage and the legacies of the families who called it home. From its grand Palladian design to the meticulously crafted interiors and expansive Parklands, Russborough offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of the 18th and 19th Centuries.
The Schoolhouse for Art is very proud to be associated with such an important part of Ireland’s art history. With a studio in the West Wing Courtyard since 2022.
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Schoolhouse for Art – Russborough Studio Day Residency 2026
No accommodation provided. Studio access during Russborough House opening hours only.
1. The Venue & Partnership
This residency is operated by Schoolhouse for Art at Russborough House (Blessington, Co. Wicklow, Ireland). Studio facilities are located in the West Wing Courtyard. Artists are guests of the estate and must respect the historical nature of the buildings, grounds, and collections.
2. Residency Periods & Hours (2026)
Available weeks (Tuesday – Saturday):
Week 1: July 6 – 11
Week 2: July 13 – 18
Week 3: July 20 – 25
Week 4: July 27 – August 1
Week 5: August 3 – 8
Week 6: August 10 – 15
Week 7: August 17 – 22
Week 8: August 24 – 29
Daily studio access: Within Russborough House public opening hours. Standard hours are 9 AM – 5 PM. Exact timings will be confirmed in the residency agreement. Seasonal or operational changes may apply.
No overnight accommodation is provided or permitted on the premises. Camper vans may be considered upon special request and may incur extra costs
No access outside opening hours. Artists must vacate the studios and grounds by closing time each day.
3. Eligibility & Application
Open to visual artists aged 18+.
Application requirements: Submit a motivation letter (max 1 page) and portfolio samples or a website/social link to the designated Schoolhouse for Art email address.
Selection: Managed by Schoolhouse for Art. Successful applicants will be notified within 14 days of the application deadline.
Schoolhouse for Art reserves the right to refuse any application without providing a reason.
4. Fees & Payment
Cost per week: €100 per artist per week (max 4 artists sharing studio)
Deposit: 50% non-refundable deposit due upon acceptance to secure the booking.
Balance: Remaining 50% due 30 days before the residency start date.
Late payment: Schoolhouse for Art may cancel the booking if payment is not received by the due date, with no refund of deposit.
5. Facilities & Access
Included:
Daily studio access during Russborough House opening hours
Easels and basic still-life props (lamps, simple objects)
Access to parklands, gardens, and external grounds for plein air work
Free on-site parking (parking fob provided but must be returned at the end of residency or penalty of €50 applied)
Storage of work outside opening hours (artists may leave the work & materials in the studio after hours at their own risk)
Basic tea/coffee facilities
Not included:
Overnight accommodation
Meals (artists must bring their own food; an on-site café may be available but not guaranteed)
Art materials (canvases, paints, brushes, solvents, etc.)
6. Rules & Conduct
No smoking inside studios, the main house, or within 10 metres of building entrances.
No guests permitted in studio spaces unless approved in writing by Schoolhouse for Art in advance.
No hazardous materials: Strong solvents (e.g., turpentine, white spirit) may be restricted. Artists are strongly encouraged to use odourless mineral spirits or water-mixable oils.
Respect for heritage:
Do not hammer, drill, tape, pin, or lean wet artwork against walls.
Use only provided easels, stands, and props.
Cleanliness: Studios must be left clean and tidy at the end of each day. Spills must be cleaned immediately. Artists are responsible for their own waste disposal (including hazardous waste such as solvent rags).
Conduct: No loud music, disruptive behaviour, or interference with Russborough House staff or visitors.
Parking: Use designated artist parking only.
Photography: Personal photography is permitted. Commercial photography or filming requires prior written permission from Russborough House and Schoolhouse for Art.
7. Liability & Insurance
Mandatory insurance: All artists must have their own public liability insurance and personal accident/health insurance.
No liability: Schoolhouse for Art and Russborough House are not liable for:
Loss, theft, or damage to artwork, materials, or personal belongings
Injury to the artist or any guests (authorised or unauthorised)
Any indirect or consequential loss
Building insurance: Schoolhouse for Art and Russborough House carry building and public liability insurance, but this does not cover the artist's property.
Left items: Any artwork or materials left on site outside opening hours without written permission is left entirely at the artist's own risk.
8. Cancellation Policy
By the artist:
More than 30 days before start date: 50% refund.
30 days or less before: No refund.
By Schoolhouse for Art / Russborough House:
If the residency week is cancelled due to force majeure (e.g., building closure, weather emergency, heritage incident, staff illness), a full refund of all fees paid will be issued. No additional compensation (e.g., for travel, materials, or lost opportunities) will be provided.
9. Code of Conduct & Immediate Termination
Schoolhouse for Art reserves the right to immediately terminate the residency without refund if an artist:
Engages in illegal activity on the premises
Causes deliberate or reckless damage to Russborough House property
Harasses staff, other artists, volunteers, or visitors
Violates the no-smoking, no-guests, or no-hazardous-materials policies
Remains on the premises outside permitted hours
Acts in any way that brings Schoolhouse for Art or Russborough House into disrepute
Terminated artists must leave the premises immediately and forfeit all fees paid.
10. Publicity & Copyright
Copyright: Artists retain full copyright of all work created during the residency.
Promotional use ONLY: By accepting the residency, artists grant Schoolhouse for Art and Russborough House a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide licence to use:
Images of the artist working (during the residency)
Reproductions of artwork created during the residency
The artist's name, biography, and selected portfolio images submitted with the application
...for promotional purposes (social media, website, newsletters, press, printed materials) with appropriate credit given to the artist.
Opt-out: Artists may opt out of promotional use by notifying Schoolhouse for Art in writing before the residency begins.
11. Amendments
Schoolhouse for Art reserves the right to update these Terms and Conditions before the final residency agreement is signed. Selected artists will receive a formal residency agreement for signature. No oral variations are binding.
12. Acceptance of Terms
By submitting an application and (if accepted) paying the deposit, the artist confirms that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
Schoolhouse for Art
Building a community for artists through learning, exhibitions & conversations📧 Email: info@schoolhouseforart.com
🌐 Website: www.schoolhouseforart.com
📍 Russborough House, Blessington, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL AT RUSSBOROUGH HOUSE
Plein Air One Day Festival - Sunday 13th September
Join us on Sunday, 13th September, for a vibrant day of creativity in one of Ireland’s most inspiring landscapes!
Set on the magnificent grounds of Russborough House.
One-Day Outdoor Painting Celebration
Day & Time: Sunday 13th September
Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Russborough House, Blessington, Co Wicklow
Hosted by: Schoolhouse For Art
Join us for a vibrant day of creativity in one of Ireland’s most inspiring landscapes! Set on the magnificent grounds of Russborough House, our One-Day Plein Air Festival invites artists of all levels to immerse themselves in a full day of outdoor painting, creativity, and connection.
Tickets & Booking:
€25 per artist. Spaces are limited — early booking is recommended.
Who This For:
This event is open to artists of all levels to work outdoors in any medium — from complete beginners to professionals. Whether you're looking to try plein air for the first time or deepen your practice, you're warmly welcome.
Paint the Day Away
What to Expect: Bring your easel and supplies — or simply your sketchbook, you’ll have your canvas stamped on arrival. Then explore the grounds as you paint en plein air at your leisure among the trees, statuary, gardens, and views of the Wicklow Mountains and Lakes.
Workshops & Demos
Learn from some of Ireland’s top plein air artists with live demonstrations and Q&A sessions throughout the day. Gain tips on technique, composition, colour, and the magic of painting in natural light.
Competitions
Enter our juried plein air competition for a chance to win art materials, vouchers, and Schoolhouse for Art courses. Categories announced closer to the day
Opportunity to Exhibit & Sell
All participating artists will have the option to exhibit and sell their work created on the day in a pop-up art exhibition on-site. Bring labels, business cards, and price your work!
Refreshments
Enjoy coffee, tea, and light bites from the on-site café Gather & Gather — or bring your own picnic to enjoy on the grounds.
About the Venue:
Russborough House is a jewel of 18th-century architecture, nestled in a stunning landscape that has inspired artists for centuries. With its sweeping parklands, historic buildings, lake and mountain views, it’s the perfect plein air setting.
Rain or Shine
Irish weather can be unpredictable, but so is art! Please dress appropriately — and bring a portable easel, sun hat, or umbrella as needed. We will have some sheltered areas on the day and will be keeping a close eye on the weather forecast for updates.