Resort Residency (CAPP) awarded to Selina Thompson

Create, the national development agency for collaborative arts, and Fingal Arts Office announce

Resort Residency awarded to UK artist Selina Thompson

Create and Fingal Arts office are delighted to announce that the UK artist Selina Thompson has been successful in the Open Call for the Resort Residency, as part of the Collaborative Arts Partnership Programme funded by Creative Europe. Resort Residency has, to date, hosted close to twenty Irish artists since its inception in 2014. In 2016 a special and extended Resort Residency Opportunity was open to international artists across the Collaborative Arts Partnership Programme territories of Spain, Finland, Hungary, Germany & UK.

Selina Thompson is an acclaimed artist and performer based in Leeds. Her work is playful and participatory, focused on the politics of identity and how this defines our bodies, lives and environments. Of her work, Thompson says: “My practice is primarily intimate, political and participatory, with a strong strand of public engagement and investigation which then leads to joyous, highly visual work, which seeks to connect to those often marginalized by the arts. I believe with all my heart in the capacity of art to change society and, in my more optimistic moments, the world, and relish any opportunity to connect with an audience, and to create work that invests in deep engagement with the public.” Her work and commissions include Dark and Lovely, Northern Stage, Ovalhouse, Birmingham REP, Sheffield Theatres and Theatre in the Mill (2015) originally commissioned by East Street Arts, and supported through funding from Leeds Inspired and Arts Council England; Race Cards supported by Buzzcut, Camden People’s Theatre, Forest Fringe and Fierce Festival, Leeds Library, Artsadmin, and IBT international showcase; Salt, commissioned by Theatre Bristol, Mayfest and Yorkshire Festival and soon to be developed into a book with support from United Talent Agency.

Resort Residency runs throughout the summer months and as a result of this partnership, is taking place in an extended period from 9 to 30 September 2016, offering the artist the opportunity to undertake a three week residency at the scenic Lynders Mobile Home Park in the thriving North County Dublin villages and surrounding areas of Portrane and Donabate. The residency will support research and dialogue with communities in the area.

Resort Residency will coincide with the local Bleeding Pig Festival / Resort Revelations Programme which is a significant local festival affording the Resort Residency artist a great introduction to the area. Create and Fingal Arts Office will support the artist through the process and facilitate meaningful engagement with the local and artistic community linked to the residency.