March newsletter

March 08, 2025

As we step into March, we’re excited to share some updates on what’s happening at theNCF. Right now, our key focus is securing funding to support and expand our initiatives. We are actively applying for grants and exploring new opportunities to ensure we can continue delivering impactful work for our community. This process is essential for sustaining and growing our programs, and we’ll keep you updated on our progress. 

As always, your support and engagement mean the world to us—so feel free to reach out and get involved in any way you can.

Right now, for example, we are considering applying for funding for Cruinniú na nÓg. It’s not a large amount, but if we secure it, we’d like to use the space to stage a showcase for teenage bands. We’re looking for someone to take the lead on this event, preferably someone with proven experience working on projects with kids.

We were also wondering if anyone is interested in helping us with something else: volunteering for door duties and clean up after gigs. This applies to gigs in general, but also specifically for an upcoming one on April 18th. Volunteers will, of course, receive free entry to the event!

In the meantime, we have some exciting projects and events coming up!

Open Call for Visual Artists: TheNCF Cultural Co-op - Ballina Fringe Festival Residency 2025

TheNCF Cultural Co-op and Ballina Fringe Festival are excited to announce the launch of their new Visual Artist Residency Program. We invite a visual artist to immerse themselves in the vibrant community of Ballina, engage with and create new work inspired by the local culture and natural beauty of Ireland’s west coast.
 

About the Residency:
 

TheNCF Cultural Co-op and Ballina Fringe Festival Residency will provide the artist with time, space, and resources to explore their creative process. Set in the vibrant town of Ballina in Co. Mayo, this residency offers an environment for collaboration, creativity, and community engagement. Artists will have access to shared studio spaces, local creative networks, and opportunities to share their work through workshops, talks or exhibitions. This residency is designed to create lasting connections between the visiting artist and the Ballina community, with the possibility for future collaborations.
 

What We Offer:
 

  • Dedicated Studio Space: A dedicated workspace at the NCF Cultural Co-op, located in the heart of Ballina.
     
  • Accommodation Support: Accommodation will be provided (private bedroom) within walking distance of the artist studio ensuring a comfortable and focused residency.
     
  • Stipend: A stipend of €500 to support your creative journey.
     
  • Collaboration & Community Engagement: Opportunities will be available to collaborate with local artists and engage with the community through potential workshops or talks. Applicants will be asked to outline their preference and plans in their application.
     
  • Showcase Platform: We will provide a gallery space to showcase your work in progress or completed projects at the end of the residency.
     
  • Networking: Network with established local artists and cultural practitioners.
     

 

Who Can Apply?
 

We welcome applications from both emerging and established visual artists based in the island of Ireland. As the residency is in its first year unfortunately it is currently not fully accessible (studios are based in an upstairs location), we are committed to improving accessibility for coming years residencies.
 

How to Apply:
 

Interested applicants should submit a single pdf document containing:
 

  • A short artist statement and bio (1 page max) 
     
  • A proposal outlining your residency idea including an aspect of possible community engagement (max 1000 words)
     
  • Up to 5 samples of previous work (images, links, or audio/video files)
     
  • A CV ( 2 page max)
     

Application Deadline: 31st May 2025
 

Residency Period: 27th September - 11th October 2025
 

For further information or to submit your application, please email info@thencf.art with subject line: TheNCF Cultural Co-op & Ballina Fringe Festival Residency
 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out. We look forward to receiving your application.

Events at theNCF

For the first Ballina Punx gig of 2025 we bring you:

THE HUNGRY BUZZARDS: A hard rockin trio from Galway bringing the high energy riffs! Think AC/DC meets Fu Manchu.

Their debut single 'Corolla' was released in Nov 2024 followed by 'Land Of The Lawsuit' in January.

NICHTS: Local stoner/punk 5 piece that might play a new song or two.

VALLIUM: New Ballina rockers playing their debut gig!

Doors @ 9

ADM: €10

BYOB…no glass please

Other events

Join ACT- Studio for the Co-Design Ballina Workshop on Saturday, 8th March 2025 12PM – 4PM as part of the HeritACT Project. This EU-funded initiative, under the New European Bauhaus, uses cultural heritage to drive sustainable urban development. Ballina is one of just three sites in Europe selected for this pioneering work.

At this hands-on workshop, you’ll collaborate with international design experts from Ireland, Italy, Spain, and Greece to co-create six innovative heritage projects set to transform Ballina in late 2025. These include:

o   A Nature-Based Solution in the town centre

o   A Small-Scale Pavilion Structure featuring projection mapping of Ballina’s past

o   A Temporary Recycled Structure made from oyster shells

o   An Augmented Reality (AR) Experience celebrating Ballina’s Mineral Water Building

o   A 3D-Printed Vegetable Garden growing local produce

Why Join?

o   Get Creative – Co-design with international experts.

o   Make an Impact – Help shape Ballina’s sustainable future.

o   Learn & Innovate – Explore AR, projection mapping and eco-design.

o   Meet Like-Minded People – Connect with locals, designers & changemakers.

o   Be Part of an EU Project – Contribute to the New European Bauhaus initiative.

Workshop Details

📅 Date: Saturday, 8th March 2025
⏰ Time: 12PM – 4PM
📍 Location: Ballina Library, Pearse Street, F26 R299

*Includes free lunch & refreshments

Places are limited—book your FREE ticket here - Eventbrite Link

For more information about HeritACT, visit our website.
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