The Moth Young Artists and Writers Bursary

The Moth is home to the international art and literature magazine of the same name, and its junior counterpart The Caterpillar, as well as hosting several major literary and art prizes, including the €10,000 Moth Poetry Prize. 

The Moth magazine is, according to Donal Ryan, ‘an amazing magazine’. And he’s not the only one to have noticed. Former US Poet Laureate Billy Collins says, ‘There’s no other magazine like it,’ David Mitchell, the author of Cloud Atlas, described it as ‘a beautiful creature’, while Dermot Healy referred to it as ‘a rare literary gem.’

The Retreat

The directors of The Moth, Will Govan and Rebecca O’Connor, have lovingly restored an old barn next to their house and office in rural Cavan. The accommodation is over two floors, with a bedroom and bathroom upstairs and a living/studio space, kitchen diner and brush room downstairs. They have created what they believe is the perfect environment in which artists and writers can work, away from the distractions of their everyday lives. The Moth is situated along a beautiful quiet country lane, surrounded by some of Cavan’s famous lakes. The nearest village of Milltown is 3 kilometres away. The accommodation is self-contained, but the directors of The Moth are on hand should the artist need anything. A bicycle is provided, and there is Wi-Fi, and Cavan Town is only 15 minutes away by car. 

The Bursary  

Cavan County Council Arts Office invites artists and writers under 30 to apply for a week-long residency at The Moth Retreat. Applicants must send samples of their work. If you are a writer, two short stories, six poems or the first three chapters of a novel will suffice. If you are a painter, please send up to 10 high quality images of your work. A 200-word biography and a 200-word statement about your work and how you would benefit from staying at The Moth should accompany your application.   Please apply in writing to the email address below.

Closing Date: Friday 15 June 2018

Format: photos in jpeg and documentation in Microsoft word.

Email to: santinaburns@cavancoco.ie