I’m delighted to share some encouraging news from my recent application to the Performing Arts Forum, Belfast Gathering 2026 bursary programme. I’ve been shortlisted—one of only two people placed on the official waiting list.

Although I didn’t make the final selection for one of the bursary places, it’s genuinely heartening to know that my artistic practice was considered strong enough to be held in reserve should a space become available. With such a competitive field of applicants, this recognition means a great deal, and it fuels my determination to continue developing and sharing my work.

The bursary, offered through a collaboration between the Performing Arts Forum and Roscommon County Council Arts Office, supports artists working within the Roscommon administrative area to attend the two‑day Gathering in Belfast on 26–27 May 2026. The event brings together hundreds of artists, arts workers, festivals, funders, and cultural organisations for conversation, collaboration, and inspiration. Hosted at the Lyric Theatre, it includes panel sessions, shared meals, networking opportunities, and an evening artistic programme - an exciting environment for any practitioner eager to expand their creative horizons.

Even as a waiting‑list candidate, I’m grateful for the acknowledgement and encouraged by the opportunity to have my practice recognised within the region’s performing arts landscape.

About the Work Submitted: Quantum of Chaos

My application centred on my involvement with Quantum of Chaos, a live art music ensemble whose work blends sound, performance, and multimedia experimentation. The ensemble explores the intersection of improvisation, visual texture, and experiential performance - often responding directly to site, theme, or collaborating artists.

Quantum of Chaos has had the privilege of performing in collaboration with Marion Stern’s Soul Song exhibition, bringing live performance into gallery environments such as Chimera Gallery, Mullingar, and Creative Places, Tipperary Town. These events created immersive experiences where visual art and live sound intertwined, allowing audiences to engage with both mediums in a unified, atmospheric space.

Beyond collaborations, the ensemble has presented its own multimedia performance sets in a range of venues. Notably, we first presented our work to Thomastown, where layered soundscapes, projected imagery, and performative elements merged into a dynamic live event. We also performed at the Douglas Hyde Centre in Frenchpark for Culture Night 2024, sharing our experimental approach with a wider public audience as part of the national cultural celebration.

Quantum of Chaos represents a significant strand of my artistic practice - one that values collaboration, live presence, improvisation, and the merging of disciplines. It was exciting to highlight this work in my application, and even more gratifying to know it resonated within the selection process.

Looking Ahead

Being shortlisted - if even as part of a waiting list - has given me a renewed sense of momentum. I’m honoured that my practice, and the work of Quantum of Chaos, was recognised by the panel. Whether or not a place eventually opens up, I’m committed to continuing this trajectory of collaboration, performance, and artistic exploration. And for anyone who likes what they see with the Quantum of Chaos project and wish to join, please let us know here at Black Hole Studio. We're open to more artists joining the programme.

Thank you for reading, and for supporting my ongoing creative journey.