Two new artist residencies at Creative Spark in Dundalk

Creative Spark has said it is pleased to welcome visual artists, Greta Usaite and Maria McSweeney, for two new artist residencies exploring themes of landscape, ecology, memory, and place.

Dundalk-based artist and designer Greta Usaite has been awarded the Creative Spark Artist in Residence Programme for April to July 2026.

Working across alternative photography, printmaking, and sculpture, Usaite will develop a new body of work inspired by the Navvy Bank Walk in Dundalk.

Using Creative Spark's FabLab and Darkroom facilities, she will create ceramic 3D-printed sculptures that respond to personal observations, changing light, and sensory experiences of the landscape.

Visual artist Maria McSweeney joins Creative Spark for a research residency exploring the cultural, ecological, and historical significance of seaweed along the County Louth coastline.

Through archival research, community engagement, and creative practice, McSweeney will investigate Ireland's historic Seaweed (Foreshore) Wars and gather local stories relating to traditional seaweed harvesting.

Her residency will culminate in a research-led publication and new seaweed-based photographic works developed in Creative Spark's Print Studio.

Creative Spark said it is committed to supporting artists in the development of new work through access to specialist facilities, research opportunities, and creative experimentation.

Creative Spark Artist-in-Residence Programme is supported by the Arts Council of Ireland and The Arts Service of Louth County Council.