AIR Program Details
The Bardsey Island Trust invites emerging and established artists from Wales to apply for a two-week residency on Ynys Enlli. This opportunity offers dedicated time and space away from daily life for artists to develop their work while engaging with the island’s unique environment and heritage. The program is open to all visual artists in any discipline.
Residency Details
- Duration: 2 weeks: 25th July – 8th Aug.
- Accommodation: Self-catering accommodation in Llofft Nant, featuring an open-plan kitchen and living area with an upstairs bedroom. Please note that the island is not the most accessible environment. If you have access requirements, let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
- Studio Space: Dedicated studio space is provided for each artist.
- Connectivity: No guest Wi-Fi; limited 4G coverage in some areas of the island.
- Cost: There is no charge for the residency, but artists are responsible for covering their own transport, boat travel and materials.
- Access: Residencies will run from Saturday to Saturday. A private boat service serves the island, a return trip is £60.00 and booking is required. You will receive details on how to book prior to travelling. Boat services may be cancelled due to adverse weather. You must bring all food, personal belongings, and materials with you. There is a cafe serving home cooked meals, booking must be made 24h in advance, either at Tŷ Pellaf Café or by emailing wgroberts@hotmail.co.uk
- Weather Conditions: Ynys Enlli is remote and exposed; working conditions can be challenging. Adequate protective clothing for the elements is essential.
- Language: Welsh is the working language of the Enlli Trust and Island Life, we encourage applications in the Welsh language.
- Collaborative Residencies: Collaboration is encouraged; if you would like to apply with another artist, please make a note of this in your application. The accommodation provided has two single beds in a shared twin bedroom.
- Mentorship: Artist Carol Shearman stays on Enlli between June and September, she has an adjacent studio to the Artist in Residence and will be available for informal advice, friendly chats, and creative problem-solving.
- Showcasing Opportunities: We are working to secure spaces for artists to exhibit, perform, or publish work created during the residency. We are also developing a digital platform for sharing residency experiences. The shop on Bardsey sells artists prints and cards on a commission basis.
- FAQ’s Here
Ynys Enlli
Bardsey Island, the island of 20,000 saints, is rich in wildlife, cultural history, and natural beauty. Located 3 km from the tip of the Llŷn Peninsula, north Wales, the island is 2.5 km long and 1 km wide, with Mynydd Enlli reaching a height of 167m. In 2023, it was designated the first Dark Sky Sanctuary in Europe. On the island, there are 12 short-term holiday rentals, Capel Enlli (chapel); Tŷ Pellaf: a cafe and shop selling fresh eggs, crabs and lobsters and providing drinks; the remains of the thirteenth-century abbey; a colony of approximately 200 Atlantic grey seals; the Bardsey Bird and Field Observatory, and a working farm. More information here: www.bardsey.org
Artists’ Responsibilities
- Public Engagement: Each artist is required to deliver one public engagement session per week of their stay. Facilitated workshops are presence, but it can also take the form of an artist talk, open studio or guided walk. We have found these sessions to be beneficial for both the residents of Enlli and the artists. It is an opportunity to give back to the community, meet new people and share insights, observations and creative ideas.
- Respect for the Island: Artists must respect the wildlife, ecology, heritage, and other visitors of Ynys Enlli.
- Self-sufficient: Artists are responsible for their own sustenance, equipment and material costs.
- Travel and Materials: Artists a responsible for covering their own transport, parking, boat travel and material costs.
- Insurance: Artists will be required to arrange any necessary insurance for the residency.
Eligibility
- Applicants must live in Wales.
- Artists at any career stage are welcome to apply.
- Visual Artists from any discipline are welcome.
- Collaborative applications are encouraged, with accommodation suitable for two collaborating artists.
How to Apply
Applications are now open.
If you don’t have a Google Account, please apply
If you have any questions or problems making an application, please get in touch with the Artist Residency Coordinator, Theo Shields theo@enlli.org
Application Deadline: 28th February 2026 – Midday
Applications will be reviewed during March, and successful applicants will be contacted at the beginning of April. Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to offer individual feedback.