Scholarships
Barry O’Rourke Access Awards
Our 2027 scholarship applications will be available by October 31st, 2026.
Each year, we award one full scholarship for students to attend Art on the Farm and another full scholarship for FieldWorks. Additionally, we offer two 25% scholarships and one 50% scholarship for each program. These scholarships honour Barry O’Rourke, a much-loved member of our family, and acknowledge how Barry lived his life, full of curiosity, compassion, and kindness.
These scholarships are need-based and must be supported by a portfolio of artwork that demonstrates an advanced practice. We assess an applicant's portfolio by determining how the realisation of completed artworks reflects a young artist’s curiosities, concerns, and experience.
Our Access Awards offer support based on criteria including income, background, personal circumstances, and geographic area. These awards offer opportunities for marginalised and underrepresented groups, as well as those who demonstrate financial need, both here in Ireland and abroad. As part of the application, the applicant's family must demonstrate financial need by submitting their most recent tax returns or through other sufficient means.
Airfare or travel expenses to Ireland are not included as part of the awards.
How to Apply
Below are links to both our gap-year and summer art program scholarship application forms. To complete these forms, you will need the name and contact information of a current or former teacher or professor who can act as a reference, a 300-word statement expressing your interest in attending one of our education programs at Cow House Studios, and a prepared PDF portfolio (10 MB maximum).
Art on the Farm Summer Program Scholarship
Application Deadline February 15th, 2026
The summer art program at Cow House Studios is a four-week immersive experience designed for high school students interested in expanding their artistic skills. Participants engage in intensive studio practice, explore various media, and enjoy the scenic surroundings of rural Ireland, all while receiving personalized guidance from experienced artists and building a strong creative community.
FieldWorks Gap Year Program Scholarship
Application Deadline April 19th, 2026
The gap year program at Cow House Studios offers an immersive experience for students seeking artistic growth and cultural exploration. This twelve-week course combines studio practice, independent projects, and travel across Ireland, providing mentorship in visual arts, exposure to diverse creative processes, and opportunities to connect with fellow artists in a supportive environment.
Contact
If you have any questions about your eligibility or need assistance with your portfolio or application form, please contact Rosie O'Gorman.