The Program
What type of person would this course be suitable for?
This program is suitable for students who are taking a gap year or are currently studying in college and considering a career in the visual arts or associated fields such as architecture, graphic design, film, etc. Students interested in any visual art medium (drawing, painting, photography, video, sculpture, installation, etc.) may apply.
How many students do you accept?
We accept 12 students for FieldWorks.
What are the dates?
September 6th – November 29th, 2023
What do you teach?
This program focuses on developing your visual art practice, with an emphasis on developing both technical skills and conceptual content. There is a focus on professional development for careers in the arts, and on contemporary visual art practices in Ireland. We have facilities to teach drawing, painting, darkroom and digital photography, video, animation, and temporary installation and sculpture. Read more about our curriculum here.
What is the application process?
The application deadline is Sunday, April 2nd, 2023. Be sure to include the following.
- Your completed application form.
- A portfolio (only one pdf file). You may submit between 10 and 20 images of your artwork. Works can be in any medium for example drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, installation, etc. The images should include captions or short descriptions including when the work was made, medium and a sentence or two about your concepts for the artwork. Word processing programs such as Microsoft Word & Apple Pages are capable of exporting PDF files and if you have questions about what to include please do not hesitate to contact us.
- A letter of recommendation from a current or former teacher or professor. This letter must be sent directly to info@cowhousestudios.com by your specified referee at the time of your application.
Please submit electronic copies of your application and portfolio in ONE email under the size of 10 MB to info@cowhousestudios.com. You will be contacted by a Cow House Studios representative to confirm receipt of your application and to schedule an interview within five working days.
What does a typical day look like?
Students help themselves to breakfast and then head into the studio by 10 am. After a brief meeting, everyone works independently and checks in with instructors for one on one guidance. Mornings may also be spent learning or perfecting skills such as darkroom technique, life drawing, or working with oils. Lunch is self-service and available from 1 pm to 2 pm. After lunch, we return to the studio, which, like the morning, might be spent working independently or participating in workshops that introduce new skills or processes.
Between 4 pm and 6 pm, time will be spent working on projects and gathering new research. This time will also be used for group critiques and allow opportunities to explore the farm, read a book, or catch up with friends and family back home. Dinner, a delicious home-cooked meal, is served at 7 pm.
After dinner, students may use the studio facilities to continue developing their projects, take in a presentation by one of our instructors, watch a movie, or play a game of pool. Occasionally, students may partake in an organized evening activity, such as a trip to the local pub to hear traditional Irish music.
Who are the teachers?
Our teachers are accomplished practicing artists who are passionate about working with young artists. Directors Rosie and Frank are the primary teachers, along with our associate artists. Click here for more information about our associate artists.
How old are the students?
Students are aged 18 to 22 years old.
Do we travel around Ireland?
Most of our time is spent on the farm and in the surrounding area. We also take weekly trips in our southeast region, to Dublin and Cork. Additionally, we take an extended overnight trip to the west of Ireland.
Travel to and from Ireland
What time should I book my arriving and departing flights?
Participants must arrive at Dublin airport between 8 am and 1 pm on the first morning of the program, where they will be met and escorted by a Cow House Studios representative. Departing flights should be scheduled between 10 am and 2 pm on the last day of the program.
Do I need a visa?
EU residents and students from specific countries such as the USA and Canada do not need a visa to travel to Ireland. FieldWorks is an 84-day course. Students traveling from the US and Canada are permitted to stay in Ireland for 90 days which allows for six days of additional travel preceding or following the course. Citizens of certain countries do require a visa. Please click HERE to find out more about visa requirements. If you need a letter to assist in securing a visa, please do not hesitate to contact us.
What about health insurance?
All students must have medical insurance for the duration of their stay in Ireland. If you already have medical insurance it is best to check with your insurance provider first to see if they cover foreign travel.
Fees & Payment
How much does the program cost?
Tuition is €15,500.
What’s Included?
The fee includes registration and tuition fees, accommodation, three nutritious meals per day, all art supplies, use of studio equipment, field trip transportation, room and entrance fees, transportation to and from Dublin airport, use of laundry facility, and bed linens.
What is not included in the fee?
The fee does not include airfare.
How can I pay?
All payments must be made in euros. Payment can be made by wire transfer, Visa or MasterCard. Once we have received the acceptance letter from the successful applicant the person responsible for payment will receive an email with detailed instructions.
Safety
What happens in the case of a medical emergency?
Everyone’s safety and well-being are of the utmost importance. Both Directors Frank and Rosie are certified in Occupational First Aid, to deal with minor incidences, and in the event of a medical emergency, our doctor is a 20-minute drive from the Cow House, and Wexford General Hospital is a 35-minute drive from Cow House Studios.
What is your policy for drinking alcohol?
The legal drinking age in Ireland is 18 years old. Students will be permitted to drink alcohol, but are expected to do so in a responsible manner. Failure to do so will result in expulsion from the program.
What to Bring
Are cell phones, laptops and tablet computers allowed?
Yes, you may bring cell phones, laptops, or tablet computers. However, cell phones are not allowed to be used during class time or at the dining table during meals.
How much spending money is needed?
The tuition fee includes all accommodation and meals, art supplies, field trip transportation, and entrance fees, students only need to bring some spending money for gifts.
What materials/ equipment do I need to bring?
All art materials are included in the tuition, but you are welcome to bring your own sketchbook and any other unusual materials that you might like to use.
Do I need rain boots?
No need! We have lots of boots at Cow House.
What about laundry?
Students do their own laundry once a week. Washing detergent is supplied.
How many students share a room?
Each room sleeps two students. The bedrooms are cozy and each has room its own bathroom.
Food
What type of food do you serve?
At the Cow House, we take our food seriously. We ensure that everyone eats three delicious and healthy meals a day, and we are happy to accommodate any specific dietary needs, whether it be a food allergy or vegetarian requirements. We serve a variety of cuisines from Irish to Mexican, Italian to Middle Eastern, and are proud to use ingredients that have been produced locally: fresh milk and cheese, natural Irish beef and lamb, and delicious root vegetables, not to mention our home-baked bread, fruit preserves, ferments, and delicious desserts.
Do you cater for special dietary requirements?
We are happy to accommodate any specific dietary needs, whether it be a food allergy, vegetarian or vegan requirements.
Taking Artwork Home
How do I get my artwork home?
At the end of the program, all your work will be packaged for you to take home on the plane. Any oil paintings will be mailed to you later once they are dry. If you have been working digitally, we will supply memory sticks to transfer your work home.
Will you document my artwork?
Your work will be documented, posted in our online gallery, and emailed to you for portfolio and college applications.