Westmeath writer awarded Arts Council residency

A Westmeath writer is one of twelve recipients of the Arts Council Artist in Residence awards announced for Irish universities.

Nicole Flattery has been confirmed as the Artist in Residence at the University of Galway and will receive €30,000 to develop her work, acquire resources and further Ireland’s vibrant creative scene.

Flattery's debut short collection 'Show Them A Good Time' was published by the Stinging Fly Press in 2019 and her novel 'Nothing Special' by Bloomsbury in 2023.

Her work has appeared in 'The Stinging Fly', the London Review of Books, the New York Review of Books and Harpers, amongst others. She lives in Dublin.

Maura McGrath, Chair of the Arts Council, congratulated the successful applicants.

“As Chair of the Arts Council, I am delighted to congratulate the new Artists in Residence across our universities. These programmes support artists to deepen their practice while bringing fresh creative energy into teaching, research and campus life. By connecting students and staff with professional artists, they spark new ideas and show how creativity can enrich every discipline. We are very grateful to our university partners for their ongoing commitment to these residencies.”

The Artists in Residencies programme is a cornerstone of the Arts Council’s commitment to fostering artistic excellence and enriching educational environments.

The successful applicants will take up their positions in early 2026.