Forrina Chen, Founder of A.S.K (the Art Space for Kids) in Shanghai, China, is looking for passionate and experienced artists in Ireland to collaborate with their Young Arts Residency program from July 8th to 19th 2025.
Since 2019, they have taken young artists (ages 10-14) on international creative journeys, working alongside leading artists from France, Australia, Japan, and beyond. These residencies immerse them in devised theatre, dance, visual storytelling, and community engagement, fostering creativity and collaboration across cultures.
Now, they are bringing their next project to Ireland, and are seeking exceptional artists based in Ireland and who:
âś… Are experienced in devising, improvisation, and facilitation
âś… Have a passion for working with young performers (ages 10-14)
âś… Are open to cross-cultural collaboration and community-based artistic processes
âś… Can help create an original performance piece during the residency
This is an opportunity to co-create with young talents, explore new artistic landscapes, and be part of an international network of inspiring artists. If you’re interested or know someone who would be a great fit, please get in touch!
Contact Forrina@gmail.com
Deadline for applications: March 31st
About Young Arts Residency
Every year, A.S.K. take a group of young artists who have grown up in the theatre on international creative journeys, immersing them in diverse cultural landscapes and artistic collaborations. Since 2019, their young artists have traveled to Tasmania, Sydney, the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale in Japan, and the Avignon Festival in France.
During these residencies, they engage deeply with local communities—interviewing residents, volunteering, experiencing performances, and even creating their own artistic works.
They have led these young ASKers (ages 10-14) in working with artists from around the world to create original pieces:
- France – Home (20 min), a dance piece created in collaboration with Scottish choreographer Vince Virr.
- Tasmania – I Have an Island (8 min), a devised performance developed with Australian director Sam Routledge and playwright Sarah Hamilton.
- Japan – The Legend of the Snow Snake (35 min), a community-based devised theater work created with Japanese visual artist Kenji Daikoku and director Forrina Chen.
They have searched far and wide to find extraordinary artists who are not only highly creative and adaptable but also exceptional in devising, improvisation, and facilitation. Their ability to guide and inspire young artists has been invaluable to their process. Meanwhile, Younger ASKers (ages 7-9) embark on cultural explorations within China, traveling with Chinese Teaching Artists (TAs) to connect with the country’s rich minority heritage. They immerse themselves in the traditions of ethnic communities such as the Mongols in Inner Mongolia, the Yi people in Guizhou, and the Koreans in Changbai Mountain, among others. They learn traditional songs and languages, engage with local artists, and discover the unique flavors and stories of each culture. Through these journeys, both older and younger ASKers expand their artistic perspectives, deepen their cultural understanding, and develop into more versatile and thoughtful creators.