Cois Tine 2.93

The fire burning on the hearth has powerful symbolic resonance in Irish cultural tradition and identity. Woven into the fabric of Irish rural life over many centuries the fireside found commonplace within both Irish folklore and landscape, later becoming the focal point of the typical Irish household. According to the findings of Archaeologists, County Cavan’s ancient landscape of drumlins and lakelands provided a safe haven for countless feasts and gatherings, their fires illuminating the landscape across centuries. Beyond being a means to cook food and provide warmth and protection, the fireside was a place where families could work, socialise, share stories, music and song. Firesides produced the sounds that define our music traditions as well as the stories that combine to create a rich Irish mythology. In today’s high tech environment influences are much broader and firesides are much rarer, however their magical qualities continue to inspire.
Cois Tine, which roughly translates from Irish as ‘beside the fire’, is a small cottage with a big hearth located on the old Farnham Estate at the Southern tip of the Cavan/Fermanagh UNESCO Geo Park. A self-contained residential space, its quaint picture postcard appearance is offset by the recording and editing technology it contains. As such, it is a modern day expression of the age old traditions practiced beside the fire. Situated within this remarkable Lakeland at the foot of the largest ribbed moraines in Europe, Cois Tine is a vehicle for the creation of new soundscapes in music and the spoken word. In partnership with Cavan County Council and Cavan Institute and with advisory support from Music Network, Cois Tine is offering a series of residencies to musicians and their collaborators. This pilot programme aims to develop, diversify and enrich music culture through providing a resource and sanctuary where artists can work in concentrated harmony. Bringing together the influences of County Cavan and beyond, it is intended that Cois Tine will serve as a musical hub, that artists will avail of the facility to realise new and existing projects, share skills and influences, engage with the county and its people and generally be inspired by the environment to be productive, creative, collaborative, innovative.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Cois Tine will be available to artists for periods of one week, normally to a maximum of four weeks. Individuals or groups of up to eight may apply and are welcome to include collaborators in other genres and artforms. Sound artists and Storytellers are also welcome to apply directly. The residency offers a space and weekly stipend to cover living expenses so that artists may operate in a peaceful and stress free environment during their residency. This initiative aims to support early to mid-career artists who have an existing or new project. Cois Tine also hopes to attract established artists and industry specialists who wish to disseminate skills and knowledge locally, engage with musicians and audiences locally or globally, curate music events, document the local music scene, or similar activities that will strengthen, enrich and sustain what is already a very vibrant and diverse music scene and spoken word culture in Cavan.