In May 2018 Irish Theatre Institute (ITI) welcomed eight new artists to the Six in the Attic Programme: Pom Boyd, Lee Coffey, Caitríona Daly, Karen Egan, Kate Heffernan, Breffni Holohan, Margaret McAuliffe and Clare Monnelly.

ITI’s Six in the Attic programme provides theatre artists with space, time and practical resources alongside individual mentoring and advice services needed to explore, develop and make work. Six in the Attic artists have access to desk space, meeting rooms, rehearsal space and office supplies in No. 17 Eustace street.

In addition to ongoing access to space and the advice and expertise of the ITI team Six in the Attic artists have had the opportunity to participate in workshops including:

• Writing Project Award applications workshop, delivered by ITI Co-Directors Siobhán Bourke and Jane Daly

• Accounting in the Arts, delivered by Gaby Smyth, Gaby Smyth & Company Chartered Accountants

• Taking Out A Tour workshop, delivered by Marie TierneyProduction Manager

• Contracts Workshop, delivered by Jane Daly ITI Co-Director

ITI schedules regular informal coffee meetings for Six in the Attic artists to foster a community, create awareness of the activities taking place in No. 17 and provide an opportunity to meet invited guests from the theatre and professional sectors including funding agencies, presenters and festival directors.

Invited guests to the Six in the Attic coffee mornings have included:

• Ray Yeates, Arts Officer Dublin City Arts Office

• Michelle Reid, Arts Programme Manager, Business to Arts

• Rachel West, Head of Theatre, Arts Council

• Louise Stephens, Dramaturg, Abbey Theatre

Six in the Attic encourages participants to realise their artistic ambition, enhance their professional skills and facilitates them in fulfilling their artistic goals. 

Having a physical desk and a space to write outside of my home has helped to formalise the work process by separating work from home. Working in this artistic hub environment has also helped foster creativity. (SITA 2018/19 Participant)

Coming to the attic every day means I am part of a vibrant and active community of artists. (SITA 2018/19 Participant)

What every artist feels when they encounter ITI is what lies at this unique organisations heart  – a dedication to theatre, and a steely resolve to support and enable those who make it, in any way possible. ITI’s commitment to its principles is palpable from the moment you enter the building. (SITA 2018/19 Participant)

Next year we look forward to hosting new guests, providing workshops and organising a visit to London to meet UK-based dramaturgs and London-based Literary Managers from new writing houses.

For information about the programme and biographies of the participants please see the Artists section of the website.