MA by Research Studentship - More than painting the town: Reimagining Dundalk through public art and festivals

About the Project

MA by Research Studentship - More than painting the town: Reimagining Dundalk through public art and festivals

Primary Research Area: Creative Arts, Social Science, Tourism.

Keywords: Urban Heritage, Creative City, Place-making, Night-time Economy, Regenerative Tourism

Project Overview:

The identity of Dundalk has been shaped by political and social upheaval over the past century that has both disguised and contributed to a flourishing of creative cultural expression. This project will critically examine how the development of an arts ecosystem and local arts scene shapes and is shaped by local geographical, historical, social and economic particularities. There is a particular focus on creative cultural initiatives led by the Dundalk’s Business Improvement District Scheme, including the Northern Lights and Frostival events, the facades project which has involved painting and renovating the streetscape, and the EPSO/SEEK festival which was focused on murals that represent local historical characters. The research will critically examine the contribution of the arts ecosystem of Dundalk to social, economic, cultural and personal wellbeing. It exemplifies how the development of festivals and events can augment a local arts scene and embrace a regenerative and sustainable ethos. It will demonstrate how the development of a vibrant and diverse arts economy in the town centre creates further benefits for community development and participation in the arts. The research highlights the interconnectivity and potential synergies of arts, heritage, tourism, health and wellbeing, and sustainable development and climate action for Dundalk’s future.

Type of Degree Offered: MA by Research – Full Time registration only

Minimum Qualifications: Applicants should hold a minimum 2:1 degree in Music, Tourism, Event Management, Geography or related areas.

Experience/Expertise required: The applicant should have strong interpersonal skills, a keen interest in arts and culture, awareness of tourism and/or event management and relevant research methodologies.

Applicants whose first language is not English, must demonstrate a recent (within 12 months) minimum proficiency in English at 6.5 on the IELTS scale or equivalent. Applicants whose first language is not English, but who have attained their primary degree through the medium of English, are not subject to the above requirement.

Supervisory Team: Dr Daithí Kearney, Department of Creative Arts, Media and Music; Dr Kevin Burns, Department of Hospitality and Tourism

For informal queries: For Informal queries relating to the project, please contact: Dr Daithí Kearney, Daithi.kearney@dkit.ie. Please note canvassing will render an applicant eligible.

How to Apply   Applicants please create an account HERE.

Select Academic term 2026/27, Academic Level is Postgraduate Research and the programme is CREATE MRes - More than painting the town

As part of the application, you will be required to upload a copy of your CV including references and a one-page cover letter outlining your suitability for this position and your motivation. Also required are copies of your Transcripts of results and where applicable IELTS qualifications. These will be requested after you submit your application. The deadline for receipt of applications is 4 pm (GMT) on Monday 11th May 2026. It is expected that applicants will start no later than mid October 2026.

DkIT reserves the right to extend this deadline

Funding Notes

This MA by Research Scholarship is managed by the CREATE-DkIT project and is co-financed by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021-27 and the Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021-27.

Funding includes an annual stipend of €25,000 and contribution towards annual postgraduate fees of €5,500.  Duration of Funding: Maximum of 24 months