Call for Applications: Maker in Residence at Mayfair Library

Kilkenny County Council Library Service Maker in Residence Programme at Mayfair Library

Introduction

Kilkenny County Council Library Service invites applications for a Maker in Residence for Mayfair Library. This is a part-time creative residency contract, designed to inspire creativity, spark innovation, and strengthen community engagement through hands-on exploration of maker, design and coding technologies, supporting the library’s evolving role as a vibrant public space for learning, cultural expression, and inclusive participation.

Outline of the Residency

The successful resident will work within the dedicated makerspace, developing a programme of activities, engaging creatively with target groups, community participants and the public. Through a structured strategic programme of workshops, talks, and open sessions, the resident will introduce creative technologies and facilitate skill-building opportunities across a mix of abilities and ages (from age 8 upwards) where users can explore tools, seek advice, and work on projects with support.

The residency will be for a period from 18th May to 8th August 2026 and will involve 21 hours per week (inclusive of 2 hours per week open, drop-in sessions). The schedule must include weekdays, one evening per week and Saturdays on agreement.

Materials will be provided subject to agreement, and based on indicative budget plan provided on application. All materials purchased remain the property of Kilkenny County Council Libraries.

Workshops should offer staff an opportunity for training and observation.

The resident will be responsible for:

• Developing and designing a range of regular workshops including taster workshops, skills-specific workshops, and Open Lab / drop-in sessions in: 3D Printing, Vinyl Cutting, Designing and creation including Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Basic coding using current library coding platform, Scratch and Arduino.

• Developing and delivering engaging workshops, training, projects and STEM activities.

• Assisting users with troubleshooting and technical issues.

• Fostering a creative and collaborative learning environment.

• Encouraging peer learning and collaboration.

• Ensuring a safe environment and providing safety instruction before use.

• Ensuring all relevant library policies are adhered to.

• Furnishing monthly reports and a comprehensive report at the end of the residency period.

• Working with library staff to provide advertising and marketing details.

• Providing instructions and guidance on the use of various Makerspace equipment and software.

Software and hardware include the following:

HARDWARE

3 x 3D Printers
- 2 x Flashforge Adventurer Pro
- 1 x Creailty K1Mx
11x Lenovo Thinkpad L14 Gen 4 (Laptops)
Cricut Maker
VEVOR Heat Press Machine/Sublimation Machine
Epson EcoTank Printer with Scanner
5 x ELEGOO UNO R3 Project Super Starter Kits

SOFTWARE

Creality K1Max - Creality Slicer
Flashforge 5M - Flashprint -
Cricut Maker - Design Space
Matter and Form - MF Studio
Scratch (Coding Ireland) Coding and Robotics. (details available on our website)
Arduino IDE

Requirements for the Resident:

• Strong teaching/facilitation, communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to work with a variety of ages.

• Provide evidence of competency and relevant experience and expertise in these areas and/or with similar technology.

• A quality, creative and feasible proposal to the delivery of the Maker in Residence programme.

• Ability to develop relevant training materials and marketing materials.

Selection Criteria for Maker in Residence will be based on evidence of the above requirements.

Terms of the Residency

Details of workshops proposal to be confirmed and scheduled in advance with Library.

Kilkenny County Council Library Service reserves the right to terminate the contract for services if the resident is unable to perform the work for which he/she is contracted or as a result of incapacity, incompetence or misconduct. Should the resident decide to terminate the contract, the resident will be required to honour the commitment of events scheduled for a period of not less than one month. Nothing in this agreement will prevent the giving of a lesser period of notice by either party where it is mutually agreed.

Terms and Conditions of the contract

1. The total fee, including travel and expenses and VAT, is €8,000 and the residency will run from 18th May to 8th August. The payment schedule will be 25% on commencement, 25% after 4 weeks, 25% after 8 weeks and 25% on completion of the residency and receipt of an evaluation report.

2. The successful candidate must register with Kilkenny County Council as a supplier and complete the relevant documentation.

3. Payment to the successful candidate will be on production of invoices via EFT to a bank account according to timeline outlined above.

4. The successful candidate must sign and abide by our Child Protection, GDPR and other relevant regulations, and agree to be garda vetted.

5. The successful candidate will document the project progress, providing an interim report after each month and a comprehensive report on its completion.

Application Procedure

Applications should be made by sending the following information either in PDF or Word format:

• An up-to-date CV, including the names and contact details of two professional references;

• A written submission of interest outlining workshop/programme ideas and approaches to the residency (1,000 words maximum)

• An indicative budget.

• Please refer specifically to the requirements for the resident outlined above, including how you might be best suited to the role (maximum 2 pages).

Please send your application to aisling.kelly@kilkennylibrary.ie , referencing Maker in Residence in the subject line of application email. Completed applications should arrive no later than 5pm on Wednesday 18th March. Applicants may be short-listed on the basis of submissions and may be called for interview if deemed required.

Key dates:

Closing date: 5pm Wednesday 18th March

Interviewing (If required): March/April

Applicants notified: by 10th April

Start date for successful applicant: 18th May

Kilkenny County Council Library Service Maker in Residence is supported by The Creative Ireland Programme, an all-of-Government five-year initiative, from 2023 to 2027 that places creativity at the centre of public policy. Further information on The Creative Ireland Programme is available from creative.ireland.ie and ireland.ie