OPEN CALL - CLOSING 25th OCTOBER 2025
Interested in starting a Queer Shed?
Apply to join our Queer Sheds co-creation retreat by 25th October via this Open Call Application Form
With the world’s first Queer Shed now in its second year, and 8 more emerging around Ireland, we’re looking for the next group of self-organised groups who are ready to kickstart their own Queer Shed.
On November 8th & 9th, we will bring together another seven groups at The Common Knowledge Centre in Clare for a two day, fully funded residency. Over two days, we will support each other to plan for the creation of a Queer Shed and collaborate to shape a potential Queer Sheds Network. If you can’t make this date, we will have another call and kickstart weekend in early 2026.
After the workshop, participating groups will have access to network support, resources, and a growing network of people working on the same thing.
What is a Queer Shed?
Queer Shed Clare was established as a pilot in 2024 with an aim to share space, practical skills and solidarity with other LGBTQ+ people, led by the team at non-profit social enterprise Common Knowledge. The types of skills we’re interested in span DIY, traditional skills and any other skills that can help us to connect with land and nature.
Workshops in our first year included building with cob, organic gardening and seed saving, fermentation, forest gardening, making a tote bag and field sound recording, potluck dinners and co-designs sessions.
The idea was inspired by the Men’s and Women’s Sheds that have had a huge impact in building grassroots community in Ireland through skill sharing.
Since we started our Queer Shed project in Clare with 8 sheds already up and running we have seen the desire for new types of spaces for queer people that add to what’s already provided by nightlife, the arts and activism.
Why a Queer Shed Network?
The idea of a potential Queer Sheds network is still in its infancy, but could:
Help create more opportunities for queer community and visibility across Ireland
Link a national network of facilitators and skill-sharers, to help local groups deliver workshops, events, and social gatherings.
Support local groups to apply for funding and grants to establish and grow their Queer Sheds.
Provide assistance with insurance and governance, supporting each Shed to be safe and sustainable.
Help develop partnerships with existing community organisations to strengthen local advocacy and support services.
Offer practical resources and toolkits, guiding groups through the setup and operation of their Queer Sheds.
Offer opportunities for regional and national meet-ups, fostering collaboration and shared learning among groups.
Open Call to join the Queer Sheds co-creation residency for budding sheds
To support the setup of new Queer Sheds as part of the Queer Sheds Network, we are inviting groups to apply to be part of a funded residency at Common Knowledge .
This two-day, one-night experience will equip participants with the tools, connections, and inspiration needed to bring a Queer Shed to life.
Attendees will:
Take part in some hands-on skill-sharing and plenty of socialising and getting to know each other.
Have guidance on how to set up your group, develop relationships to secure funding, create a workshop programme, and facilitate groups
Work collaboratively with a diverse group to dream about new queer spaces across Ireland.
Share thoughts on all-Ireland Queer Sheds Network, ensuring it reflects diverse voices and local needs.
Enjoy a fully funded weekend, including accommodation, meals, and travel costs.
After the weekend, we plan to create a toolkit for any group in Ireland to take and start planning their own Queer Shed. So if you’re not ready to go yet, it’s ok, make an application here as we will be in touch.
Who should apply?
We’re looking for groups of more than 4 queer people who:
Are self-organised independent groups interested in setting up a standalone Queer Shed or representatives of existing community/non-profit group that can act as a host for a Queer Shed
Have some experience sharing practical skills or organising events/community activity
Have time and energy to commit to starting a Queer Shed and building community
Are interested in creating new types of space for queer people, that look and feel different from existing LGBTQ+ activities, movements and places, to extend opportunities for queer people to come together.
Have an idea of how to engage the community in your area in a Queer Shed
Share our belief in the strength of a diverse and united queer community, across all dimensions including but not limited to age, gender, sexuality and background
Are broadly interested in practical skills, spanning DIY, traditional skills, nature-based skills or crafts.
Are over 18 years of age
Are diverse in their grouping, particularly in terms of the two representatives being proposed to attend the co-design weekend
If you don’t have 4 people yet, but are already organising and have started planning your Queer Shed, we want to hear from you too.
You don’t have to:
Be a formalised organisation/charity/non-profit/community group eg have a bank account.
Have a space secured (though having an idea of a space you could use would be handy)
Have organised events or projects for specifically LGBTQIA+/queer communities in the past
How to apply
Our open call for this Kickstart Weekend closes on the 25th October. Please spread the word! To apply, please complete the open call application form here:
Open Call Application Form
The types of questions we have included to get to know your are:
Where are you interested in setting up a Queer Shed?
Tell us a little about yourselves/your group.
What ideas do you have about a potential Queer Shed in your area?
Tell us about any practical skills you have or are interested in, and any experiences skill sharing or running community events/projects.
What challenges do you think your group might face in setting up a Queer Shed?
Whether you have any access needs or accommodations we should be aware of.