Grants and Opportunities

The purpose of Strategic Funding is to invest in and support the organisations that are needed to lead, sustain, and develop the arts in Ireland. Strategic Funding supports key arts organisations, ensuring their sustainability and capacity to deliver high-quality arts experiences. It focuses on the delivery of excellent artwork, services, events, and activities that provide more people with the opportunity to enjoy high-quality arts experiences.

Entries are now being accepted for the Waterford Poetry Prize 2026. This competition is open to all writers currently living on the island of Ireland. This prize has emerged from the influence of the late Waterford writer Seán Dunne, whose poetry continues to inspire. The winners of the Waterford Poetry Prize 2026 will be announced at the closing event of the Waterford Writers Weekend. This year the Arts Office is pleased to welcome back the poet, essayist, and librettist, Jessica Traynor, as adjudicator. First prize is €600, second €400, and third €300.

The UK-IRL Culture Connects Grant supports the early stages of artistic collaboration. It is designed to help artists build partnerships, develop ideas, and explore new approaches through time spent working together in-person. The fund prioritises creative development over final outputs, supporting meaningful outcomes such as research, experimentation, and professional growth. This includes (but is not limited to): research and development of new creative ideas; mentorship opportunities; exploring collaborative pathways with producers or partners; experimenting with new technologies or practices; and developing initiatives that support creative exchange.

The Irish-language Theatre Award supports specific artistic projects in theatre, from play development to theatre creation, large-scale production, and touring. It focuses on ensuring more people can enjoy high-quality theatre experiences in the Irish language throughout the country. The award is open to professional artists and organisations with a demonstrable track record in theatre practice. We offer Strand 1 and 2 of this award with the support of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI).

This fund is an annual programme jointly funded by the British Council and Arts Council NI, and is open to both individual artists and organisations. The programme will support early-stage international development opportunities for individual, freelance, and self-employed artists and organisations based in Northern Ireland. It will afford recipients the opportunity to spend time building links with artists, organisations, and/or creative producers in another country. The aim of the programme is to support individual international developmental opportunities for talent and artistic excellence from Northern Ireland and, thereby, enhance Northern Ireland’s international artistic development, reputation, and standing.

The Project Award supports specific projects across various artforms. It focuses on enabling individual artists and organisations to bring their ideas to fruition and create excellent artistic work. The award is open to a number of artforms including architecture, children and young people, circus, dance, film, literature, music, participatory arts, street performance and spectacle, theatre, traditional arts, and visual arts.

The objective of the Artist in the Community (AIC) Scheme Bursary Award is to support individual professional artists in any artform to develop their collaborative socially engaged arts practice. There will be two awards of €20,000 awarded in 2026, offering the artists time to reflect on, and develop, their practice. The bursary award is aimed at individual professional artists who collaborate with individuals or groups/communities (non-arts professionals). Artists must have a track record of making and interpreting art collaboratively with communities.

Sound & Vision 4 is a funding scheme for broadcasters and independent producers that funds the production of high-quality programmes about Irish culture, heritage, and experience, and programmes to improve adult literacy. This funding round, part of the Shared Island Media Fund and operated under our Sound & Vision Scheme, will support television and radio programming that reflects the experiences, and diverse and shared heritages, of communities across the island, and brings the objectives of the Shared Island Media Fund to life. We welcome funding applications from independent producers and broadcasters.

The General Manager is a senior operational leadership role responsible for the smooth, safe, and effective day-to-day running of Axis – its people, building, systems, and operational governance – ensuring the organisation meets its legal, regulatory, and funder obligations, and continues to serve its community well. Working in close partnership with the CEO and senior managers, the General Manager will lead the operations of the organisation, line-manage a number of senior staff, oversee the building and its outsourced service contracts, and provide administrative support to the Board and to the organisation’s finance and funding activity.

Mermaid Arts Centre is seeking applications for the position of Box Office Coordinator. This would suit someone with a strong interest in the arts and theatre, who holds excellent customer service skills, and who enjoys working with the public in a dynamic cultural environment. The successful candidate will support the Box Office Manager and play a key role in the efficient day-to-day operation as the main point of contact for information and ticket sales. The role also involves coordinating the Front-of-House team for all events.

The Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards aim to support social enterprise creation, and development in Dublin City. The awards programme provides grants, mentoring, promotion, and other supports to successful applicants to enable them to further develop their activities, increase their social impact, and benefit more individuals and communities. Each year, a fund of approximately €60,000 is distributed among innovative social enterprises.

The objective of the Artist in the Community (AIC) Scheme Bursary Award is to support individual professional artists in any artform to develop their collaborative socially engaged arts practice. There will be two awards of €20,000 awarded in 2026, offering the artists time to reflect on, and develop, their practice. The bursary award is aimed at individual professional artists who collaborate with individuals or groups/communities (non-arts professionals). Artists must have a track record of making and interpreting art collaboratively with communities.

Sound & Vision 4 is a funding scheme for broadcasters and independent producers that funds the production of high-quality programmes about Irish culture, heritage, and experience, and programmes to improve adult literacy. This funding round, part of the Shared Island Media Fund and operated under our Sound & Vision Scheme, will support television and radio programming that reflects the experiences, and diverse and shared heritages, of communities across the island, and brings the objectives of the Shared Island Media Fund to life. We welcome funding applications from independent producers and broadcasters.

CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd Riachtanais) or Funding for Small-Scale Rural Projects is a targeted investment programme which provides funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have suffered the greatest levels of population decline. Reopened in 2016, CLÁR aims to support sustainable development in identified areas by attracting people to live and work there. The funding works in conjunction with local funding and on the basis of locally identified priorities. The scheme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The Save Our Seas Foundation (SOFS) is committed to protecting our oceans by funding research, education, awareness, and conservation projects focusing on the major threats to the marine environment. The SOSF offers a series of grants dedicated to research, conservation, and education projects worldwide. Keystone Grant and Small Grant projects should integrate at least two of these components and focus on charismatic marine megafauna, particularly sharks, rays, and skates. The Storytelling Grant is dedicated to supporting early career and emerging conservation storytellers, focusing on photography in its inaugural year.

The John Broderick Writer’s Residency Series is designed to honour John Broderick who, following his death, bequeathed his estate to the Arts Council for ‘the benefit and advancement of the Arts in Athlone.’ The John Broderick Residency is open to professional writers in all genres. Writers must be over 18 years of age and resident on the island of Ireland. Writers must demonstrate an ability to mentor emerging writers, young people, and those interested in developing their writing skills. The residency is devised in partnership between the Arts Council and the Westmeath Arts Office.

The Skills for Tomorrow Fund is a €1.5 million, 2.5-year fund supported by Deloitte Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG) via the Dormant Accounts Fund. The Skills for Tomorrow Fund aims to support innovative, evidence-based projects that build the capacity of individuals and communities experiencing marginalisation to thrive in the future world of work. It will fund initiatives that provide practical, accessible, and relevant pathways to employment, while addressing the root causes of disadvantage and promoting inclusive economic participation.

This role involves the delivery of high-quality donor engagement events and supporting the day-to-day activities of Irish National Opera’s Development Department. This varied and exciting role offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across fundraising, events, corporate partnerships, and donor engagement within a dynamic national arts organisation. The successful candidate will assist in the delivery of fundraising, membership, and supporter events; contribute to the research and stewardship of corporate partners and donors; assist in the preparation and coordination of fundraising materials and communications; and more.

Are you someone with at least three years’ experience in project management and coordination within the arts and cultural sector? Do you have exceptional organisational and communication skills, experience managing projects and small teams, and an understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion within an arts context? The Programme & Services Development Manager will work closely with the Executive Director and will be responsible for the implementation and ongoing development of Arts & Disability Ireland’s programmes and services, including the management of projects, audience development initiatives, access services, and training programmes.

The Creativity & Change post-graduate certificate course is recruiting for 2026/27 intake in September. If you are an artist, youth/community worker, or changemaker interested in developing skills in collaborative practice and creative facilitation for global justice, then this course may be for you. Places will be offered on a rolling basis, so an early application is advised. Scholarships and fee discounts available for those who qualify.

5:30pm Thursday 18 June 2026The Bursary Award supports individual artists to develop their artistic practice. It focuses on providing artists with the time and resources they need to think, research, reflect, and deeply engage with their artistic practice. A broad range of artforms and arts practices are supported by the Bursary Award. These include Children and Young People’s Arts, Comedy, Dance, Literature: English Language, Literature: Irish Language, Multidisciplinary Arts, Music, Opera, Theatre, Traditional Arts, and Visual Arts.

This role will focus on providing exemplary customer service to all patrons of dlr Mill Theatre through smooth ticketing experiences and customer assistance, both over the phone and in person. This is a 16-hour-a-week position, with the possibility of additional hours during busy periods. Responsibilities will include the successful delivery of first-class sales and customer service, and operating the theatre’s box office and floor areas, including pre- and post-show, during intervals, and at events.

The URBACT Programme helps cities across Europe work together to find practical, integrated solutions to shared urban challenges, from climate action and social inclusion to mobility and housing. This call aims to fund transnational networks of cities to implement their existing urban strategies through concrete local actions, while fostering cooperation, knowledge exchange, and capacity building for sustainable urban development. The Programme foresees the sharing of knowledge and the transfer of innovative practices between cities and levels of government. The purpose is to promote integrated sustainable urban development, improve cities’ policies, and the effectiveness of Cohesion Policy in cities.

The European Urban Initiative is a tool to support cities of all sizes, to build capacity and knowledge, to support innovation, and to develop transferable and scalable innovative solutions to urban challenges of EU relevance. This call aims to bring together urban authorities to tackle a joint challenge. This upcoming call will introduce an updated framework of support for cities, building on and adapting the principles of the previous Innovative Action framework. This approach reflects an ongoing commitment to helping cities test locally innovative solutions and strengthen their capacity to address complex urban challenges.

The Irish Writers Centre require a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual, who has a genuine interest and passion for writers and literature, to join our team in welcoming everyone who uses our building. A keen interest in working in a public-facing environment, together with excellent organisational and communication skills, is essential. This role requires empathy and understanding of the needs of the professional, emerging, and beginner writers and organisations that are supported by the Irish Writers Centre. Previous experience is welcome but not essential as training will be provided.

Cork County Council Library and Arts Service invites proposals for its LHQ Gallery 2027–2029 Visual Art Exhibition Programme. This call out is open to professional artists, curators, and arts organisations. LHQ Gallery is located at the County Library Headquarters building next to County Hall. The gallery delivers a year-round programme of free events for all ages, with access points for various groups and audiences. Proposals for solo, two-person, or group shows are welcome. Exhibitions at LHQ Gallery will be 6 to 7 weeks in duration. In certain circumstances (performance work, for example), we will consider proposals for shorter periods.

The 11th annual Write By The Sea Writing Competition is currently open. This year’s competition offers €4,000 in cash prizes, and the winning piece from each category will be published in the winter issue of The Waxed Lemon literary journal. The competition is run in partnership with The Rosslare Municipal District. The categories are short story, memoir, poetry, and flash fiction. Th entry fee €12 per piece, with a discount for three submissions.

Poetry invites a more reflective, contemplative way of engaging with the world – something increasingly rare in our fast-scrolling lives. This competition isn’t just about prizes. It’s about encouraging people to pause, reflect, and connect through words that carry depth, beauty, and meaning. This year, we will only be hosting one poetry competition, but we have extended the line allowance, increased the prizes, and widened eligibility criteria. Thank you for helping us build something slower, deeper, and more soul-nourishing.

The Bath Novel Award (BNA) 2026 is a £5,000 international prize for adult and YA novels of every genre. The prize is open to unagented writers, who are unpublished, self-published, or independently published without advance. Submissions are invited until 31 May 2026, from writers of every age, gender, nationality, and residency. BNA laureates include Abi Daré for the manuscript of New York Times and Sunday Times bestseller The Girl with the Louding Voice, official James Bond author Kim Sherwood for the manuscript of Testament, and AP Firdaus for the BBC’s Between the Covers pick Remember, Mr Sharma.

There are three funding bands in the Festivals Investment Scheme, and each one is designed to support festivals at different stages of their development. An organisation may make only one application under the Festivals Investment Scheme in a year (i.e. one application in one band per calendar year). You should choose the one most suitable for your festival organisation. The Festivals Investment Scheme is a competitive scheme that offers funding to support the staging of festivals on a non-recurring basis. It is important to note that funding under this programme is offered on a once-off basis.

The Pitching Competition at the Film Fair, the industry market of the Galway Film Fleadh, provides screenwriters at any stage of their career with an opportunity to pitch their projects in an open industry forum. The Pitching Competition has given new screenwriters a platform to connect with the wider industry, while filmmakers at all stages of development have used the Pitching Competition to attract producers, receive mentorship, and win development funding. All that is required to enter is a 500-word written pitch of your project from beginning to end (no cliffhangers). Any genre of feature drama, documentary, or animation will be considered.

The Lir – National Academy of Dramatic Art, at Trinity College Dublin, is seeking to appoint an Accounts & HR Operations Manager on a full-time basis. The Accounts & HR Operations Manager will support the Director of Administration in delivering day-to-day operations while promoting company policies and compliance with regulations. They will also bridge management and employee and/or student relations by addressing any grievances or other issues as required to ensure the implementation of dignity and respect practices at The Lir Academy. In all, the role offers a combination of data analysis, systems management, and employee relations.

We are next open for submissions of fiction, creative non-fiction, and poetry from 6-20 May 2026. This is for our Winter 2026-27 issue. We publish new, previously unpublished work by Irish and international writers. We have a particular interest in promoting new writers, and in promoting the short-story form. Each issue of The Stinging Fly includes a mix of poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, alongside our Featured Poets and Comhchealg sections, occasional author interviews, and novel extracts. We also welcome submissions of poetry and prose in translation.

Choreography Project #23, led by Mateusz Szczerek, is a creative and performance opportunity for dance enthusiasts aged 18+ with a minimum of 2-years dance-class experience, taking place from April–June 2026. In Szczerek’s own words, ‘For this project, we will create an introspective piece based on exploration of skin – particularly the memories it holds and how that memory impacts our lives. Through guided improvisation, creative tasks, and collaborative choreographic processes, we will explore themes of self-care, self-doubt, and self-awareness.’ The project will culminate with the informal performance in Dublin on the 7th of June 2026.

Patagonia supports environmental organisations with bold, direct-action agendas and a commitment to long-term change. We support innovative work that addresses the root causes of the environmental crisis and seeks to protect both the environment and affected communities. We focus on places where we’ve built connections through outdoor recreation and through our network of retail stores, nationally and internationally. We support multipronged campaigns that push for greater environmental protections and force the government to abide by its own laws.

Creative Schools supports schools and Youthreach centres to put the arts and creativity at the heart of children’s and young people’s lives. Its objectives are to support schools and Youthreach centres to empower children and young people to develop, implement, and evaluate arts and creative activity throughout their schools/centres. Another objective is to stimulate additional ways of working that reinforce the impact of creativity on children’s and young people’s learning, development, and wellbeing. Lastly, it seeks to support schools and Youthreach to provide opportunities for children and young people to build artistic and creative skills, such as curiosity, imagination, persistence, communication, and collaboration.

A respected international short-story contest for original unpublished English-language stories up to 3,000 words, open to writers of any nationality living anywhere in the world. Prize includes €2,000, a festival reading slot, and publication in Southword. Entry Fee of €19 per story.

Prestigious international awards in poetry, short story, flash fiction, novel, and memoir; known for discovering new voices. Bridport are committed to discovering new writers in poetry, short story, flash fiction, the novel and memoir. Our alumni read like a Who’s Who of the literary world: Kate Atkinson MBE, Gail Honeyman, and Kit de Waal. Judges have included Roger McGough, Monica Ali and Zoe Heller. Our patron is Kit de Waal. We are a route to being published so send us your words and it could be your name up here next year. Entry fee applies.

The Bath Novel Awards are international writing competitions for unagented emerging writers. Founded in 2013 in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath, the awards are judged by leading literary agents and offer an annual prize fund of £10,000. A stellar list of Bath Novel Awards laureates and listees have gone on to find agent representation and publishing success, including six-figure book deals with Hachette, Harper Collins and Penguin Random House. Laureates include Abi Daré, for the manuscript of international bestseller The Girl with the Louding Voice, and official James Bond author Kim Sherwood.

Awarded for the best piece of writing on the theme of joy. The winner and runners-up will receive financial support in the following amounts: First place: £3,000. Second place: £1,000. Third place: £1,000. There is a fee of £10 per entry. You may submit only ONE piece of writing per entry. If you wish to submit more than one piece, then you should complete multiple entries. Any entry with more than one piece of writing attached will risk disqualification.

Awarded for the best visual arts response on the theme of joy. The winner and runners-up will receive financial support in the following amounts: First place: £3,000. Second place: £1,000. Third place: £1,000. There is a fee of £10 per entry. You may submit only ONE piece of work per entry. If you wish to submit more than one piece, then you should complete multiple entries. Any entry with more than one piece attached will risk disqualification.

Awarded for the best playwriting response on the theme of JOY. The winner and runners-up will receive financial support in the following amounts: First place: £3,000. Second place: £1,000. Third place: £1,000. There is a fee of £10 per entry. You may submit only ONE play per entry. If you wish to submit more than one play, then you should complete multiple entries. Any entry with more than one play attached will risk disqualification.

International Poetry prize awarded for the best poetic response on the theme of JOY. The winner and runners-up will receive financial support in the following amounts: First place: £3,000. Second place: £1,000 Third place: £1,000. Fees apply. There is a fee of £10 per entry. You may submit only ONE poem per entry. If you wish to submit more than one poem, then you should complete multiple entries. Any entry with more than one poem attached will risk disqualification.