Arts organisations, artists and groups (i.e. a non-profit organisation or community group or those working in the health and education sector) may apply for financial support from the Arts Council. There are 20+ different types of grants to support various artistic activities.
Local Arts Officers provide information on grant funding available from their Local Authority body. These officers are responsible for the support and development of the arts as well as facilitating a policy of access for all. They are a useful first point of contact when seeking advice and support for an arts project. Local Arts offices can sometimes provide financial support for projects.
ArtL!nks has announced bursaries and awards for its membership in the five ArtLinks partner counties of Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow for 2009. Funding covers categories like music, theatre, literature, film and visual arts.
CityArts is committed to a policy of participatory arts practice in contemporary society so that its CityArts’ programme of work is created in collaboration with communities. Community groups from the Dublin area are invited to submit proposals of art projects. Successful ones are given support in sourcing and matching of funding.
Create Ireland is the national development agency for collaborative arts. On behalf of the Arts Council, it manages the 'Artist in the Community' Scheme. Twice a year the Arts Council offers grants to enable artists and communities of place or interest to work together on projects.
If you are an artist or work for an arts organisation, Dublin City Council offers funding which aims to ensure the public can access and participate in the arts, encourage awareness, education and research.
General Funding that includes arts
This peace initiative aims to develop a range interventions targeting older people in an innovative way to address various challenges.
The mission of The Ireland Funds is to be the largest worldwide network of people of Irish ancestry and friends of Ireland dedicated to raising funds to support programs of peace and reconciliation, arts and culture, education and community development throughout the island of Ireland.
Other Arts Resources
This website updates the information contained in the Arts and Disability Handbook published collaboratively by the two Arts Councils on the island of Ireland in 1999. The site has been created for practical use by anyone with an interest in arts and disability on the island. The site provides information about arts and disability issues, arts organisations, resources, venues and general funding and training bodies.
Vocational Education Committees (VECs) exist in every local authority to further adult education and training. VECs also administer maintenance grants and bursaries for third-level education. Some Bealtaine organisers get support from their local VEC for their Bealtaine project.
Voluntary Arts Ireland is part of the Voluntary Arts Network in Ireland, England, Scotland & Wales. It seeks to draw together voluntary arts and crafts groups and their representative bodies; provide these organisations with information, advice and training ; ensure that their interests are represented to policy makers, funders and politicians; improve the environment for everyone participating in arts and crafts.