Bursaries and development grants available for creatives throughout summer and autumn
A number of bursaries and funding opportunities are currently open or soon to open for individual creatives and arts organisations across Ireland. These schemes provide vital financial support for the development of new work, research, community engagement, and professional growth within the arts sector.
While the Artist in the Community (AIC) Scheme Bursary, administered by Create, is open to artists nationwide working in socially engaged practice, several local schemes are specific to particular counties. These include dedicated supports from Leitrim County Council, Donegal County Council, and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, each tailored to the needs of their local arts communities. Below is a summary of key upcoming deadlines and opportunities available to artists throughout summer and autumn 2025.
Artist in the Community Scheme Bursary Award 2025
Create, the national development agency for collaborative arts, has announced details of the 2025 Artist in the Community (AIC) Scheme Bursary Award. Two bursaries of €20,000 will be awarded to individual professional artists working in socially engaged and collaborative arts practice. One award is reserved for an early-career artist. The scheme recognises the barriers many artists face and particularly supports those marginalised due to gender, disability, ethnicity, socio-economic background, or other systemic inequalities.
Alongside financial support, the bursary offers regular mentoring from Create, up to two sessions with an experienced mentor from its Artist Mentor Panel, and guidance through partner organisations such as Arts and Disability Ireland, the Irish Refugee Council and the Irish Traveller Movement. Applications must be submitted online by 5pm on Monday, 21 stJuly 2025.
Donegal County Council Artists Bursaries Scheme 2025
The Donegal County Council Artists Bursaries Scheme is designed to support professional artists across all disciplines at any stage of their careers. Bursaries of up to €1,000 will be awarded to assist with arts projects or activities, whether ongoing or proposed. The fund facilitates the development or completion of work, as well as the creation and presentation of exhibitions, performances, or publications.
The scheme, funded jointly by Donegal County Council and The Arts Council, will open in mid-July, with a closing date of 4.30pm on Friday, 22nd August 2025. Applications will be promoted through local media and the Donegal Culture Division website.
The dlr Arts Grant Scheme provides annual financial assistance to individual artists, arts groups, and arts organisations engaged in arts projects or events at local and county level. The scheme also supports the professional development and arts practice of individual artists. Applications for the 2025 round will generally open in Autumn 2025, with a closing date in October 2025. For questions about the grant process, applicants will be encouraged to contact:
📧 cbrown@dlrcoco.ie or arts@dlrcoco.ie.
Leitrim County Council Bursaries for 2025
Leitrim Arts Office will offer two separate bursary schemes in 2025, one for individual artists and another for artist collectives. The Individual Artist Bursary Scheme opens on 15th September and closes on 26th October 2025. Professional artists based in Leitrim may apply for awards of up to €2,500 to support the development of new work, research, or professional development activities. Funded work must benefit Leitrim audiences and be completed by 31st December 2026. Applicants must be members of Creative Frame, and an optional Access Fund covering up to 20 percent of the award is available to applicants with specific support needs.
Meanwhile, the Artist Collective Bursary Scheme opens on 4th August and closes on 28th September 2025. Collectives with members based in Leitrim can apply for funding of up to €3,000 to develop collaborative projects, including research, production, or public engagement. Applications will be assessed by an independent panel with attention to artistic quality, feasibility, and local impact. Membership of Creative Frame is required for all Leitrim-based members.
Creatives are encouraged to review guidelines early and begin preparing their applications well in advance of deadlines. Full details and application forms for each scheme are available on the relevant local authority websites.
