Deadline: 11-Dec-2025
The Co-funding Award provides additional financial support to Irish organisations that have already secured Creative Europe Cooperation Project funding for 2025. It strengthens Irish participation in international artistic partnerships by enhancing capacity, visibility, and strategic impact. The award ensures that Irish arts activities remain robust, internationally engaged, and aligned with the Arts Council’s priorities.
Overview
The Co-funding Award is designed to boost the Irish arts contribution within Creative Europe Cooperation Projects (2025). It provides supplementary funding to help Irish organisations deepen their involvement in European partnerships, expand artistic impact, and maintain strong international engagement.
Purpose of the Award
The award supports Irish organisations participating in EU-funded artistic collaborations by:
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Strengthening the Irish component of international projects
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Enhancing visibility and strategic relevance of Ireland’s artistic contribution
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Supporting long-term capacity-building and organisational sustainability
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Promoting best practices in audience development and public engagement
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Aligning projects with the Arts Council’s ten-year strategy for international arts practice
Key Concepts Explained
Creative Europe Cooperation Projects
These are cross-border cultural partnerships funded by the EU to support artistic innovation, mobility, audience development, and European collaboration.
Co-funding
Co-funding refers to additional financial resources needed to match or supplement EU funding. The Co-funding Award helps Irish arts organisations meet these requirements so they can fully participate in approved international projects.
Arts Council Strategic Priorities
The Arts Council emphasises:
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International collaboration
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Talent development
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Public access to the arts
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Sector sustainability and renewal
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must meet one of the following conditions:
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Irish arts organisations with an official 2025 Creative Europe Cooperation Project funding offer (as lead or partner)
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Non-arts organisations only if they include an Irish arts organisation as an active project partner and ensure funding supports Irish arts activities
Additional eligibility requirements:
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The organisation must be based in the Republic of Ireland
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Applications must be submitted within the same calendar year as the Creative Europe funding offer
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Only one application per Creative Europe project is allowed
Who Is Not Eligible?
The award does not accept applications from:
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Organisations based outside the Republic of Ireland
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Organisations that have not received a Creative Europe Cooperation Project award in 2025
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Organisations that previously received a Co-funding Award for the same project
Why the Award Matters
This award plays a crucial role in:
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Maintaining Ireland’s active presence in European cultural networks
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Ensuring Irish artists and organisations access international opportunities
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Supporting high-quality artistic development, mobility, and collaboration
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Building long-term organisational resilience
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Strengthening Ireland’s cultural identity within the Creative Europe ecosystem
How to Apply
1. Confirm Eligibility
Ensure you have an official 2025 Creative Europe funding offer and meet all Arts Council requirements.
2. Prepare a Clear Application
Your submission should include:
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Explanation of the Irish arts activities within the project
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How the additional funding will enhance international engagement
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Evidence of audience development and public engagement strategies
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Contribution to sector sustainability and organisational growth
3. Submit Within the Required Calendar Year
Applications must be lodged in the same year the Creative Europe funding offer was issued.
4. Ensure Only One Application per Project
Coordinate internally to avoid duplicate submissions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Applying without a confirmed 2025 Creative Europe funding offer
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Submitting late or outside the required calendar year
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Failing to demonstrate how activities align with Arts Council priorities
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Overlooking the requirement for Irish arts activities to be directly supported
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Assuming multiple applications per project are allowed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does the Co-funding Award cover?
It provides supplementary funding to support the Irish artistic elements of Creative Europe Cooperation Projects.
2. Can non-arts organisations apply?
Yes—but only if an Irish arts organisation is an active partner and the funding directly benefits Irish arts activities.
3. Can I apply if my organisation is based outside the Republic of Ireland?
No. Only organisations based in Ireland are eligible.
4. Can I apply more than once for the same project?
No. Only one application per Creative Europe Cooperation Project is permitted.
5. Do I need a confirmed Creative Europe funding offer?
Yes. You must have an official 2025 funding decision from the European Education and Culture Executive Agency.
6. Can organisations that previously received a Co-funding Award apply again?
Yes, but not for the same project.
7. Does the award align with specific Arts Council strategies?
Yes. It supports international collaboration, audience development, and long-term sector capacity-building.
Conclusion
The Co-funding Award plays a vital role in supporting Ireland’s arts sector within the Creative Europe Programme. By offering additional financial backing, it ensures that Irish organisations can fully participate in international partnerships, strengthen artistic impact, and contribute meaningfully to Europe-wide cultural collaboration. This award helps secure Ireland’s standing in the global arts landscape while fostering sustainability, innovation, and long-term sector development.
For more information, visit The Arts Council.
