Apply for UK-IRL Culture Connects Grant 2026/27

The UK-IRL Culture Connects Grant provides funding of up to €3,000 to support early-stage artistic collaborations between artists based in Ireland and the United Kingdom. The grant enables artists to build international partnerships, develop new creative ideas, exchange skills, experiment with innovative practices, and lay the foundation for future collaborative projects through in-person engagement.

Overview of the UK-IRL Culture Connects Grant

The UK-IRL Culture Connects Grant is designed to strengthen cultural connections between Ireland and the UK by supporting the research and development stage of artistic collaborations.

Rather than funding completed productions, the grant focuses on helping artists establish creative partnerships, test new ideas, share artistic knowledge, and explore future collaborative opportunities. It encourages meaningful cross-border cultural exchange and supports emerging professional artists in expanding their creative practice.

Grant Amount

Applicants may request:

• Up to €3,000 per application.
• Smaller funding requests are also encouraged and eligible.

Focus Areas

The grant supports activities including:

• Research and development of new artistic ideas.
• Early-stage creative collaboration.
• International artistic partnerships.
• Mentorship opportunities.
• Collaboration with producers and creative partners.
• Experimentation with new technologies and creative practices.
• Creative exchange initiatives.
• Skill-sharing and professional development.
• Knowledge exchange between artists.
• Co-production planning for future artistic work.

Eligible Art Forms

Applications are accepted across a wide range of artistic disciplines, including:

• Architecture.
• Arts for children and young people.
• Dance.
• Artist-led film.
• Literature.
• Music.
• Opera.
• Theatre.
• Circus.
• Street performance.
• Spectacle.
• Participatory arts.
• Traditional arts.
• Visual arts.
• Multidisciplinary arts.

What Can the Grant Be Used For?

Funding may cover costs directly related to collaboration, including:

• Artist fees, including the applicant’s own time.
• Fees for collaborators.
• Travel expenses.
• Accommodation costs.
• Studio or workspace hire.
• Materials that support collaborative activities.
• Accessibility and access costs.
• Additional support for artists with disabilities where required.

The funding is intended to facilitate collaboration rather than support large-scale production costs.

Key Concepts Explained

Research and Development (R&D)

Research and development refers to the exploratory phase of a creative project where artists investigate ideas, test concepts, and develop future artistic work before full production begins.

Bilateral Partnership

A bilateral partnership consists of two collaborating artists:

• One artist based in Ireland.
• One artist based in one of the four UK nations.

Both partners contribute equally to the creative exchange.

Creative Exchange

Creative exchange involves sharing artistic methods, knowledge, professional experience, and creative practices to develop stronger collaborative relationships.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Apply as individual artists or creative practitioners.
• Form a bilateral partnership consisting of:
  • One individual based in Ireland.
  • One individual based in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales.
• Be resident in Ireland or the UK for the duration of the project.
• Demonstrate a professional artistic track record.
• Be at an early or developing stage of their artistic career.
• Not be enrolled in full-time education.
• Submit only one application per collaboration.
• Apply only on their own behalf.

Why This Grant Matters

The programme helps emerging artists:

• Build international professional networks.
• Develop long-term creative partnerships.
• Explore innovative artistic approaches.
• Gain mentorship opportunities.
• Strengthen cross-cultural collaboration.
• Experiment before committing to larger productions.
• Increase future funding and collaboration opportunities.

How the Grant Works

The programme supports the early development phase of artistic collaboration by funding activities such as:

1. Meeting collaborators in person.
2. Exploring creative concepts.
3. Conducting artistic research.
4. Testing new creative approaches.
5. Building partnerships for future projects.
6. Developing collaborative artistic practice.

The grant focuses on preparation and creative development rather than delivering finished artistic productions.

How to Apply

Step 1: Identify a Creative Partner

Form a partnership with one eligible artist based in the other participating country.

Step 2: Develop a Collaborative Idea

Create a proposal focused on research, experimentation, or artistic development.

Step 3: Prepare Your Budget

Include eligible expenses such as:

• Artist fees.
• Travel.
• Accommodation.
• Workspace hire.
• Collaboration materials.
• Accessibility support.

Step 4: Demonstrate Eligibility

Show evidence of:

• Professional artistic practice.
• Early-career status.
• Residency requirements.
• Bilateral partnership.

Step 5: Submit One Joint Collaboration Application

Ensure only one application is submitted for each partnership.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain why the partnership is valuable.
• Describe the creative outcomes you hope to achieve.
• Demonstrate how both artists contribute equally.
• Present a realistic collaboration plan.
• Include a clear and well-structured budget.
• Explain how the project could lead to future artistic opportunities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying without an eligible bilateral partnership.
• Proposing a finished production instead of research and development.
• Including ineligible expenses.
• Submitting multiple applications for the same collaboration.
• Applying while enrolled in full-time education.
• Providing unclear project objectives or collaboration plans.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much funding can applicants receive?

Applicants may request up to €3,000 per collaboration.

Who can apply?

Individual artists and creative practitioners working in an eligible Ireland-UK partnership.

Can organisations apply?

No. The programme is designed for individual artists and creative practitioners.

Which artistic disciplines are eligible?

Eligible disciplines include architecture, literature, theatre, music, dance, visual arts, film, circus, participatory arts, traditional arts, multidisciplinary arts, and several other creative fields.

Can the funding cover travel?

Yes. Travel and accommodation costs directly related to collaboration are eligible.

Can artists in full-time education apply?

No. Applicants must not be enrolled in full-time education.

What is the primary purpose of the grant?

The grant supports the early stages of artistic collaboration by helping artists develop partnerships, exchange knowledge, research new ideas, and prepare for future creative projects.

Conclusion

The UK-IRL Culture Connects Grant provides valuable early-stage funding for artists in Ireland and the United Kingdom to build meaningful international collaborations. By supporting research, experimentation, mentorship, and creative exchange, the programme enables emerging artists to strengthen professional networks, develop innovative artistic practices, and create a strong foundation for future cross-border cultural projects.