Deadline: 06-Feb-2026
The Artist in Primary Schools Scheme 2026 by Tipperary County Council supports collaborative, once-off creative projects between professional artists and primary schools in County Tipperary. The scheme provides an all-inclusive €2,850 artist fee and enables pupils to engage directly with professional arts practice through curriculum-aware, time-bound projects running in 2026.
The Artist in Primary Schools Scheme 2026 is a public arts funding programme delivered by Tipperary County Council Arts Office. It enables primary school pupils to work closely with a professional artist on a unique, collaboratively designed creative project.
The scheme prioritises high-quality arts engagement, meaningful learning experiences, and strong partnerships between schools and artists within County Tipperary.
What Is the Artist in Primary Schools Scheme?
This scheme funds a once-off creative project that is jointly planned and delivered by a professional artist and a primary school.
Each project must be:
• Unique and non-recurring
• Artist-led and collaborative
• Age-appropriate and curriculum-aware
• Focused on creative process rather than routine school productions
Projects must show whole-school commitment, even if only selected classes participate.
Artistic Disciplines Supported
The scheme is open to artists working in a wide range of disciplines, including:
• Visual arts
• Crafts
• Music
• Dance
• Drama
• Literature and creative writing
• Film and moving image
• Architecture
• Photography
• New media and digital arts
• Socially engaged arts practice
Interdisciplinary projects are welcome where they are clearly planned and deliverable within a primary school setting.
Funding Amount and Coverage
Each approved project receives a total artist fee of €2,850, paid in two instalments.
The fee covers:
• 50 contact hours with pupils
• 7 hours for planning, development, and review
• All professional artist fees
Costs Covered by the School
Participating schools are responsible for:
• Materials and consumables
• Documentation costs such as photography or video
• Insurance and any additional project-related expenses
Project Duration and Timing
Projects may take place during one of the following periods:
• March to June 2026
• September to December 2026
Key requirements:
• Minimum duration: 6 weeks
• Maximum duration: 3 months
• All projects must conclude by December 2026
Projects must not begin until official written approval is received from Tipperary County Council.
Projects That Are Not Eligible
The following project types are not supported:
• Mural development projects
• Annual or recurring school plays
• Standard end-of-year dance or drama productions
A performance or presentation is permitted only if it emerges from a unique, once-off creative process.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Schools
Schools must:
• Be primary schools located in County Tipperary
• Submit only one application per school
Schools that received funding under this scheme in 2024 or 2025 are not eligible to apply in 2026.
Reapplying schools may explore:
• A different artistic discipline
• Collaboration with a different artist
Eligible Artists
Artists must be:
• Professional practicing artists
• From any artistic discipline
• Working in partnership with a Tipperary-based primary school
Artists must demonstrate:
• A relevant third-level qualification or a substantial professional body of work
• A CV relevant to the artform
• Samples of previous work
• Experience in educational or community contexts
• A Child Safeguarding Best Practice Policy, including a Child Safeguarding Statement
Only one application per artist is permitted.
Why This Scheme Matters
The Artist in Primary Schools Scheme:
• Enhances creative learning at primary level
• Gives pupils access to professional artistic practice
• Supports curriculum-linked, experiential learning
• Strengthens arts education in local communities
• Encourages long-term engagement with creativity and culture
The scheme values depth, quality, and collaboration over standardised outputs.
How the Application Process Works
Step 1: Establish Collaboration
The artist and school must agree on the project concept before applying.
Either party may initiate contact, but collaboration must be clearly demonstrated.
Step 2: Prepare the Application
Applications must include:
• Completed application form
• Written project proposal outlining:
– Project aims and theme
– Artistic processes and materials
– Anticipated outcomes
– Participating classes and pupil numbers
– Contact hours and delivery plan
– Project timeframe
– Documentation method
• Artist CV
• Samples of relevant artistic work
• Letter of support from the school
• Artist’s safeguarding policies and procedures
Step 3: Submit by the Deadline
Applications must be:
• Clearly marked “Artist in Primary School Scheme 2026”
• Submitted by Friday 6 February 2026 at 12:00 noon
Late or incomplete applications will not be assessed.
Safeguarding, Insurance, and Compliance
Before any project begins, the following are mandatory:
• Garda Clearance for the artist
• Completion of TUSLA Children First Training
• A teacher present at all times during artist-led sessions
• Written confirmation of school insurance
• Indemnification of Tipperary County Council
Projects must not commence without meeting all compliance requirements.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
Monitoring is an integral part of the scheme.
• An Arts Office review visit must be scheduled early in the project
• Ideally after three or four artist days
At project completion:
• Both the school and the artist must submit feedback reports
• Submission of reports is required before release of the second payment
Images submitted may be used for promotional purposes, and parental consent must be secured before sharing any pupil-related material.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Proposing murals or standard school productions
• Applying without confirmed artist–school collaboration
• Starting work before written approval
• Missing safeguarding or insurance documentation
• Applying if funded under the scheme in 2024 or 2025
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can more than one class participate?
Yes. Multiple classes may be involved, provided whole-school commitment is demonstrated.
Can an artist apply without a school partner?
No. Applications must include a confirmed partnership with a specific Tipperary primary school.
Are performances allowed under the scheme?
Yes, but only if they result from a unique, once-off creative project.
How is the artist paid?
The €2,850 fee is paid in two instalments, with the final payment released after required reports are submitted.
Is Garda Clearance required at application stage?
It must be in place before the project starts, not necessarily at the time of application.
Can images of pupils be used in reports?
Yes, but only with appropriate parental consent.
Key Dates at a Glance
• Application deadline: 6 February 2026 at 12 noon
• Project periods: March–June 2026 or September–December 2026
• Final project completion: December 2026
Conclusion
The Artist in Primary Schools Scheme 2026 offers a structured, well-supported opportunity for primary schools and professional artists in Tipperary to collaborate on meaningful, curriculum-aware creative projects.
With clear funding, defined timelines, and strong safeguarding standards, the scheme supports high-quality arts education that benefits pupils, schools, and the wider creative community.
For more information, visit Tipperary County Council.
