Call for Entries: Arts Festival Award Scheme (Ireland)

Deadline: 05-Feb-2026

The Wicklow County Arts Office is inviting applications for its Arts Festival Award Scheme 2026, supporting the development and programming of arts festivals in County Wicklow. Grants of up to €15,000 are available to festivals that demonstrate artistic merit, professional engagement, audience development, and innovative approaches to festival delivery. Applicants must submit proposals online via Submittable, providing budgets, supporting documentation, and evidence of permissions and prior experience.

Overview

The Arts Festival Award Scheme 2026 aims to support artists, arts participation, and the growth of art forms across County Wicklow. The scheme funds festivals that:

• Produce new artistic work

• Engage professional artists or ensembles

• Develop audiences

• Explore innovative approaches to festival delivery
  The initiative forms part of Wicklow County Council’s strategy to encourage artistic excellence and enhance community involvement in the arts.

Funding Details

• Maximum award: €15,000 per festival

• Subject to: Availability of funds; Wicklow County Council may withhold or divide awards at its discretion

Ineligible Costs and Activities

The following are not eligible for funding:

• Administration costs

• Non-arts festival events or for-profit projects

• Fundraising initiatives or competitive events

• Alcohol, entertainment, hospitality, food, and drink expenses

• Festivals outside County Wicklow

• Excessive insurance costs

• Capital improvements or asset purchases

• Festivals where majority of costs relate to equipment hire

• Projects focused primarily on community activities rather than artistic outcomes

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate:

• A clear and detailed plan for festival development, management, production, and presentation

• Engagement of professional artists or ensembles

• Well-defined project timeline including delivery, promotion, and evaluation

• Audience development strategy for reaching new and existing audiences

• Strong track record in programming, presenting, and producing successful arts festivals

• Artistic merit, distinctive qualities, ambition, and innovation beyond previous iterations

• Festival bank account and constitution or memorandum of association in place

• Necessary permissions, licences, and compliance with relevant legislation, including Child Protection and Garda vetting where applicable

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Online application via Submittable (no emailed or posted applications accepted)

• Budget for 2026

• Income and expenditure account for 2025

• CV and examples of work demonstrating festival track record

• Supporting documentation including any necessary permissions and licences

• Additional documents such as tax clearance and insurance proof if requested

Assessment Process

• Applications assessed by a panel of arts managers, practitioners, curators, producers, and individuals with local knowledge

• Panel evaluates, shortlists, and recommends award recipients for 2026

• Notification of outcomes expected within 6–8 weeks of submission

• Shortlisting may apply

Reporting and Compliance Requirements

Successful applicants must:

• Submit a post-festival report including income and expenditure accounts

• Include audience numbers for both virtual and in-person events

• Provide proof of appropriate insurance

• Comply with Child Protection legislation and Wicklow County Council Garda vetting procedures

• Document the project throughout its lifecycle, including:

  • Evaluation materials

  • Expenditure with proof

  • Visual record of festival activities

  • Evidence of recognition of Wicklow County Council’s financial contribution

Timeline and Submission

• Closing date: Thursday, 5 February 2026 at 4pm

• Submission platform: Online via Submittable

• Applicants must select Arts Festival Award Scheme 2026 and complete all sections, uploading required budgets, accounts, CVs, and examples of work

Why This Scheme Matters

• Supports artistic excellence and festival development across County Wicklow

• Encourages professional artist engagement and audience growth

• Promotes innovative and distinctive festival programming

• Strengthens community participation in the arts while maintaining artistic focus

FAQ

1. What is the maximum grant available? €15,000 per festival.
2. Are festivals outside Wicklow eligible? No, only festivals within County Wicklow are eligible.
3. Can administration or fundraising costs be funded? No, these costs are ineligible.
4. How must applications be submitted? Online via Submittable only.
5. Are consortiums or multiple submissions allowed? Each applicant submits a single application; consortiums are not mentioned.
6. What supporting documents are required? Budget, income/expenditure accounts, CV, work examples, permissions/licenses, and possibly tax clearance and insurance documents.
7. When will applicants be notified? Approximately 6–8 weeks after submission.
8. What post-festival reporting is required? Full report with income/expenditure, audience numbers, visual documentation, evaluation materials, and proof of recognition for funding.

Conclusion

The Arts Festival Award Scheme 2026 provides vital support to festivals in County Wicklow, enabling professional artist engagement, audience development, and innovative artistic programming. By funding well-planned festivals with strong artistic merit, Wicklow County Arts Office encourages excellence, strengthens community participation, and ensures sustainable festival development across the county.

For more information, visit Wicklow County Arts Office.