Deadline: 24-Feb-2026
dlr Creative Ireland Project Funding supports not-for-profit arts organisations, groups, and individual creatives to deliver projects that strengthen Creative Communities in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. The scheme funds high-quality, community-focused creative initiatives aligned with the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Culture and Creativity Strategy 2023–2027, with grants of up to €6,000 for activities taking place between May and October 2026.
Overview
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has opened applications for dlr Creative Ireland Project Funding to support arts and cultural programmes that build, strengthen, and develop Creative Communities across the county.
The funding is part of the Creative Ireland programme and is delivered locally through Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, with a strong focus on community participation, collaboration, and creativity as a driver of wellbeing and social connection.
Purpose and Strategic Alignment
The primary purpose of this funding is to support creativity in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown through projects and initiatives that align with the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Culture and Creativity Strategy 2023–2027.
Funded activities are expected to empower people to work together creatively, contributing to positive social, cultural, and environmental outcomes within local communities.
Who Can Apply
Eligible Applicants
Applications are open to not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations, groups, and individual creative practitioners, including but not limited to:
Theatres and galleries
Choirs and music groups
Artist studios and artist collectives
Theatre, music, dance, circus, and spectacle companies
Amateur dramatic and musical societies
Individual artists and creative practitioners
Applicants based outside Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown may also apply, provided the proposed programme or initiative has a clear and significant impact on Creative Communities within the county.
Eligibility Conditions
Applicants must:
Be not-for-profit organisations, groups, or individual creatives
Submit only one application per applicant operating in or delivering a programme within the county
Demonstrate capacity to deliver high-quality creative work
Show evidence of financial sustainability
Supported Projects and Activities
dlr Creative Ireland Project Funding supports projects, events, and capacity-building initiatives that contribute to the development of local creative communities.
Eligible projects must take place within Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and actively engage communities through creative practice, participation, and collaboration.
Projects should clearly demonstrate alignment with the objectives of Creative Ireland and the county’s Culture and Creativity Strategy.
Funding Amount and Timeline
The total funding available under this scheme is €25,000.
Individual applicants may apply for funding of up to a maximum of €6,000.
Funded activities must take place between May and October 2026.
Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in March 2026.
Assessment Criteria
Applications will be assessed based on:
Quality and ambition of the proposed creative work
Contribution to Creative Communities in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown
Alignment with the Culture and Creativity Strategy 2023–2027
Financial sustainability and realistic budgeting
Strength of partnerships and collaborations, where applicable
Availability of match funding, where relevant
What the Funding Does Not Support
The scheme does not provide funding for:
Capital building or infrastructure programmes
Third-party grant making
Loan repayment or deficit cover
Commercially viable or profit-generating projects
Charity fundraising events
Hire fees for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council premises
Projects submitted by employees of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council
Key Conditions and Limitations
Only one application will be accepted per eligible applicant operating in or delivering a programme within the county.
Projects must be clearly defined, time-bound, and achievable within the funding period.
Applicants must demonstrate appropriate governance, planning, and delivery capacity.
Why This Funding Matters
dlr Creative Ireland Project Funding plays a vital role in strengthening local creative ecosystems by:
Supporting community-led cultural activity
Encouraging collaboration and partnerships
Expanding access to creative participation
Enhancing wellbeing through arts and culture
Embedding creativity in everyday community life
Tips for a Strong Application
Clearly show how the project benefits Creative Communities
Demonstrate alignment with county and national creativity strategies
Provide a realistic and well-structured budget
Highlight partnerships and collaborative approaches
Explain how the project will be delivered and managed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is dlr Creative Ireland Project Funding?
It is project-based funding supporting arts and cultural initiatives that develop Creative Communities in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.
Who can apply for this funding?
Not-for-profit arts organisations, groups, and individual creatives, including those based outside the county if their project impacts local communities.
How much funding can I apply for?
Applicants may request up to €6,000 per project.
When must projects take place?
All funded activities must occur between May and October 2026.
Are commercial projects eligible?
No. The scheme does not support commercially viable projects or fundraising activities.
Conclusion
dlr Creative Ireland Project Funding offers an important opportunity for artists, organisations, and creative groups to deliver impactful, community-focused projects in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown.
By investing in creativity, collaboration, and participation, the scheme helps build stronger, more connected Creative Communities across the county.
For more information, visit Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.