Deadline: 23-Apr-2026
The Agility Award 2026 supports professional artists and arts practitioners in Ireland to develop their creative practice, acquire new skills, and advance their artistic careers. Funding between €1,500 and €5,000 enables developmental activities, mentoring, collaboration, and research, with additional support available for accessibility needs.
About the Award
The Agility Award provides financial support to individual professional artists and arts practitioners who have not received individual funding from the Arts Council since 1 January 2016. The award aims to strengthen artistic practice, explore new ideas, and foster professional growth.
Focus Areas
The award supports activities that:
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Develop or enhance artistic practice
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Build technical, creative, or professional skills
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Explore new approaches or methodologies related to practice
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Research and develop ideas for future artistic presentation
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Collaborate with mentors or partners to enhance creative or professional development
Funding Details
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Funding range: €1,500 to €5,000 per individual
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Additional support for personal disability access costs is available for artists with disabilities
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Funding is intended for developmental and capacity-building activities rather than project production or performance
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Be professional artists or arts practitioners actively pursuing a career in the arts
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Be recognised by peers as practising professionals in their field
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Normally reside in the Republic of Ireland; non-resident applicants may apply if they clearly demonstrate benefits to the Irish arts sector
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Not have received individual Arts Council funding since 1 January 2016
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Work across eligible artforms, including:
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Architecture, circus, dance, film, literature, multidisciplinary arts
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Music, opera, participatory arts, street performance and spectacle
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Traditional arts, theatre, visual arts
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Applicants working across multiple disciplines should apply under multidisciplinary arts
How the Award Supports Artists
The Agility Award helps recipients:
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Strengthen their long-term artistic careers
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Develop new skills and approaches relevant to their practice
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Explore innovative ideas and research for future work
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Gain mentorship and collaborative opportunities to enhance creativity and professional capacity
How to Apply
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Confirm eligibility based on residency, prior funding history, and professional status
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Identify developmental activities that align with your artistic goals
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Prepare a proposal detailing objectives, expected outcomes, and professional impact
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Submit the application via the Arts Council portal
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Include any accessibility requirements if applicable
Why the Award Matters
The Agility Award promotes:
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Artistic growth for individuals contributing to Ireland’s arts ecosystem
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Innovation and skill development across diverse artforms
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Mentorship and collaborative engagement to support sustainable artistic careers
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Inclusion of accessible funding for artists with disabilities
FAQs
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Who can apply? Professional artists or arts practitioners in Ireland who have not received individual Arts Council funding since 2016.
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What funding is available? €1,500–€5,000 per applicant, with additional support for accessibility needs.
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Can non-residents apply? Yes, if they demonstrate how their proposal benefits the Irish arts sector.
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Which artforms are eligible? Architecture, circus, dance, film, literature, music, theatre, visual arts, multidisciplinary and participatory arts, street performance, opera, and traditional arts.
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Is mentorship supported? Yes, collaboration and mentorship are encouraged as part of professional development.
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Can the funding be used for production or performance costs? No, it is intended for developmental and skill-building activities.
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How is eligibility assessed? Based on professional practice, residency, prior funding history, and potential contribution to the arts in Ireland.
Conclusion
The Agility Award 2026 empowers professional artists and arts practitioners to advance their creative practice, explore innovative ideas, and strengthen professional skills. By providing financial and developmental support, the award helps sustain Ireland’s vibrant arts sector and fosters long-term career growth for individual artists across multiple disciplines.
For more information, visit The Arts Council.
