Submissions open for Commissions Award (Ireland)

Deadline: 19-Feb-2026

The Commissions Award supports individual music and opera artists, organisations, and festival organisers to create new work. Funding ranges from €10,000 to €45,000 depending on strand, with a focus on innovative, high-quality projects that reach wide audiences, promote collaboration, and foster artistic growth.

The Commissions Award provides funding to develop new work in music, opera, and multidisciplinary arts. It enables artists, organisations, and festivals to commission original works, expand audiences, and encourage creative collaboration while supporting artistic development and diversity.

Award Strands and Funding

Strand 1 – Artform Commissions (Music & Opera)

• Music: Up to €17,000 per commission

• Opera: Up to €45,000 per commission

• Enables performers, ensembles, promoters, venues, or festivals to commission composers or librettists

• Prioritises Irish composers, innovative presentation methods, and high-quality artistic output

Strand 2 – Cross-Arts-Area Commissions (Festivals)

• Funding up to €10,000 per project

• Supports festivals commissioning work across multiple artforms

• Encourages interdisciplinary experimentation, collaboration, and programming development

• Focuses on artist and organisation growth

Who Can Apply

• Individuals or organisations acting as commissioners

• Must provide artist registration numbers for all commissioned artists

• Funding requests are limited to fees for commissioned artists

• Personal disability access costs are additional, while audience access costs must be included in the core budget

Funding Priorities

The Commissions Award prioritizes projects that:

• Reach wide and diverse audiences

• Foster artistic collaboration and experimentation

• Support artistic growth and professional development

• Promote diverse and inclusive representation

• Deliver high-quality, innovative artistic output

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Completed online application form

• Detailed CVs of commissioned artists

• Supporting materials such as recordings, images, or examples of prior work

• A justified budget for all proposed expenditure and income

Important Notes

• Applications cannot be amended once submitted

• Applications are assessed based on:

  • Artistic merit

  • Alignment with award purpose and priorities

  • Feasibility of the project, including budget, personnel, and resources

• Appeals are allowed only if administration and assessment procedures were not followed or applied fairly

How to Apply

1. Identify a project that aligns with Strand 1 (Music/Opera) or Strand 2 (Cross-Arts Festival)

2. Prepare:

   • Project description and objectives

   • Artist registration details

   • Detailed budget and justification

   • Supporting material (CVs, prior work examples)

3. Submit the application online via the Arts Council portal

4. Await written notification of outcome; successful applicants receive a letter of offer

Tips for a Strong Application

• Emphasize innovation and high artistic quality

• Demonstrate impact on audiences and community engagement

• Show evidence of collaboration and professional development

• Include a clear, justified budget for artist fees and project resources

• Highlight alignment with strand priorities and Irish cultural contribution

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What types of projects are eligible?

New work in music, opera, or cross-arts projects that demonstrate innovation and artistic merit.

2. Who can act as a commissioner?

Individuals or organisations commissioning artists; must provide artist registration numbers.

3. How much funding is available?

• Strand 1: €17,000 (Music) or €45,000 (Opera)

• Strand 2: Up to €10,000 (Festivals)

• Additional personal disability access costs may be funded beyond these limits

4. Can funding cover administrative costs?

No. Funding is limited to fees for commissioned artists; administrative and operational costs must be managed separately.

5. Are applications amendable after submission?

No. Once submitted, applications cannot be modified.

6. How is the application assessed?

By artistic merit, alignment with award priorities, and project feasibility, including budget and resources.

7. Can applicants appeal a decision?

Yes, but only if the administration or assessment procedures were not applied fairly.

Conclusion

The Commissions Award is a key opportunity for artists, organisations, and festivals to develop innovative music, opera, and cross-arts projects. By funding high-quality commissions, the program supports creative growth, collaboration, audience engagement, and professional development, contributing to a vibrant and diverse artistic landscape.

For more information, visit The Arts Council.