Apply for Creative Production Supports Scheme (Ireland)

Deadline: 11-Dec-2025

The Creative Production Supports (CPS) Scheme provides funding for initiatives that enhance creative producing skills and capacity within the arts in the Republic of Ireland. Grants support independent arts organisations to connect with artists, share expertise, develop productions, and engage in strategic, collaborative, and international opportunities. Funding of up to €480,000 over two years is available for eligible activities that strengthen the creative producing ecosystem.

Overview

The CPS Scheme aims to support high-quality creative producing initiatives across Ireland, helping independent arts organisations enhance their capacity, share skills, and engage with artists and communities. The funding is designed to strengthen strategic planning, professional development, partnerships, and international engagement in the arts sector.

Focus Areas

Eligible activities under the scheme include:

• Supporting artists and producers to reflect on practice and develop ideas

• Creating productions and co-productions

• Maximising partnership and collaboration opportunities

• Enhancing strategic planning and public engagement

• Facilitating mentorship, training, and skill-sharing

• Providing administrative support, access to spaces, equipment, and technical resources

• Accessing expertise from dramaturgs, curators, technicians, and other arts professionals

• Pursuing international collaborations that benefit Irish arts

Funding Details

• Grants of up to €480,000 may be requested for projects running up to 24 months, starting by June 2026.

• Eligible costs include wages, administrative expenses, residencies, documentation, evaluation, and international networking.

• In-kind supports must be financially valued.

• Personal disability access costs may be requested separately; audience access costs must be included in the main budget.

• The scheme does not fund: artistic creation, presentation, competitions, capital expenses, ongoing core costs, or unrelated activities.

Eligible Applicants

• Organisations must demonstrate a proven track record in creative producing.

• Applicants must partner with at least one organisation funded through Arts Council Strategic Funding, Partnership Funding, or Arts Centre Partnership Funding.

• Eligible entities include CLGs, DACs, and partnerships, except those already receiving core strategic or partnership funding.

• Applicants must be resident in the Republic of Ireland or clearly demonstrate how their project benefits Irish arts.

• Organisations without artistic development or production experience cannot apply.

Eligible Artforms

Applicants may focus on single or multiple artforms, including:

• Architecture

• Arts Centres

• Children & Young People’s Arts

• Circus

• Dance

• Festivals

• Film

• Literature

• Multidisciplinary Arts

• Music

• Opera

• Participatory Arts

• Street Performance & Spectacle

• Theatre

• Traditional Arts

• Visual Arts

Application Requirements

Applicants must provide:

• Detailed budget and cost breakdown

• CVs of key personnel

• Evidence of partnerships

• Three to six examples of previous work, with optional visualisations

Note: Missing or ineligible material will not be assessed.

Who Can Apply?

• Arts organisations with creative producing experience

• Must collaborate with at least one funded Arts Council organisation

• Open to applications regardless of gender, sexual orientation, civil or family status, religion, age, disability, race, Traveller community membership, or socio-economic background

Project Duration

• Activities must begin by June 2026

• Maximum project length: 24 months

Conclusion

The CPS Scheme empowers Irish arts organisations to build producing capacity, foster collaboration, and develop impactful projects. With funding up to €480,000, organisations can strengthen strategic planning, mentorship, public engagement, and international links — ultimately enhancing Ireland’s independent arts sector and creative ecosystem.

For more information, visit The Arts Council.