Apply for Artist and Community Collaboration Award Scheme (Ireland)

Deadline: 05-Feb-2026

The Wicklow County Arts Office Artist and Community Collaboration Award Scheme provides up to €5,000 to support collaborative arts projects between professional artists and community groups based in County Wicklow. The scheme focuses on high-quality artistic collaboration, creative development, and meaningful community engagement across a wide range of art forms. Funding supports research, production, or delivery of new arts projects taking place in Wicklow in 2026.

The Artist and Community Collaboration Award Scheme is a funding initiative run by the Wicklow County Arts Office to support collaborative arts projects between professional artists and communities of place or interest within County Wicklow.

The scheme is designed to strengthen arts participation, encourage artistic innovation, and foster long-term relationships between artists and communities through structured, high-quality creative projects.

What Is the Artist and Community Collaboration Award Scheme?

This award supports partnerships where artists and community groups work together to develop and deliver an arts project or programme.

Projects can focus on any artistic discipline or genre, provided they demonstrate meaningful collaboration, shared creative development, and clear benefits for both the artist and the community.

Funding can support either early-stage research and development or the full production and delivery of a new arts initiative in 2026.

Core Objectives of the Scheme

The scheme aims to strengthen collaborative arts practice across County Wicklow.

Key Objectives

• Facilitate genuine partnerships between artists and communities

• Support creative growth for both artists and participants

• Encourage experimentation, innovation, and new ways of working

• Resource collaborative artistic practice at local level

• Develop high-quality arts projects and programmes

• Increase arts participation across communities of place and interest

Eligible Art Forms

Applications are welcomed from a wide range of artistic disciplines.

Supported Art Forms Include

• Visual arts

• Music

• Film and animation

• Theatre and drama

• Dance and performance

• Literature and storytelling

• Architecture and design

• Circus and traditional arts

• Interdisciplinary and cross-art-form practices

Funding Amount and What It Can Support

Maximum Grant Available

• Up to €5,000 per successful application

Eligible Project Phases

Funding may be used to support:

• Research and development of a planned initiative

• Production or realisation of a new arts project or programme

• Collaborative creative processes leading to public or community outcomes

Projects must be delivered within County Wicklow and completed within the approved timeframe in 2026.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Applications must be made jointly by a professional artist and a community group.

Eligible Applicants

• Professional artists working in any art form

• Community groups based in County Wicklow

• Communities of place or communities of interest

Key Eligibility Requirements

• The community group must be based in County Wicklow

• The project must take place within County Wicklow

• The artist and community must have already agreed to collaborate

• Written confirmation of commitment from all partners is required

• The lead applicant must have a bank account to receive and manage funds

Ineligible Costs and Project Types

Certain costs and activities are not supported under this scheme.

Ineligible Items Include

• For-profit or fundraising projects

• Deficits or start-up costs

• Hospitality or catering expenses

• Projects mainly delivered outside County Wicklow

• Excessive insurance costs

• Capital purchases

• Proposals where most costs relate to equipment hire

• Projects dominated by administrative overheads

How Applications Are Assessed

Applications are assessed by a panel with broad artistic and community expertise.

Assessment Panel Composition

• Arts managers and practitioners

• Curators and producers

• Individuals with artistic and community expertise

• Members with relevant local knowledge

Applications may be shortlisted, and all awards are subject to funding availability and the discretion of Wicklow County Council.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the Submittable platform.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Identify a professional artist and a community partner

2. Develop a clear collaborative project proposal

3. Secure written confirmation from all collaborators

4. Prepare a detailed project budget outlining income and expenditure

5. Gather all required supporting documentation

6. Submit the complete application via Submittable before the deadline

Incomplete, late, emailed, or posted applications will not be accepted.

Budget and Financial Requirements

Applicants must provide a clear and realistic budget.

Budget Expectations

• Full breakdown of projected income and expenditure

• Evidence of funding from other sources is encouraged

• The lead applicant is responsible for managing all project finances

• Payments to artists and suppliers must be properly administered

Facilities and Practical Requirements

Projects must have access to appropriate facilities.

Required Facilities

• Suitable spaces to deliver the project

• Basic amenities necessary for participants and artists

• Any required permissions or licences must be secured before submission

Reporting and Acknowledgement Requirements

Successful applicants must meet reporting and crediting obligations.

Post-Project Requirements

• Submission of a final evaluation report

• Detailed income and expenditure account with receipts

• Visual or video documentation of the project

• Acknowledgement of Wicklow County Council and the Arts Council in all publicity

Any changes to the approved project must receive prior approval.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid the following issues.

• Applying without confirmed community collaboration

• Submitting incomplete applications

• Including ineligible costs in the budget

• Proposing projects outside County Wicklow

• Failing to demonstrate meaningful collaboration

• Missing required documentation or permissions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the maximum funding available?

The maximum award is €5,000 per project.

Who can apply for the scheme?

Professional artists and community groups based in County Wicklow working in partnership.

Can the funding support research only?

Yes. Funding may support research and development or full production of a project.

Are projects outside Wicklow eligible?

No. Projects must take place within County Wicklow.

Is match funding required?

Match funding is not mandatory, but evidence of additional funding will be viewed positively.

How must applications be submitted?

All applications must be submitted online via Submittable.

What is the application deadline?

The closing date is Thursday, 5 February 2026 at 4:00 pm.

Conclusion

The Wicklow County Arts Office Artist and Community Collaboration Award Scheme provides targeted funding to support creative partnerships that strengthen arts participation and innovation at local level.

For more information, visit Wicklow County Arts Office.