Open Call for Tipperary Artists Program – Ireland

Deadline: 15-Jan-2026

The Tipperary Artists Program 2026, launched by Tipperary County Council, invites professional artists born or based in County Tipperary to deliver creative engagement projects with older people. Funded projects will culminate in a public showcase during May 2026 as part of the Tipperary Bealtaine Festival, with grants ranging from €1,000 to €3,500.

Programme Overview

Tipperary County Council, through the Tipperary Arts Office, has announced the Tipperary Artists Program 2026, an open call supporting artist-led engagement projects with older people across County Tipperary.

The programme is aligned with the Tipperary Bealtaine Festival 2026 and aims to promote creative ageing by supporting high-quality participatory arts projects that actively involve older people as makers, collaborators, and audiences.

Selected projects will run in community or care-based settings and will culminate in a public-facing showcase or event during May 2026.

Programme Goals and Creative Focus

The Arts Office seeks to deepen access to the arts for older people while supporting artists with experience in socially engaged practice.

Key objectives include:

• Supporting creative engagement with older people in meaningful, participant-led ways

• Encouraging older people to act as co-creators rather than passive recipients

• Developing high-quality artistic outcomes rooted in collaboration

• Expanding creative activity in care settings and community-based environments

• Contributing to the broader goals of the Tipperary Bealtaine Festival

Projects should demonstrate artistic integrity, thoughtful engagement, and clear benefits for participants.

Eligible Artforms and Project Types

The open call welcomes proposals across all artforms, including but not limited to:

• Visual arts

• Music and sound

• Theatre and performance

• Dance and movement

• Literature and storytelling

• Film, media, and digital arts

• Interdisciplinary and participatory practices

Projects may take place in a variety of contexts, such as:

• Residential care or day-care settings

• Active retirement groups

• Family resource centres

• Community organisations and local groups

The emphasis is on direct, active engagement with older people throughout the creative process.

Funding and Financial Support

Each selected project will receive financial support based on its scope and reach.

Funding details include:

• Grant amounts ranging from €1,000 to €3,500 per project

• Budgets must include planning, development, delivery, and artist fees

• Approved reporting-related costs should be clearly outlined

• A separate small stipend will be provided for attending a required networking and capacity-building event

Funding levels will reflect the scale, ambition, and geographic reach of each proposal.

Networking and Capacity-Building Event

All successful applicants must attend a dedicated networking and learning event scheduled for February or March 2026.

This event will focus on:

• Creative ageing practices

• Participant-led and socially engaged methodologies

• Evaluation and reflective practice

• Peer learning and knowledge exchange

Attendance is mandatory and supported by an additional stipend.

Who Is Eligible?

The Tipperary Artists Program 2026 is open to:

• Professional artists or artist groups

• Artists born in County Tipperary or currently based in the county

• Practitioners working across any artform

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Previous experience of socially engaged arts practice

• Experience working with older people or organisations that support older people

• Capacity to deliver a well-structured project within the programme timeline

Both individual artists and collaborative teams are welcome to apply.

What Makes a Strong Proposal?

Applications are assessed on artistic quality, engagement depth, and feasibility.

Strong proposals typically demonstrate:

• A clear and compelling project rationale

• A defined engagement plan tailored to older participants

• Identified settings and participant groups

• Realistic timelines and achievable outcomes

• Evidence of prior relevant experience

• Meaningful involvement of older people in creation or presentation

Assessment may also consider geographic balance and artform diversity across County Tipperary.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Applicants must submit a complete application package by the stated deadline.

1. Prepare a detailed written project proposal outlining the concept, rationale, and artistic approach.

2. Clearly describe the engagement activities, methods, timelines, and intended outcomes for participants.

3. Identify the specific setting or community context where the project will take place.

4. Provide details of the planned showcase or final output, including format, location, and audience.

5. Submit a current CV and three examples of relevant previous work demonstrating experience with older people.

6. Clearly mark the application “Tipperary Bealtaine Open Call 2026.”

Incomplete or unclear applications may not be considered.

Key Dates and Timeline

Applicants should note the following important dates.

• Application deadline: 12 noon, Thursday, 15 January 2026

• Assessment period: Early January 2026

• Notification of outcomes: Week beginning Monday, 26 January 2026

• Networking event: February or March 2026

• Public showcase: May 2026 as part of the Tipperary Bealtaine Festival

• Publicity materials due: Monday, 30 March 2026

Obligations for Successful Applicants

Artists selected for funding must comply with programme requirements.

These include:

• Supplying publicity and promotional materials by the specified deadline

• Meeting health and safety standards

• Holding appropriate insurance cover

• Completing Garda vetting where required

• Collaborating with participants on the final showcase presentation

Failure to meet these obligations may affect participation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants are encouraged to avoid the following issues.

• Proposing projects with limited or passive participant involvement

• Failing to identify a specific engagement setting or partner organisation

• Submitting underdeveloped or overly vague project ideas

• Omitting details about the final showcase or audience

• Not demonstrating relevant experience with older people

Clear, well-structured, and participant-focused proposals are more competitive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Tipperary Artists Program 2026?

It is a funding programme supporting artist-led engagement projects with older people, culminating in a showcase during the Tipperary Bealtaine Festival 2026.

Who can apply for this open call?

Professional artists or artist groups born or based in County Tipperary working across any artform.

How much funding is available per project?

Projects may receive between €1,000 and €3,500, depending on scale, scope, and reach.

Do projects need to involve older people directly?

Yes. Older people must be actively involved as participants, co-creators, or audiences, not passive recipients.

Is attendance at the networking event required?

Yes. Attendance at the February or March 2026 networking and capacity-building event is mandatory and supported by a stipend.

What materials must be submitted with the application?

A project proposal, CV, and three examples of previous relevant practice are required.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline for submissions is 12 noon on Thursday, 15 January 2026.

Conclusion

The Tipperary Artists Program 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for professional artists to develop socially engaged, high-quality creative projects with older people across County Tipperary. By combining financial support, professional development, and a public showcase within the Tipperary Bealtaine Festival, the programme strengthens creative ageing initiatives while supporting artists committed to meaningful community-based practice.

For more information, visit Tipperary County Council.