Deadline: 26-Nov-2025
The Limerick City and County Council has launched the 2026 Arts Act Grant Scheme, a funding initiative designed to enhance the city’s cultural landscape and support the continued growth of its creative community.
The programme reflects Limerick’s long-term vision for culture and creativity, aligning with key strategies such as the Arts Council’s Making Great Art Work plan, the Limerick Culture and Creativity Strategy 2023–2027, the Mayoral Programme More for Limerick 2024–2029, and the Limerick Cultural Strategy – A Framework 2016–2030.
The scheme’s purpose is to strengthen Limerick’s cultural capacity by encouraging creative practitioners to live and work in the city, fostering innovation through artistic collaboration, and promoting imaginative projects that reimagine Limerick for residents and visitors alike. It also aims to engage the wider public through participation in cultural activities, ensuring that creativity remains a central part of community life.
A total fund of €20,000 has been allocated for the 2026 scheme. Typical awards will range between €150 and €500, while exceptional projects may receive up to €1,000. This funding is designed to support projects at all stages of development, from early research and planning to full-scale delivery. Applicants are permitted to submit one application per year under the scheme.
The opportunity is open to community and voluntary organisations, artists, creative practitioners, and arts organisations based in or operating within Limerick City and County. It welcomes applications from artists at all stages of their professional careers, supporting both emerging and established creators. However, undergraduate and postgraduate students in full-time education are not eligible to apply.
While the scheme supports a wide range of creative endeavours, certain costs are ineligible. These include non-artistic activities such as sports or tourism, academic courses unrelated to professional arts practice, fundraisers, duplicate funding requests, and retrospective activities unless specifically advised by the Limerick Arts Office. The fund also excludes capital costs like instruments, uniforms, or building improvements, as well as expenses for alcohol, fines, legal fees, and insurance. Educational programmes at primary, secondary, or undergraduate levels, and non-professional arts courses, are similarly excluded.
By offering targeted financial support, the 2026 Arts Act Grant Scheme continues Limerick’s commitment to nurturing creativity, innovation, and community engagement. It provides a valuable opportunity for local artists and organisations to bring new ideas to life and contribute to Limerick’s growing reputation as a leading cultural centre in Ireland.
For more information, visit Limerick City and County Council.
