Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
Limerick City and County Council has launched the 2026 Strategic Fund for Culture and Arts Scheme to support artists, creative practitioners, and cultural organisations in Limerick. The scheme provides top-up funding for applicants who have already secured support from national or international funding bodies.
Purpose of the Scheme
The fund aims to:
- Grow Limerick’s cultural capacity
- Retain and attract creative practitioners to the region
- Expand creative infrastructure and resources
- Support large-scale performances, festivals, and productions
- Encourage innovative creative collectives in Limerick
Funding Available
Applicants can receive:
- 10% of the grant already awarded by another recognised funding body
- Maximum top-up funding: €5,000
This support is designed to increase the total value of external funding brought into Limerick’s creative sector.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
Applicants must:
- Be based in Limerick, or
- Operate substantially in Limerick city or county, or
- Deliver a relevant cultural or creative programme in the area
A key requirement is that applicants must have already received an offer of funding from a recognised national or international funding body before applying.
What is Not Funded?
The scheme does not support:
- Sport, tourism, or general recreation activities
- Projects already funded by Limerick Arts Office
- Charity fundraisers
- Ongoing operational costs
- Loans or deficits
- Alcohol
- Fines or penalty payments
- Legal costs
- Insurance expenses
Why This Fund Matters
This scheme is valuable because it helps:
- Strengthen Limerick’s arts and culture ecosystem
- Leverage external funding into the local creative economy
- Support professional and emerging creatives
- Build long-term cultural infrastructure and capacity
FAQ
1. What is the Limerick Strategic Fund for Culture and Arts Scheme 2026?
It is a top-up grant scheme for creatives and arts organisations in Limerick that have already secured external funding.
2. How much funding is available?
The scheme offers 10% of the awarded grant, up to a maximum of €5,000.
3. Do I need to already have another grant?
Yes. You must have already received an offer of funding from a recognised funding body before applying.
4. Who can apply?
Artists, creative practitioners, arts organisations, and community/voluntary groups working in Limerick.
5. Are tourism or sports projects eligible?
No. The fund only supports cultural and creative activities.
6. Can projects already funded by Limerick Arts Office apply?
No. Those projects are not eligible to avoid duplication of funding.
Conclusion
The 2026 Strategic Fund for Culture and Arts Scheme is a useful opportunity for creatives in Limerick who already have external funding and need additional support. With up to €5,000 in top-up funding, the scheme helps strengthen the local cultural sector and encourages more ambitious creative work in the region.
For more information, visit Limerick City and County Council.