Applications open for Elevate Arts Grant Program in Ireland

Deadline: 09-Mar-2026

The Elevate Arts Grant Program (2026) from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council supports professional artists working in socially engaged and inclusive arts practice with disabled people. Artists living or working in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County can apply for up to €3,500 to develop collaborative, community-based, and disability-inclusive arts practice between July and December 2026.

Program Overview

The Elevate Arts Grant Program is designed to support professional artists engaged in socially engaged and collaborative arts practice, particularly with disabled people of all ages.

The program aims to:

• Strengthen inclusive arts methodologies

• Support long-term community collaboration

• Encourage debate, creativity, and social interaction

• Build inclusive arts capacity within Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County

Funding supports professional development and research activities that deepen artists’ ability to work inclusively.

Grant Amount and Timeline

• Maximum grant: €3,500

• Activity period: July to December 2026

• Geographic focus: Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County (Ireland)

Artists may apply for both Elevate 2026 Arts Grants, but only one grant may be awarded per artist if demand is high.

Focus Areas

Projects must align with one or more of the following:

• Socially engaged arts practice

• Collaborative arts methodologies

• Inclusive and disability-led creative approaches

• Professional development in inclusive arts

• Community-based artistic engagement

• Strengthening arts practice within Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

Priority is given to artists who:

• Have experience working with disabled people

• Demonstrate strong commitment to inclusive practice

• Champion accessibility and creativity

• Identify clear community collaboration plans

Applications from disabled artists are strongly welcomed.

Develop Your Practice Strand

The Develop Your Practice strand focuses specifically on professional growth.

It supports:

• Research and development time

• Mentorship from experienced practitioners

• Engagement with disability-sector experts

• Building relationships with community partners

• Exploring inclusive and accessible methodologies

The purpose is to improve artists’ skills in working collaboratively and inclusively.

Eligible Costs

Applicants may request up to €3,500 to cover:

• Artist fees

• Professional mentor or expert fees

• Research and development time

• Access costs

• Materials

• Equipment hire

• Refreshments

• Community engagement expenses

Budgets must be:

• Clearly itemised

• Transparent

• Directly linked to proposed activities

Ineligible Costs

The grant does not support:

• Activities funded by the Council in the past 12 months

• Building or construction programs

• Third-party grants or loans

• Charity fundraising events

• Capital equipment purchases

• Hire of Council premises

• International travel

• Third-level education

Non-compliant expenses may lead to disqualification.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be professional artists

• Live or work in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County

• Demonstrate experience or clear interest in working with disabled people

• Propose activities occurring between July and December 2026

Professional artists may work across disciplines, including visual arts, theatre, music, dance, film, literature, or interdisciplinary practice.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

1. Experience and Commitment

• Previous socially engaged work

• Experience working with disabled people (or clear demonstrated interest)

2. Contribution to Inclusive Arts Practice

• Potential to strengthen inclusive methodologies

• Impact within Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

3. Quality and Clarity

• Clear project rationale

• Realistic timeline

• Feasible budget

• Well-articulated outcomes

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

• A CV detailing socially engaged or collaborative arts experience

• Evidence of work with disabled people (if applicable)

• A one-page written statement OR short video outlining:

  • Proposed activity

  • Goals

  • How the grant will strengthen practice

• Confirmation of interest from identified collaborators

• A clear, itemised budget

Late applications will not be accepted.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure you:

• Live or work in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

• Meet the definition of a professional artist

• Propose activity within the July–December 2026 timeframe

Step 2: Define Your Inclusive Practice Plan

Clearly describe:

• Who you will collaborate with

• How disabled people are included

• What methodologies you will explore

• What professional development outcomes you seek

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Include:

• Updated CV

• Written or video proposal

• Letters or confirmations from collaborators

• Detailed budget

Step 4: Submit Before Deadline

Ensure all materials are complete and submitted on time.

Post-Award Requirements

Successful artists must:

• Keep the Arts Office informed of progress

• Report challenges or changes

• Submit a final report

• Provide receipts or invoices

• Participate in knowledge-sharing events (optional, paid opportunity)

Transparency and accountability are required.

Why This Grant Matters

Inclusive arts practice:

• Expands creative participation

• Breaks down accessibility barriers

• Strengthens community engagement

• Promotes cultural equity

By investing in socially engaged and disability-inclusive practice, this program strengthens the cultural ecosystem of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and supports long-term inclusive artistic development.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting vague proposals without clear outcomes

• Failing to demonstrate inclusive methodology

• Providing incomplete budgets

• Not securing collaborator confirmation

• Proposing ineligible costs

• Missing the deadline

Strong applications are clear, realistic, and community-focused.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much funding can I request?

You may apply for up to €3,500.

2. Who can apply?

Professional artists living or working in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County.

3. Do I need experience working with disabled people?

Experience is preferred, but a strong demonstrated commitment to inclusive practice is acceptable.

4. Can disabled artists apply?

Yes. Applications from disabled artists are welcomed and encouraged.

5. Can I apply for both Elevate 2026 grants?

Yes, but if applications are high, only one grant may be awarded per artist.

6. Are capital equipment purchases allowed?

No. Capital equipment is not eligible for funding.

7. What happens after I receive funding?

You must report progress, submit a final report with receipts, and may be invited to share your experience at a future event.

Conclusion

The Elevate Arts Grant Program 2026 from Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council provides targeted support for professional artists developing inclusive, socially engaged practice with disabled people.

With grants of up to €3,500, the program strengthens collaborative arts methodologies, promotes accessibility, and builds sustainable inclusive arts capacity in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County. Artists committed to community engagement and disability-inclusive practice are strongly encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit Comhairle Contae County Council.