Call for Nominations: Cavan Arts Project Awards (Ireland)

Deadline: 21-Jan-2026

The Cavan Arts Project Awards 2026 provide grants of up to €4,000 to support ambitious arts projects delivered in County Cavan. Open to artists, arts organisations, and community groups, the awards fund the creation and presentation of high-quality projects across all artforms, with activities to be completed by 31 December 2026.

Overview

The Cavan Arts Project Awards are a competitive funding programme delivered by Cavan Arts and Cavan County Council to support the development and delivery of ambitious arts projects in County Cavan.

The scheme supports both individual artists and collective initiatives, enabling a wide range of creative activity that enriches cultural life, engages communities, and supports professional artistic practice.

Funding may be used to support a single large-scale project or multiple smaller projects or programmes delivered over the course of 2026.

Purpose and Strategic Aims

The Project Awards are designed to:

• Support high-quality arts activity across all disciplines

• Encourage artistic ambition and innovation

• Strengthen local arts organisations and community groups

• Increase access to arts experiences in County Cavan

• Support sustainable artistic practice and collaboration

Supported Artforms and Activities

The awards are open to projects across all artforms.

Supported activities include:

• Events, exhibitions, and performances

• Workshops, seminars, and talks

• Theatre, film, circus, and spectacle

• Concerts, screenings, and presentations

• Youth arts projects

• Arts and health initiatives

• Arts and disability projects

• Biodiversity and environmentally focused arts projects

• Festival-based artworks and installations

• Training and professional development delivery

Funding Levels and Award Bands

Funding is available up to a maximum of €4,000, with limits based on applicant type and career stage.

Community and Voluntary Groups

• Maximum funding: €2,000

• Suitable for community-led and volunteer-driven projects

Emerging and Mid-Stage Artists

• Maximum funding: €3,000

• Suitable for artists developing their practice and profile

Professional Artists

• Maximum funding: €4,000

• Suitable for established practitioners delivering ambitious projects

Funding may support one major project or multiple smaller initiatives delivered throughout the year.

What the Funding Can Be Used For

Eligible uses of funding include:

• Creation and presentation of new artistic work

• Reimagining or re-presenting existing work

• Artist-led projects and collaborations

• Community-focused arts initiatives

• Partnerships with festivals or events in County Cavan

• Costs related to making, producing, and exhibiting work

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

Applicants must be based in County Cavan and include:

• Emerging, mid-stage, or professional artists

• Arts organisations

• Community or voluntary groups

Project Requirements

• Projects must take place in County Cavan

• All funded activities must be completed by 31 December 2026

• Applications must meet all eligibility criteria to be considered

Why These Awards Matter

The Cavan Arts Project Awards play a key role in supporting local creativity.

The programme matters because it:

• Provides accessible funding for ambitious arts activity

• Supports artists and organisations at different career stages

• Encourages cultural participation across communities

• Strengthens Cavan’s artistic and cultural infrastructure

• Enables high-quality work to be created and shared locally

How Applications Are Assessed

Applications are evaluated by an independent assessment panel.

Each application is assessed equally across four criteria:

• Artistic ambition of the proposed project

• Quality and track record or potential of the artist or group

• Feasibility based on planning, resources, and budget

• Benefit and impact for County Cavan

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

• A completed application form

• A short CV of the main artist or artists, or a profile/bio of the applicant organisation or group

• Two samples of previous work (image, audio, video, or links)

• A letter of support from invited artists or festival partners, if applicable

• Confirmation of any other project funding, if applicable

• A projected income and expenditure report (Word or Excel format)

Application Process

1. Define a clear and ambitious project proposal

2. Confirm eligibility and funding limit based on applicant type

3. Prepare a realistic and transparent budget

4. Gather work samples and support letters where required

5. Submit the complete application by the published deadline

Late or ineligible applications will not be considered.

Payment, Acknowledgement, and Conditions

• All grant funding must be drawn down by December 2026

• Successful applicants must acknowledge Cavan Arts and Cavan County Council in all communications

• Official logos must be used on promotional materials

• Awarded amounts may be less than requested

• Applicants are encouraged to seek additional funding from other sources

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for more than the maximum allowed for your category

• Submitting incomplete or unclear budgets

• Failing to demonstrate benefit for County Cavan

• Missing required work samples or support letters

• Submitting after the application deadline

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum funding available?

The maximum grant is €4,000 for professional artists. Other categories have lower caps.

2. Can community groups apply?

Yes. Community and voluntary groups based in County Cavan may apply for up to €2,000.

3. Are multiple projects allowed under one application?

Yes. Funding may support one large project or a number of smaller projects delivered throughout the year.

4. Do projects have to take place in Cavan?

Yes. All funded activities must take place in County Cavan.

5. How are applications assessed?

Applications are assessed equally on artistic ambition, quality or potential, feasibility, and benefit to Cavan.

6. When will applicants be notified?

Applicants are notified approximately six weeks after the closing date.

7. What happens if my application is unsuccessful?

Unsuccessful applications are held on file for one year. Successful applications are retained for five years.

Conclusion

The Cavan Arts Project Awards 2026 provide essential support for artists, organisations, and communities to deliver ambitious, high-quality arts projects in County Cavan.

By funding creation, presentation, and collaboration across all artforms, the awards strengthen cultural participation and artistic excellence throughout the county.

For more information, visit Cavan County Council Arts.