Elevate 2026: Creating Inclusive Opportunities for Disabled Artists and Communities (Ireland)

The Elevate Grant Programme supports inclusive, socially engaged arts projects created collaboratively by disabled people and professional artists in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County.

The programme aligns with the County Arts Plan Creating with Communities and aims to increase arts participation by disabled people while removing barriers to creative engagement.

Funding Amount

• Up to €5,000 per project

• Supports activities taking place from July to December 2026

• Typically one grant per artist and per service (subject to application volume)

Purpose of the Programme

The Elevate Grant Programme focuses on:

• Creating inclusive opportunities in the arts

• Removing barriers to participation for disabled people

• Supporting socially engaged and collaborative arts practice

• Encouraging creativity and meaningful inclusion

• Increasing participation by disabled people within the County

The initiative prioritises collaborative processes and community engagement rather than one-off events.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to:

• Professional artists

• Disability services

• Groups of disabled people (minimum of four participants)

Applicants must:

• Live, work, or meet within Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County

• Confirm they have read and meet the General Grant Scheme Guidelines

If there is a high number of applications, funding is generally limited to one grant per artist and one per service.

Project Requirements

Projects must:

• Be socially engaged or collaborative in nature

• Involve disabled participants of any age

• Be developed over a defined period

• Demonstrate active collaboration between artist and participants

Priority is given to:

• Artists with experience working with disabled people

• Artists showing a strong interest in inclusive practice

• Projects with clear community benefit and quality planning

Eligible Costs

The grant may cover:

• Artist fees

• Costs related to delivering the arts project

• Access and support costs enabling participation

• Fees for additional professionals (e.g., photographers)

• Other project-related expenses

Ineligible Costs

Funding does not support:

• Activities funded by the Council within the previous 12 months

• Projects outside Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County

• Building programmes or capital works

• Third-party grants

• Capital equipment purchases

• Loans

• Charity fundraising events

• Hire of Council premises

• International travel

• Third-level education

• Late applications

Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Artist’s experience or interest in working with disabled people

• The project’s ability to increase arts practice for and with disabled people

• Overall quality, clarity, and feasibility of the proposal

Successful applicants must:

• Keep the Arts Office informed throughout the project

• Submit a final report with receipts/invoices

• Provide honest feedback

• Potentially share their experience in future learning events (with additional fee provided)

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• CV(s) outlining relevant experience in socially engaged or collaborative arts

• Evidence of any previous work with disabled people (if applicable)

• A clear written project outline or short video explaining:

  • The project plan

  • How the grant will be used

• Confirmation of interest from the participating group or disability service

• A detailed budget

• Two examples of previous relevant work

Incomplete applications or late submissions will not be accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible to apply?

Professional artists, disability services, or groups of at least four disabled participants based in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County.

2. What is the maximum funding available?

Up to €5,000 per project.

3. Can the grant cover access support costs?

Yes. Access and participation support costs are eligible.

4. Are capital equipment purchases allowed?

No. Capital equipment and building programmes are not supported.

5. Can I apply if I received Council funding recently?

Projects funded by the Council in the previous 12 months are not eligible.

6. What time period must the project take place in?

Projects must run between July and December 2026.

Conclusion

The Elevate Grant Programme offers an important opportunity to strengthen inclusive arts practice in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County. By funding collaborative projects between disabled people and professional artists, the initiative promotes accessibility, creativity, and meaningful community engagement.

With funding of up to €5,000, the programme supports socially engaged arts practice that removes barriers and fosters participation. Artists and disability groups committed to inclusive, high-quality creative work are encouraged to apply and contribute to a more accessible and vibrant arts landscape within the County.