Deadline: 18-Jun-2026
The Theatre Bursary Award is designed to give professional theatre artists dedicated time and resources to deepen their creative practice. It supports experimentation, skill development, and the generation of new artistic ideas within the theatre sector.
The program encourages artists to focus on long-term artistic growth rather than production-based outcomes alone.
Key Objectives of the Award
The bursary aims to:
- Support development of professional theatre practice
- Enable research, reflection, and creative experimentation
- Encourage development of new theatre ideas and work
- Strengthen artistic skills and capabilities
- Sustain long-term engagement with theatre-making
- Contribute to the development of theatre arts in Ireland
Eligible Applicants
The award is open to:
- Individual professional theatre practitioners
- Theatre artists based in the Republic of Ireland
- Practitioners actively engaged in professional theatre practice
- Artists recognised by peers as practising professionals
- Non-resident applicants (if they demonstrate benefit to the arts in Ireland)
Applicants must demonstrate a clear professional track record and artistic intent.
Eligibility Conditions and Restrictions
Applicants must note the following conditions:
- Only one Bursary Award application is allowed in 2026
- Applicants cannot apply to more than one bursary category
- Applicants cannot apply to both the Bursary and Agility Awards in the same year
- Applications must align with professional theatre practice criteria
Funding Details
The award provides financial support for artistic development activities:
- Funding range: €5,000 to €20,000
- Duration: 1-year development period
- Purpose: Artistic research, reflection, and creative practice development
Additional Support for Artists with Disabilities
- Artists with disabilities may include additional disability-related access costs
- These costs are assessed separately from the main bursary amount
Eligible Activities
The bursary supports:
- Artistic research and exploration
- Development of new theatre ideas and concepts
- Skill-building and professional development
- Reflective artistic practice
- Experimentation in theatre-making processes
- Continued professional engagement in theatre arts
Assessment Process
Applications are evaluated on a competitive basis by the Arts Council.
Key Assessment Criteria
- Artistic quality of previous work
- Strength and originality of the proposed activity
- Alignment with award objectives and priorities
- Feasibility and clarity of the proposed plan
- Contribution to theatre practice development
Review Process
- Applications reviewed by primary artform team
- Secondary assessment may be conducted if required
- Decisions are made based on available resources and expertise
- Applicants are notified of outcomes via email
Evaluation Focus Areas
Assessment prioritizes:
- Artistic excellence and originality
- Professional track record of the applicant
- Clarity and purpose of proposed artistic development
- Realistic and achievable project design
- Contribution to the broader theatre sector
Why This Award Matters
This bursary is important because it:
- Provides dedicated time for artistic development
- Supports long-term creative growth in theatre practice
- Encourages experimentation and innovation
- Strengthens Ireland’s theatre ecosystem
- Enables artists to deepen their professional practice without production pressure
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Theatre Bursary Award?
- It is a funding program that supports professional theatre practitioners in developing their artistic practice through research and creative exploration.
- Who can apply for the bursary?
- Professional theatre artists based in the Republic of Ireland, or those whose work benefits the arts in Ireland.
- How much funding is available?
- Between €5,000 and €20,000 for a one-year artistic development period.
- Can I apply for more than one award category?
- No, applicants can only submit one bursary application and cannot apply for multiple categories or the Agility Awards in the same year.
- Are artists with disabilities eligible for additional support?
- Yes, they can apply for additional disability-related access costs separately from the main funding amount.
- What is the main purpose of the award?
- To support research, reflection, and development of theatre practice rather than production-focused work.
- How are applications assessed?
- Based on artistic quality, feasibility, alignment with objectives, and overall contribution to theatre practice.
Conclusion
The Theatre Bursary Award Round 2 provides vital support for professional theatre practitioners to explore, research, and develop their artistic practice. By prioritizing artistic quality, experimentation, and long-term growth, the program strengthens both individual careers and the wider theatre ecosystem in Ireland.
For more information, visit The Arts Council.