Deadline: 23-Jul-2026
The Dance Project Award 2027 is a funding programme supporting professional dance projects in Ireland by individual artists and organisations. It provides up to €100,000 to support the creation, production, and presentation of ambitious dance works. Selection is based on artistic quality, feasibility, audience engagement, and production value.
Dance Project Award 2027
The Dance Project Award 2027 is a funding opportunity designed to support the development and delivery of high-quality professional dance projects in Ireland. It enables artists and organisations to create ambitious dance works, expand audience engagement, and strengthen employment opportunities within the professional dance sector.
The award also supports collaboration, partnerships, and the presentation of work through venues, festivals, and artistic networks.
Purpose of the Award
The main goals of the Dance Project Award 2027 include:
- Supporting the creation of professional dance works
- Encouraging artistic ambition and innovation
- Expanding audiences for dance in Ireland
- Strengthening employment for freelance dance artists
- Supporting collaborations and partnerships
- Enabling presentation across multiple platforms
Key Focus Areas
Artistic Development
- Creation of original professional dance work
- High artistic ambition and originality
- Strong choreographic and performance quality
Production and Presentation
- Professional production standards
- Delivery through venues, festivals, or touring networks
- Projects designed for public presentation
Audience Engagement
- Strategies for audience development
- Public engagement activities
- Outreach through performances or events
Collaboration and Partnerships
- Multi-artist or organisation collaboration
- Partnerships with venues, producers, or festivals
- Cross-sector artistic cooperation
Funding Details
Award Value
- Up to €100,000 depending on project scale and scope
Eligible Costs
- Artistic fees
- Production costs
- Technical and staging expenses
- Other direct project delivery costs
Project Type
- Stand-alone, clearly defined projects
- Fixed timeframe for delivery
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
- Professional individual dance artists
- Arts organisations working in dance
Location Requirement
Applicants must:
- Be based in the Republic of Ireland, or
- Demonstrate clear benefit to the Irish arts sector
Capacity Requirement
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Ability to deliver a professional dance project
- Clear production and delivery planning
- Relevant experience or collaborative support
Partnership Applications
- Allowed and encouraged
- Can include multiple collaborators or organisations
- Must clearly define roles and responsibilities
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a proposal that includes:
- Artistic concept and vision
- Detailed project delivery plan
- Production and presentation strategy
- Audience engagement approach
- Partnership or collaboration details (if applicable)
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
Artistic Quality
- Creativity and originality
- Choreographic and performance strength
Ambition and Vision
- Scale and innovation of the project
- Long-term artistic value
Feasibility
- Practical delivery plan
- Budget realism and clarity
- Capacity of team or collaborators
Audience Engagement
- Ability to reach and develop audiences
- Public presentation strategy
Production Quality
- Technical and logistical strength
- Professional delivery standards
Partnerships
- Strength and relevance of collaborations
- Contribution of partners to project success
How the Award Works
Step 1: Prepare Proposal
Develop a clear artistic concept and project plan
Step 2: Build Budget and Timeline
Include realistic costs and delivery schedule
Step 3: Define Collaborations
Identify partners, venues, or networks (if applicable)
Step 4: Submit Application
Submit complete application before deadline
Step 5: Evaluation Process
Applications are reviewed based on artistic and practical criteria
Step 6: Notification
- Successful applicants are notified by email
- All applicants receive final outcome information
Why This Award Matters
The Dance Project Award 2027 supports:
- Growth of professional dance in Ireland
- Development of new choreographic work
- Employment opportunities for freelance artists
- Stronger cultural and artistic networks
- Increased access to high-quality dance performances
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak or unclear artistic concept
- Unrealistic budgets or timelines
- Lack of audience engagement strategy
- Missing collaboration details where relevant
- Poorly defined production plan
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define your artistic vision
- Show how the project engages audiences
- Demonstrate professional production planning
- Highlight strong partnerships or collaborators
- Ensure feasibility and clarity in budgeting
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Dance Project Award 2027?
It is a funding programme supporting professional dance projects in Ireland, enabling creation and presentation of new works.
How much funding is available?
Up to €100,000 depending on project size and scope.
Who can apply?
Professional individual dance artists and organisations based in or benefiting the Republic of Ireland.
What kind of projects are supported?
Professional dance creation, production, and presentation projects with strong artistic and audience engagement components.
Can collaborations be included?
Yes, partnerships with other artists or organisations are encouraged and allowed.
What costs are eligible?
Artistic fees, production expenses, and other costs directly related to delivering the project.
How are applications assessed?
Based on artistic quality, ambition, feasibility, audience engagement, production quality, and partnerships.
Conclusion
The Dance Project Award 2027 provides significant funding support for professional dance creation and presentation in Ireland. It prioritises artistic excellence, strong production planning, and meaningful audience engagement, making it a key opportunity for dance artists and organisations seeking to develop ambitious new work.
For more information, visit The Arts Council.
