Deadline: 18-Jun-2026
Applications are now open for the Multidisciplinary Arts Bursary Award Programme, which supports professional artists and arts practitioners in Ireland working across multiple artforms.
The programme provides funding for artistic development, research, collaboration, skills development, and creative exploration within multidisciplinary arts practice.
Programme Focus Areas
The award supports multidisciplinary artistic practice that combines two or more artforms equally.
Supported activities include:
- Artistic research and development
- Exploring new creative ideas
- Skills development and technical training
- Learning new artistic techniques
- Working with mentors and collaborators
- Strengthening multidisciplinary practice
Artists whose work mainly focuses on one artform are encouraged to apply under the relevant single-artform category instead.
Funding Support
Applicants may request:
- Between €5,000 and €20,000
Applications outside this range are ineligible.
Artists with disabilities may also apply for:
- Additional personal disability access costs
These costs are assessed separately from the main funding request.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Professional multidisciplinary artists
- Arts practitioners working across multiple artforms
- Multidisciplinary curators
- Creative producers
- Arts programmers
Applicants must:
- Be based in the Republic of Ireland
- Be actively engaged in multidisciplinary practice
- Consider their artistic practice their main profession
Applicants outside Ireland may apply if they clearly demonstrate benefits to the arts sector in Ireland.
Important Eligibility Rules
Applicants:
- May submit only one Bursary Award application in 2026
- Cannot apply to multiple bursary categories
- Cannot apply for both the Bursary and Agility Awards in the same year
Assessment Process
Applications are assessed by the Arts Council based on:
- Artistic quality
- Feasibility of the proposal
- Alignment with programme objectives
- Applicant’s professional track record
- Supporting materials and artistic ambition
- Relevance within multidisciplinary arts practice
Assessment may also consider:
- Mentors involved
- Collaborators and partner organisations
Applicants are notified of outcomes by email.
Tips for Applicants
Strong applications should:
- Clearly explain the multidisciplinary nature of the work
- Demonstrate artistic development goals
- Include realistic timelines and activities
- Highlight collaboration or mentorship opportunities
- Show professional experience and creative ambition
FAQ
Who can apply?
Professional multidisciplinary artists and arts practitioners working across two or more artforms.
How much funding is available?
Applicants may request between €5,000 and €20,000.
Can curators and producers apply?
Yes. Multidisciplinary curators, programmers, and creative producers are eligible.
Are disability support costs covered?
Yes. Additional disability access costs may be requested separately.
Can applicants apply to multiple bursary programmes?
No. Only one bursary application may be submitted in 2026.
Conclusion
The Multidisciplinary Arts Bursary Award Programme 2026 supports artists and practitioners exploring creative work across multiple disciplines. Through funding for research, collaboration, and professional development, the programme helps strengthen multidisciplinary artistic practice and encourages innovative creative work in Ireland.
For more information, visit The Arts Council.