The Artist Bursary Award provides €150–€2000 in financial support for professional artists living in Mayo to develop new work, research, or training in 2026. It supports all artforms and career stages and is awarded based on artistic merit, project clarity, and potential impact. Applicants must submit a detailed proposal and a single combined PDF through the official portal.

The Artist Bursary Award supports professional artists in Mayo by providing financial assistance to advance their creative practice. It is open to all artforms and career stages, focusing on activities planned for 2026.

What the Artist Bursary Award Offers

The bursary provides financial support for artistic development, new work, research, and training.

Funding Amount

Awards range from €150 to €2000. Payments are made directly to the artist’s bank account. Funding must be used strictly for the proposal’s outlined activities.

What the Bursary Supports

Supports include:

• Creation or presentation of new work

• Research and creative development

• Mentoring and professional guidance

• Production, filming, and recording

• Publishing with recognised publishers

• Short-term training or education courses

Cost Caps and Additional Supports

• Materials, exhibition fees, and software: capped at €300

• Access costs for artists with disabilities: may be supported in addition to the bursary (with documentation)

Ineligible Costs

• Studio rental

• Equipment purchases

• Charity or fundraising activity

• Internships

• Work tied to formal academic study

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all criteria to qualify.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

• Professional artist in any artform

• Emerging, mid-career, or established

• Currently residing in Mayo

• Proposed work relates to 2026 activities

• Ability to provide a full proposal and documents

Supported Artforms

Music, theatre, literature, visual arts, film, dance, performance art, and more.

Important Notes

• New applicants and artists from diverse backgrounds are encouraged.

• Eligibility does not guarantee funding due to competition.

Why This Bursary Matters

The scheme strengthens Mayo’s cultural landscape by enabling artists to:

• Invest in meaningful creative development

• Produce new or experimental work

• Access training and mentorship

• Build sustainable long-term practices

How to Apply

Step 1: Prepare Your Single PDF

Include the following in one clearly labelled file:

1. Artist statement

2. CV

3. Explanation of how funds will be used

4. Examples of previous work

5. Supporting materials

6. Detailed itemised budget

Step 2: Complete the Online Form

Submit through the Consult Portal and upload your single PDF.

Step 3: Postal Submission Option

Allowed only if online submission is not possible.

Step 4: Follow All Rules

• Clearly label all files

• Late or incomplete applications are not accepted

Evaluation Criteria

• Artistic quality and merit

• Track record or emerging potential

• Benefit to the artist’s practice

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting more than one PDF

• Missing or unclear budget

• Including ineligible costs

• No clear connection to 2026 activities

• Unlabelled files

• Weak artistic rationale

• Late submission

FAQ

1. What is the maximum grant amount?

Up to €2000.

2. Can emerging artists apply?

Yes, all career stages are welcome.

3. Do I have to be originally from Mayo?

No, you only need to currently reside in Mayo.

4. Can I buy equipment with the bursary?

No, equipment purchases are ineligible.

5. Are materials and software allowed?

Yes, but capped at €300.

6. Can I upload multiple PDFs?

No, all materials must be combined into one.

7. How competitive is the scheme?

Highly competitive; funding is not guaranteed even for eligible applicants.

Conclusion

The Artist Bursary Award 2026 is a key funding opportunity for Mayo-based artists. With clear guidelines and strong evaluation criteria, a well-prepared proposal can help secure essential support for new work, research, and professional growth. If you need help refining your PDF or proposal, I can assist anytime.