Deadline: 18-Jun-2026
The English Language Literature Bursary Award supports professional literary writers and picture-book artists by providing funding and dedicated time to research, reflect, create, and strengthen their artistic practice.
The programme supports fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, children’s literature, graphic novels, comics, and picture books. It also includes the Emerging Writer Bursary Award for early-career writers.
Programme Focus Areas
The award supports:
- Fiction writing
- Poetry
- Memoir and essays
- Children’s fiction and Poetry
- Picture books
- Graphic novels and comics
- Creative research and artistic development
The programme aims to help writers and artists focus on:
- Creative exploration
- Writing and artistic production
- Research and reflection
- Long-term literary development
Funding Support
Fixed funding amounts available:
- €20,000
- €15,000
- €10,000
- €7,500 under the Emerging Writer category
Applicants must select one funding amount based on:
- Project scale
- Time commitment
- Career stage and artistic goals
The maximum award available is €20,000.
Special Award Opportunity
Applicants are also considered for:
- The Marten Toonder Bursary Award
This award is offered to the highest-scoring application.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Professional literary writers
- Picture-book artists
- Graphic novelists
- Comic artists
- Spoken word poets
Applicants must:
- Be resident in the Republic of Ireland
- Be recognised as professional practising artists
- Demonstrate professional literary or artistic work
Published work through recognised literary journals or publishers is generally required.
Alternative evidence may be accepted for:
- Picture-book makers
- Comic creators
- Graphic novelists
- Spoken word performers
Applications from individuals outside Ireland may also be considered in certain cases.
Who is Not Eligible?
The programme does not support:
- Screenwriting
- Journalism
- Religious writing
- Academic or instructional writing
- Formal education or coursework funding
- Organisations
- Full-time undergraduate students
- Certain writer-in-residence holders
- Aosdána members receiving a Cnuas
Assessment Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Artistic quality
- Strength of the proposed work
- Professional track record
- Creative ambition
- Feasibility of the proposal
- Alignment with programme objectives
Tips for Applicants
Strong applications should:
- Present a clear literary project
- Demonstrate artistic development goals
- Include realistic creative plans and timelines
- Highlight previous professional achievements
- Explain the significance of the proposed work
Emerging writers should clearly demonstrate creative potential and commitment to literary practice.
FAQ
Who can apply?
Professional literary writers, picture-book artists, comic creators, and spoken word artists.
What funding amounts are available?
Applicants may apply for €20,000, €15,000, €10,000, or €7,500 under the Emerging Writer category.
What genres are supported?
Fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, children’s literature, graphic novels, comics, and picture books.
Is screenwriting eligible?
No. Screenwriting and journalism are not supported under this programme.
What is the Marten Toonder Bursary Award?
It is an additional award given to the highest-scoring application.
Conclusion
The English Language Literature Bursary Award 2026 supports writers and literary artists in Ireland through funding for creative development, research, and artistic practice. By providing dedicated time and financial support, the programme helps strengthen literary creativity and encourages the growth of both emerging and established writers.
For more information, visit The Arts Council.