Deadline: 10-Sep-2026
Comhairle Contae County Council is inviting professional artists to apply for a €23,000 artist commission to co-create a unique creative project with young people aged 16–18 years as part of Cruinniú na nÓg 2027. The selected artist(s) will collaborate with young participants from October 2026 to May 2027, culminating in a public celebration during Cruinniú na nÓg in June 2027.
Cruinniú na nÓg 2027 Artist Commission
The Cruinniú na nÓg 2027 Artist Commission offers professional artists an opportunity to design and deliver an innovative arts project with young people aged 16 to 18. The commission encourages collaborative, youth-led creativity while fostering artistic expression, community engagement, and creative learning.
Artists will work closely with young participants and support staff to develop an original artistic experience that reflects the interests, ideas, and talents of the participants. The project will conclude with a local public celebration as part of the national Cruinniú na nÓg 2027 festivities.
Program Overview
Program Name: Cruinniú na nÓg 2027 Artist Commission
Organized By: Comhairle Contae County Council
Program Type: Artist Commission
Commission Value: €23,000
Eligible Applicants: Professional artists
Participant Age Group: Young people aged 16–18 years
Project Duration: October 2026 – May 2027
Final Celebration: One of the first Saturdays in June 2027 (expected on 5 or 12 June)
Program Objectives
The commission aims to:
- Create meaningful artistic experiences with and for young people.
- Encourage youth participation in creative and cultural activities.
- Foster collaboration between artists, young participants, and support staff.
- Explore innovative uses of creative spaces and available resources.
- Celebrate young people’s creativity through a community event.
- Support artistic experimentation and collaborative learning.
Focus Areas
The commission supports projects that:
- Engage young people in collaborative art-making.
- Develop original creative experiences.
- Explore multidisciplinary artistic practices.
- Encourage community participation.
- Use available learning and workshop spaces creatively.
- Promote youth-led artistic expression.
- Deliver a public celebration during Cruinniú na nÓg.
Funding Details
Successful applicants will receive a commission of €23,000.
The funding covers:
- Artist fees.
- Materials and supplies.
- Production expenses.
- Costs associated with the Cruinniú na nÓg celebration event.
- Other approved project delivery costs.
Project Activities
Selected artist(s) will:
- Collaborate with approximately 5–10 young people aged mainly 16–18.
- Work alongside DLCTC support staff throughout the project.
- Co-design creative activities with participants.
- Develop an original artistic outcome.
- Organize a local celebration during Cruinniú na nÓg 2027.
Available Facilities and Resources
Artists may use existing facilities at DLCTC, including:
- Kitchen space.
- Fully equipped woodwork room.
- Classroom spaces.
- Creative workshop areas.
The woodwork room includes:
- Four work benches.
- Saws.
- Chisels.
- Hammers.
- Various woodworking tools.
Thursday afternoons from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm are identified as suitable working sessions with learners.
Possible Creative Outcomes
Projects may include:
- Live performances.
- Collaborative art installations.
- Woodworking projects.
- Mixed-media works.
- Community art events.
- Creative exhibitions.
- Participatory artistic experiences.
Every commissioned project must conclude with a public celebration held at DLCTC or a nearby venue during one of the first Saturdays of June 2027.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Be professional artists.
- Have experience creating art with young people aged 16–18.
- Demonstrate collaborative artistic practice.
- Be able to work closely with participants and support staff throughout the project.
Artists proposing collaborative projects may include additional artists or creative professionals.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- A current CV highlighting professional arts experience.
- Examples of previous work with young people.
- CVs of any collaborating artists or professionals.
- An outline proposal describing:
- The project concept.
- The creative starting point.
- Planned artistic approach.
- Expected experience for participants.
- Art forms or creative mediums to be used.
- Roles of any collaborators.
Why This Commission Matters
This commission empowers young people to become active creators rather than passive audiences. By placing collaboration at the center of the artistic process, the initiative strengthens creative confidence, supports youth participation in culture, and builds meaningful connections between artists and local communities.
The final public celebration also showcases young people’s creativity while encouraging wider community engagement with the arts.
How to Apply
Follow these steps:
- Review the commission objectives and eligibility requirements.
- Develop a collaborative project concept suitable for young people aged 16–18.
- Prepare your professional CV highlighting relevant experience.
- Gather CVs for any collaborating artists.
- Write an outline proposal describing your creative vision and methodology.
- Explain how participants and support staff will contribute throughout the project.
- Submit the complete application before the official deadline.
Tips for a Strong Application
To improve your chances of success:
- Demonstrate experience working with young people.
- Present a collaborative and youth-centred creative process.
- Show how participants will shape the project.
- Make effective use of the available facilities.
- Include realistic timelines and achievable outcomes.
- Explain how the final celebration will engage the local community.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common errors:
- Submitting a proposal with limited youth participation.
- Providing an unclear artistic concept.
- Forgetting to include required CVs.
- Ignoring available project resources and spaces.
- Failing to explain participant collaboration.
- Proposing activities that cannot be completed within the project timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Cruinniú na nÓg 2027 Artist Commission?
It is a €23,000 commission supporting professional artists to co-create an original arts project with young people aged 16–18, culminating in a public celebration during Cruinniú na nÓg 2027.
Who can apply?
Professional artists with experience creating collaborative arts projects with young people are eligible to apply.
How much funding is available?
The selected artist or artists will receive a commission valued at €23,000.
What does the funding cover?
Funding covers artist fees, materials, production costs, and expenses related to delivering the final Cruinniú na nÓg celebration event.
How many young people will participate?
The selected artist will work with approximately five to ten young people, mainly aged 16–18, together with DLCTC support staff.
What types of creative projects are eligible?
Projects may include performances, woodworking projects, exhibitions, installations, mixed-media works, or other collaborative artistic experiences developed with young people.
What documents are required for the application?
Applicants must submit a CV, examples of relevant experience, CVs of collaborators (if applicable), and an outline proposal explaining the project concept, artistic approach, participant experience, and planned creative medium.
Conclusion
The Cruinniú na nÓg 2027 Artist Commission offers professional artists an exciting opportunity to collaborate with young people in creating an original, community-focused arts project. With €23,000 in funding, access to creative facilities, and a public showcase during Cruinniú na nÓg 2027, the commission supports innovative artistic practice while empowering young people to actively shape and celebrate their own creative experiences.
For more information, visit Comhairle Contae County Council.
