Deadline: 18-Jun-2026
The Music Bursary Award Programme Round 2 provides financial support to professional music artists and practitioners in Ireland to help them develop their creative practice through research, reflection, and artistic exploration.
The award supports artists working on new ideas, strengthening their music practice, building professional skills, and exploring future creative projects over a one-year period.
Programme Focus Areas
The programme supports:
- Development of new music work
- Artistic research and exploration
- Professional skills development
- Creative experimentation
- Long-term engagement with music practice
The award is designed to give artists time and resources to focus on their artistic growth.
Funding Support
Applicants may request funding between:
- €5,000 minimum
- €20,000 maximum
Applications outside this range are not eligible.
Artists with disabilities may also request:
- Additional personal disability access costs
These costs are assessed separately from the main funding request.
Who is Eligible?
The programme is open to:
- Individual professional music artists
- Music practitioners based in Ireland
- Artists actively engaged in professional music practice
Applicants should be recognised by peers as practising artists.
Applicants outside the Republic of Ireland may also apply if they clearly demonstrate how their project benefits the arts in Ireland.
Important Eligibility Rules
Applicants:
- May submit only one Bursary Award application in 2026
- Cannot apply to more than one bursary category
- Cannot apply for both the Bursary and Agility Awards in the same year
Assessment Process
Applications are assessed competitively by the Arts Council.
Evaluation considers:
- Artistic quality
- Strength of the proposed work
- Feasibility of the project
- Alignment with programme objectives
- Applicant’s previous artistic practice
Assessment is carried out by specialist artform teams, with secondary assessments where appropriate.
Tips for Applicants
Strong applications should:
- Present clear artistic goals
- Demonstrate professional music experience
- Show creative development potential
- Include realistic timelines and activities
- Explain the impact on artistic practice
FAQ
Who can apply?
Professional music artists and practitioners engaged in active music practice in Ireland.
How much funding is available?
Applicants may apply for between €5,000 and €20,000.
Can applicants outside Ireland apply?
Yes, if the proposal clearly benefits the arts sector in Ireland.
What activities are supported?
The award supports artistic development, research, creative exploration, and music practice activities.
Can applicants apply for multiple awards?
No. Applicants may submit only one bursary application and cannot apply for both the Bursary and Agility Awards in the same year.
Conclusion
The Music Bursary Award Programme Round 2 supports professional music artists in Ireland by providing funding for artistic growth, creative research, and professional development. The programme helps artists strengthen their music practice while encouraging new creative work and long-term artistic engagement.
For more information, visit The Arts Council.