Deadline: 20-Jul-2026
The Artist in the Community Bursary Scheme from Create supports professional artists in Ireland who work collaboratively with communities through socially engaged arts practice. The programme provides two awards of €20,000 each to develop artistic practice, reflection, and community collaboration. It also includes mentoring, peer support, and development resources to strengthen inclusive and community-based artistic work.
Overview
- The bursary supports collaborative, socially engaged arts practice in Ireland
- It is designed for professional artists working with communities
- It focuses on reflection, development, and deepening collaborative practice
- It addresses barriers faced by artists from underrepresented or marginalised groups
- It supports long-term artistic development rather than one-off projects
Purpose of the Bursary
The programme aims to
- Strengthen socially engaged and community-based arts practice
- Support collaboration between artists and non-arts communities
- Encourage reflection and development of artistic methodologies
- Address inequalities and barriers in the arts sector
- Promote inclusive participation across diverse social groups
- Enhance the quality and sustainability of collaborative arts practice
Funding Details
- Total awards: 2 bursaries
- Value per award: €20,000
- Duration: 2026 cycle
- Target recipients: Individual professional artists
Special allocation
- One award is reserved for an early-career or emerging artist
- Applicants must already have experience in collaborative arts practice
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must
- Be individual professional artists based in Ireland
- Work in any artistic discipline or artform
- Demonstrate an established track record in collaborative community-based work
- Have experience engaging with non-arts professionals or communities
Priority considerations
- Artists facing barriers in developing socially engaged practice
- Barriers may include:
- Gender or sexual orientation
- Civil or family status
- Religion or age
- Disability or race
- Membership of the Traveller community
- Socio-economic background
Note: The artistic work itself does not need to directly address these barriers
Focus Areas of the Bursary
The scheme supports
- Collaborative arts practice with communities
- Long-term development of socially engaged methodologies
- Partnerships with individuals and community groups
- Artistic reflection and critical practice development
- Exploration of inclusive and participatory art processes
Support Provided
Financial support
- €20,000 bursary per selected artist
- Designed to provide time and resources for practice development
Mentoring and professional development
- Bi-monthly mentoring from Create
- Up to two mentoring sessions with experienced socially engaged artists
- Access to an Artist Mentoring Panel
Additional support mechanisms
- Up to two support meetings with partner organisations
- Support tailored to personal or structural challenges
- Assistance is advisory and does not influence artistic output directly
How the Bursary Works
Step 1: Application submission
- Artists submit proposal outlining collaborative practice and development goals
- Demonstrate experience in community-engaged work
Step 2: Selection process
- Applications reviewed based on
- Artistic quality
- Track record in collaboration
- Clarity of reflective practice goals
- Contribution to socially engaged arts
Step 3: Award allocation
- Two artists selected
- One award reserved for emerging/early-career practitioner
Step 4: Practice development period
- Artists use bursary to develop and reflect on practice
- Engage with communities and collaborative partners
- Participate in mentoring and support sessions
Step 5: Mentoring and support engagement
- Regular mentoring sessions with Create
- Additional expert guidance from panel artists
- Optional support meetings with partner organisations
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying without proven collaborative arts experience
- Confusing socially engaged practice with solo artistic work
- Weak evidence of community partnership history
- Lack of clear reflection or development plan
- Ignoring eligibility around professional artistic practice
- Submitting proposals without demonstrating track record
Why This Bursary Matters
- Strengthens socially engaged arts practice in Ireland
- Supports artists working directly with communities
- Encourages inclusive and participatory art forms
- Reduces barriers for underrepresented artists
- Promotes long-term artistic reflection and development
- Builds stronger connections between arts and society
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for the bursary?
- Individual professional artists in Ireland with experience in collaborative community-based practice
What is the value of the bursary?
- €20,000 per selected artist
How many awards are available?
- Two awards, including one for an emerging artist
What kind of practice is supported?
- Socially engaged, collaborative arts practice with communities
Is mentoring included?
- Yes, including bi-monthly mentoring and additional expert sessions
Do I need to focus on social barriers in my artwork?
- No, but artists facing barriers are specifically encouraged to apply
What is the main goal of the programme?
- To support development and reflection of socially engaged collaborative arts practice
Conclusion
The Artist in the Community Bursary Scheme from Create provides significant financial and professional support for artists working collaboratively with communities in Ireland. By combining funding with structured mentoring and reflective development, it strengthens socially engaged arts practice and supports more inclusive and community-connected artistic work.
For more information, visit Create Ireland.