Deadline: 05-Feb-2026
The Wicklow Artist Award Scheme supports professional artists in County Wicklow to develop their artistic practice, explore innovative ideas, and undertake professional development. Funding of up to €5,000 is available for projects across a wide range of art forms, enabling artists to create new work, participate in residencies, or engage in mentorship programs.
Overview
The scheme aims to:
-
Support professional artists in exploring meaningful ways to create and develop work
-
Enable innovation, experimentation, and professional growth
-
Fund projects that enhance the artist’s practice, skill, and engagement with audiences
-
Provide opportunities for participation in residencies, mentorship, workshops, and research
Funding Details
-
Maximum award: €5,000
-
Typical awards: Often smaller amounts based on project scope
-
Eligible uses include:
-
Participation in short-term courses or specialist workshops
-
Residency costs
-
Professional mentoring or development opportunities
-
Time and resources for research or creation of new work
-
-
Ineligible uses include:
-
Undergraduate education
-
Projects already underway unless representing a new phase
-
Fundraising initiatives
-
Capital purchases (equipment)
-
Hospitality or self-publishing costs
-
Eligible Applicants
-
Professional artists at all career stages
-
Must be residing in County Wicklow for the past three consecutive years
-
Working across diverse disciplines, including:
-
Film, music, visual arts, theatre, dance, literature
-
Architecture, animation, performance, circus, traditional arts, drama
-
Assessment Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
-
Excellence of artistic practice
-
Innovation and quality of approach
-
Distinctive benefit to the artist’s professional practice
-
Feasibility and viability of the project
-
Financial feasibility and clarity of budget
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
-
Completed online application form via Submittable
-
Project budget for 2026
-
Income and Expenditure account for 2025
-
Up-to-date artist CV
-
Supporting work samples
-
Evidence of any confirmed organisational commitments referenced in the proposal
Project Requirements
-
Projects must take place in County Wicklow or demonstrate clear benefit to residents
-
International collaboration is permitted if it supports the artist’s practice
-
Projects must be completed within the approved timeframe
-
Successful applicants must submit a final report, financial documentation, proof of expenditure, and visual documentation
-
Acknowledgement of Wicklow County Council and the Arts Council in all project publicity is required
Key Dates
-
Application deadline: Thursday 5th February 2026, 4:00 PM
-
Assessment timeframe: Approximately 6–8 weeks from submission to notification
Why This Grant Matters
-
Provides financial and professional support for artists to grow their practice
-
Encourages innovation, experimentation, and professional development
-
Strengthens local artistic activity and cultural engagement in County Wicklow
-
Enhances the visibility and impact of artists’ work locally and internationally
How to Apply
-
Ensure eligibility based on residency and professional practice
-
Prepare a project proposal outlining objectives, timeline, and anticipated outcomes
-
Submit all required documentation via Submittable
-
Provide a detailed budget including other funding sources if applicable
-
Complete the project and submit final reports and supporting documentation
Conclusion
The Wicklow Artist Award Scheme 2026 is a vital opportunity for professional artists to develop their practice, experiment with innovative ideas, and gain recognition for their work. By providing funding, resources, and structured support, the scheme fosters artistic excellence, strengthens local cultural engagement, and ensures that artists in County Wicklow can create meaningful, high-quality work that benefits both their professional growth and the wider community.
For more information, visit Wicklow County Arts Office.
