Organizer Information
The Arts Council of Ireland (An Chomhairle Ealaíon) is the Irish government agency responsible for developing and promoting the arts across the Republic of Ireland. Established to support artistic excellence, public engagement, and cultural development, the Arts Council provides a wide range of funding schemes, initiatives, and policy frameworks for artists and arts organizations. Through its long-term strategic planning, including its 10-year development framework, the Council prioritizes sustainability in artistic careers, equitable access to funding, and diversity across disciplines and communities. Its programs are highly competitive and internationally respected, offering artists meaningful opportunities to advance their practice and contribute to Ireland’s cultural ecosystem.
Title & Description
Agility Award 2026
The Agility Award 2026 is a competitive funding scheme designed to support professional artists and arts practitioners in developing their artistic practice, skills, and ideas. The program focuses on individual creative growth rather than production or presentation, making it particularly suitable for research, experimentation, and professional development phases.
This award enables artists to undertake a wide range of activities such as skill-building, mentorship, collaboration, and conceptual development. Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that demonstrate clear artistic ambition, innovation, and relevance to their practice. Importantly, the award prioritizes artists who have not received individual funding from the Arts Council since 1 January 2016, creating opportunities for underfunded or overlooked practitioners.
Rather than funding finished works, the Agility Award supports the processes behind artistic creation—helping artists explore new directions, deepen their methodologies, or prepare for future projects. Activities may include research trips, workshops, residencies (non-formal), or collaboration with mentors and peers.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Film (experimental and non-narrative only)
- Literature
- Music
- Theatre
- Dance
- Architecture
- Multidisciplinary Arts
- Participatory Arts
- Circus
- Opera
- Traditional Arts
- Street Performance & Spectacle
- Children and Young People’s Arts
Eligibility
- Open primarily to professional artists and arts practitioners
- Applicants must generally be resident in the Republic of Ireland
- International applicants may be considered if they clearly demonstrate how their proposal benefits the Irish arts sector
- Must not have received Arts Council funding as an individual since 1 January 2016
- Must be actively pursuing a professional artistic career
Not eligible:
- Organizations or groups
- Full-time undergraduate students
- Applicants seeking funding for formal education (e.g., degrees, accredited courses)
- Non-professional artists
The Arts Council strongly encourages applications from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented communities.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Funding between €1,500 and €5,000
- Additional disability access support funding (beyond the main grant)
- Coverage may include:
- Artist fees (including self-payment)
- Mentorship and collaboration fees
- Training workshops and masterclasses
- Research and development costs
- Equipment/materials (up to 15% of the budget)
This award is non-production-focused, emphasising experimentation and long-term artistic growth.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completed application form (via online system)
- CV or professional biography
- 1–3 samples of recent/relevant work
- Project proposal (development-focused)
- Budget breakdown
- Optional:
- Disability access cost documentation (if applicable)
- Safeguarding policies (if working with children/vulnerable groups)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 23 April 2026
- Application Opening: 3 March 2026
- Notification: Approximately 12–15 weeks after submission
- Project Timeline: Flexible (based on proposed activities)
Location
Republic of Ireland
Additional Details
- Applications are evaluated based on:
- Artistic quality
- Feasibility
- Alignment with the award’s purpose
- The program is highly competitive (approx. 8% success rate in the previous cycle)
- Applicants cannot apply for both the Agility Award and the Bursary Award in the same year
- Projects must not have already taken place
- Strong emphasis on fair artist pay and ethical collaboration practices