Arts Grants in Ireland: How to Fund Your Creative Projects in 2025

Ireland has a rich cultural heritage and thankfully, there's strong funding support for artists, performers, writers, and creatives. If you're involved in the arts, knowing what grants are available (and how to apply) can make a huge difference to your creative career.

At Grant Wise Advisors, we help artists and organisations understand and apply for the funding they need . Here's a practical guide to arts grants in Ireland, who they're for, and how to get started.

What Types of Arts Grants Are Available?

There are a variety of grants for individuals in the arts. Some of the most popular include:

Arts Council of Ireland Grants

The main source of public funding for the arts. Key schemes include:

1. Agility Award - for individual artists at all stages.

2. Bursary Award - to support artists' professional development.

3. Project Awards - for specific projects across disciplines (visual, arts, theatre, literature, etc.)

4. Festivals Investment Scheme - for arts festivals and events.

Creative Ireland

• Supports creativity in communities, especially through local authority - led projects.

• Includes opportunities via Local Authority Creative Ireland Programme.

Local Authority Arts Offices

Most county councils have an Arts Office offering local funding, commissions, and artist residencies. These are often less competitive and a great place to start.

Culture Ireland

• Promotes Irish arts worldwide.

• Offers travel grants, performance supports, and international showcasing funds.

  
  

• Private & Philanthropic Funds

  These vary year by year and include support from:

  - Bank of Ireland Begin Together Fund

  - Rethink Ireland

  - Corporate sponsors ( eg: AXA Community Fund, JP Mc Manus Benevolent Fund)

Who Can Apply?

Artists, musicians, writers, dancers, film-makers, performers, curators, collectives,

arts organisations, and even schools or community groups depending on the fund.

Tips for Applying

• Read the guidelines carefully - each grant has specific criteria.

• Plan early - applications often take time.

• Show Impact - funders want to know how your work benefits the community or the cultural sector.

• Get Help - working with a grant writer can improve your chances of success (that's where we come in!)

How We Can Help

At Grant Wise Advisors, we help artists and organisations:

• Find the right funding

• Write strong applications

• Build budgets and timelines

• Track deadlines and reporting requirements

If you would like help applying for an arts grant, get in touch with us at info@grantwiseadvisors.com