The Arts Council Young Ensembles Scheme provides funding to young people in Ireland aged 10-24 to create original artistic work, with funding up to €25,000. The grant seeks to promote critical engagement with ambitious and original work in any art form. The application is open to youth-led organisations and art groups that support young people. Applications are currently open and closing on 26 February 2026 at 17:30.
About The Arts Council Young Ensembles Scheme
The Young Ensembles Scheme is a grant initiative that is sponsored by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon in Ireland. The art agency is a national development agency for artistic works. The grant aims to support young people aged 10-24 to collaborate, create, or engage with artistic work across disciplines, including visual arts, performance, digital media, and more.
The applicants must be youth-led organisations or groups of three or more young people within the specified age range. Aside from the funding amount, selected applicants will also receive professional mentorship support in their field. The application process follows through with two strands. Strand 1 addresses the entire artistic process and experience of young people, while Strand 2 focuses on larger art initiatives, such as festivals.
Funding Size
- Typical grant amount: €25,000-€10,000
- Maximum award: €25,000
- Project duration supported: 6 months to one year.
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Who Can Apply for the Arts Council Young Ensembles Scheme
- Eligible organisation types:
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- Youth bands
- Dance groups
- Street theatre
- Visual arts group
- Registration requirements:
- A group of three or more young people aged 10-24.
- The project must be a youth-led initiative.
- Geographic eligibility: Ireland
- Sector or thematic focus: Supports youth-led artistic projects in the areas of:
- Arts
- Dance
- Film
- Music
- Visual arts
Application Process
- Log in or create a new account on the grant portal.
- Review the eligibility criteria, then submit your application.
- Upload supporting documents.
- Choose the funding you are applying for, then enter the funding request.
- Tick the declaration check box and submit the application.
- The grant board will have access to all applications, and successful applicants will be notified.
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Required Materials
- Completed application form
- Examples of artistic works
- CVs
- Detailed project proposal
- Budget
Key Dates
- Application deadline: Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 17:30 PM
- Notification timeline: Not specified.
Selection Notes
-
- The art grant is competitive, and selection is based on project quality and alignment with the scheme’s objectives.
- Priority focus areas:
-
- Artists
- Art infrastructures
- Exclusions:
- Staff members of the organisation.
- Peer panellists.
- Professional artists who apply individually.
- Artists above the age of 24.
Official Source of the Arts Council Young Ensembles Scheme
- Official Application Page: https://artscouncil.ie/funding-opportunities/young-ensembles-scheme/
