Wicklow County Council is inviting professional artists and arts organizations in County Wicklow to apply for the Strategic Project Award Scheme 2027, one of Ireland’s most accessible local arts funding programs. The scheme backs ambitious, high-quality artistic projects across all disciplines, from new commissions and collaborative performances to community engagement work and inter-regional creative partnerships.
About the Strategic Project Award Scheme
Administered by Wicklow County Council’s Arts Office, the scheme runs two distinct funding streams to match applicants at different stages of development. Stream A targets new projects being developed or delivered for the first time, while Stream B supports the continued growth of projects previously funded under Stream A. The program prioritizes work that strengthens Wicklow’s cultural landscape through innovation, collaboration, and public participation. Projects with strong artistic ambition and clear community or professional benefit are favored, and all disciplines are welcome including literature, film, dance, music, and visual arts.
Funding Size
- Stream A: up to €15,000 for new artistic projects
- Stream B: up to €10,000 for continued development of previously Stream A-funded projects
- Previous Stream B recipients cannot apply through Stream B again
Who Can Apply
- Professional practising artists and arts practitioners
- Eligible arts organizations
- Applicants must be originally from County Wicklow or have lived there for at least three consecutive years
- Undergraduate students and individuals currently in full-time education are not eligible
Geographic Eligibility
- County Wicklow, Ireland only
Sector or Thematic Focus
- New artistic creation across all forms including literature, film, dance, music, and visual arts
- Artist communities, networks, and communities of practice
- Inter-regional collaborations with outcomes presented in County Wicklow
- Public participation and audience engagement programming
- Professional exchange and artist development initiatives
Application Process
Applications are submitted directly to Wicklow County Council’s Arts Office following the scheme’s published guidelines. Applicants must select the correct stream before submitting, as Stream A and Stream B have separate eligibility criteria and funding ceilings.
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Required Materials
- Project proposal covering artistic concept, goals, activities, timeline, and expected outcomes
- Detailed project budget showing how grant funds will be used
- Evidence of County Wicklow residency or origin where required
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 21 August 2026
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Selection Notes
- Proposals are assessed on artistic quality, strategic value, and the strength of the community or professional impact case
- Projects must clearly connect to the cultural development of County Wicklow
- Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award; the scheme is competitive