Wicklow artists invited to apply for funding of up to €15,000 for new projects

The deadline for the 2027 Strategic Project Award Scheme for Wicklow is fast-approaching, with two funding schemes available. The Wicklow County Arts Office invites submissions to this annual funding stream, which is open to artists, national resource organisations, individual curators, and artist collectives. Applications should focus on nurturing practice, enhancing connectivity, generating new perspectives and cultivating new voices within County Wicklow. Stream A is for new applicants and proposals. Support for new initiatives will be prioritised for projects that add significant value to existing arts practice, experience, and participation in Co Wicklow, and which support the strategic goals of Wicklow County Council Arts Office. The maximum award is €15,000. Read more Russborough House art fair offers chance to meet top Irish artists, with live music and family fun Stream B is for the consolidation/development of strategic projects previously awarded under Stream A of this scheme. The maximum award is €10,000. For 2026 six artists received funding through the 13th edition of the scheme. Bryony Dunne was awarded funding for If the Rocks Could Talk, a poetic, experimental short film exploring the deep connection between land, memory, material and architecture in Ireland. Eamon Sweeney received funding for Song for the Earth, which was a performance that brought together music, poetry and original video imagery, while Joanna Kidney's funding was used for a short ecological film titled The Future has an Ancient Heart. Funding awarded towards the Kunstverin Projects resulted in a day-long event at the Mermaid Arts Centre focusing on the role and function of the creative producer in the visual arts in Ireland. Read more Wicklow artist joins Miriam O'Callaghan for launch of new report on inclusive arts Funding presented to the Mermaid Arts Centre resulted in Gorse – Fuel, Fodder, Thatch, Toys, which was a visual project conceived by Shane Finan. Funding received by Nell Regan went towards Thirty-Six Views of the Sugarloaf, which is a print project which took place at the Mermaid Arts Centre and other Wicklow locations throughout April and May. Applicants may only submit one application for the award, either stream A or stream B. Prior recipients of stream B funding are not eligible to apply again under the stream B category. Artists can apply through the council arts office's online platform Submittable, where the online application can be completed and supporting materials uploaded. The closing date for applications is 4pm on Friday, August 21.