Artists' Creative Bursary Scheme

Creative Artists Bursary Scheme 2025 Guidelines

1. Creative Artists Bursary Scheme  Aims and Objectives:

This scheme aims to support the creative development of practicing artists normally resident in the Cork County administrative area.

• To support the creative and professional development of practicing artists based in County Cork.
• To support the creation of new work of high artistic quality.
• To support and encourage new and innovative arts projects.

2. Eligibility Criteria

• Practicing artists in all disciplines who are currently living and working in the Cork County administrative area are eligible to apply. 
• Proposals may only relate to costs of producing a new body of work. 
• Project proposals may include proposals for funding for the creation of a specific work or for a period of research for a new project; or a combination of both.
• Applicants must demonstrate that undertaking the project will place a substantial financial burden that cannot otherwise be met.
• Collaborative/interdisciplinary projects involving more than one artist will be considered. In such cases one of the artists must be nominated and be identifiable as the applicant.
• Proposed projects must be capable of being completed within 12 months of the grant date. 
• The maximum grant that may be requested is €5,000.

3. AIneligibility

This scheme does not cover:

• Projects that have or may receive funding from Cork County Council through other grant schemes.
• Applications relating to the development of websites, printing and distribution of promotional material or costs associated with attendance at trade shows of any kind.
• Purchase of capital items, except where the applicant demonstrates an exceptional need.
• Project applications by established groups, organisations or collectives.
• Applications for academic study or costs of fees leading to a professional qualification.

4. Number and Value of grants

This scheme does not cover:

• Projects that have or may receive funding from Cork County Council through other grant schemes.
• Applications relating to the development of websites, printing and distribution of promotional material or costs associated with attendance at trade shows of any kind.
• Purchase of capital items, except where the applicant demonstrates an exceptional need.
• Project applications by established groups, organisations or collectives.
• Applications for academic study or costs of fees leading to a professional qualification.

5. Assessment of applications

An independent assessment panel will evaluate all applications.

To help assessment of your application, please ensure that:

• Your application is concise and clearly written.
• You have completed all sections.
• You have provided all relevant information as clearly as possible.
• You have demonstrated clearly your reasons for applying for this bursary.

Applications will be assessed on the basis of the following:

• Evidence of personal artistic achievement to date.
• Commitment to high standards of artistic excellence.
• The potential for artistic innovation and or challenge presented by the proposal.
• The viability of the proposed work/study programme.
• The relevance of the proposal to advancing personal skills or expertise.
• The potential of the proposal to enhance the career of the artist.

6. Application Procedure and Deadline

Applications must be submitted via the Council’s online applications portal by clicking the button below:

The deadline for submission of proposals is 5pm Thursday, January 9th 2025. Late applications will not be considered. 

• We strongly advise making your application ahead of the deadline to avoid any difficulties with uploading times. 
• We also advise that you keep a copy of all material submitted.
• When you are satisfied that you have uploaded all information you need for your application, click Submit.
• Once submitted, your application can not be amended. Do not submit your application until you are completely satisfied. 
• If the application is successfully submitted you will receive a confirmation email and an application reference number. This mail can sometimes be classified as spam and may be directed to your spam folder. 
• If you do not receive a confirmation email then the application has not reached us and you should consider resubmitting.
• We regret that late applications cannot be submitted.

The following must be submitted on the application form:

Project Proposal (Maximum 750 words)

• A description of the creative project for which you are applying for an award.
• Your reasons for applying for this award. 
• Any other relevant information not included in the project description that may support your application. 

Short Professional CV 

• A concise summary of your artistic career to date, including recent artistic achievements, details of any relevant qualifications, membership of professional bodies etc. 

Projected Costs 

• Provide a breakdown of all anticipated expenditure related to your proposal, e.g. materials, equipment hire, documentation, travel, subsistence, etc. 
• Please give details of any other income/grant sources secured or applied for in relation to this project. 

Supporting material 

• Enclose at least one documented example of your recent artistic work. 
• Applications in literature and drama should submit either a published work or short unpublished excerpts.
• Artists may supply relevant documentation such as digital images, Audio and small video files etc. For larger video documentation please provide links to sites Vimeo or YouTube sites
• Any relevant letters of support from organisations that may be involved in the project.
• Under no circumstances should any original artwork or documents be submitted, such as autograph musical scores, original drawings etc. While every care will be taken to ensure that material is returned to you if requested, Cork County Council, its staff or its agents will not accept liability for any material that may be lost or damaged while in its possession or in transit.

Accessible Applications

The option to submit a video or audio proposal is available for people with additional needs. Audio instructions is available to guide you through the application and outline the information that must be included on each funding scheme. Video or audio applications must be submitted as a link to an external site with any required passwords. We strongly advise making the application ahead of the deadline to avoid any difficulties with uploading times. If you need further accessibility support please contact via email: arts@corkcoco.ie or tel: (021) 434 6210 and we will endeavour to assist.

Enquiries to:

The Arts Office
Cork County Council
County Hall
Cork.

Tel: (021) 4346210 or email:arts@corkcoco.ie.