Twice yearly, the Arts Council offers Artist in the Community Scheme grants to enable artists and communities of place/or interest to work together on projects. The scheme is managed by Create, the national development agency for collaborative arts.
The scheme is open to artists from any of the following artform disciplines: architecture, circus, street art and spectacle, dance, film, literature (Irish and English language), music, opera, theatre, visual arts and traditional arts. The projects can take place in a diverse range of social and community contexts e.g. arts and health; arts in prisons; arts and older people; arts and cultural diversity. The aim of the scheme is to encourage meaningful collaboration between communities of place and/or interest and artists.
The information session is about answering any questions you might have about making an application to the Scheme. It’s also about sharing experience of developing and delivering a collaborative project through the Scheme. If you are an artist or a community organisation interested in the Artist in the Community Scheme but don’t know where to start, come talk to us. If you are an artist interested in developing a collaborative project with a community organisation or in a community situation this event is for you. If you are an artist who has applied before and would like to access further detail on the application process, please join us.
Advisory clinics
In addition to the information session, Create is also offering an online Advisory Clinic to potential applicants. We know from internal research that 63% of proposals deemed ineligible were submitted by artists and communities who did not seek advice from Create before applying. We strongly recommend that applicants attend information sessions and one to one advisory clinics in advance of applying.
The Advisory Clinic offers artists/applicants 30 minute one to one advice and support on their application with one of the Create team. For example, you may want to tease out your idea, need some additional guidance on the application process, want to discuss / need additional guidance on what you can/should apply for to meet your collaborative practice needs. Artists who wish to avail of the Advisory Clinic must first attend an information session. Email info@create-ireland.ie to book your place at an Advisory Clinic.
Artist bio
Dr Eve Olney is a socially engaged creative producer/artist. Her praxis incorporates a feminist ethnographic approach to community building and self-organisational strategies. She founded the community creative space Living Commons in Cork City in 2020. She is a steering member of Cork Community Land Trust CLG.
Áine Crowley, Programme Manager, Arts and Engagement at Create Ireland. Áine advances Create’s work to support artists and communities of interest and/or place to realise high-quality collaborative arts practice, through ongoing professional development support, project opportunities and the development of cross-sectoral alliances and partnerships. Áine coordinates the Artist in the Community Scheme, providing project and proposal advice and support, information and guidance to applicants. Áine holds a BA Fine Art Printmaking from Limerick School of Art and Design.
Find out more about the scheme here
