People right across Ireland will experience a wide range of high-quality arts events in the months ahead, the Arts Council said today, with funding of more than €8 million through two schemes for 153 artists or arts organisations.
The government agency for funding and developing the arts awarded €7.3 million to some 131 artists, arts organisations and projects through its Arts Grant Funding programme. In addition, the Council invested €915,000 through its Touring and Dissemination of Work Scheme in 22 companies and artists to bring great art on tour for local audiences.
The funding will go to artists and arts organisations in 26 counties across every region of Ireland, and will mean that Irish audiences experience the best in artistic performances, from music and dance to theatre and traditional arts, as well festivals, exhibitions, readings and more.
Speaking about the announcement Arts Council Director Orlaith McBride said: “The Arts Council is delighted to announce this significant investment in the arts through our Arts Grant Funding and Touring programmes. This investment recognises the world class talent that continues to be displayed by our artists and arts organisations. The range of activities supported will ensure that audiences across the island of Ireland will have access to artistic work of ambition, innovation and excellence.”
The work funded will be seen in counties Antrim, Armagh, Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford and Wicklow.
Now in its second year, the Arts Grant Funding scheme was first introduced in 2018 under the agency’s 10-year strategy, Making Great Art Work. Separately, the Arts Council expects to award a further €35 million through its Strategic Funding scheme in 2020, along with significant additional investment in bursaries for artists, projects, touring and other supports and grants.
←Return to the news