Arts Funding

The window to apply for 2026 Cork City Council Arts Funding closed on 20th November 2025 at 4pm.

Applications are online only. 

Arts Grant Professional Organisations

Grants are available to professional arts organisations throughout Cork City Council's administrative area.

Professional arts organisations can apply for an Arts Grant to support their annual organisational and artistic costs.

Arts Grants allocations are in alignment with the policies set out by the Cork City Council Arts and Cultural strategy 2022 – 2026. This strategy is available in English and as Gaeilge

Arts Grant Professional Arts Organisations 2026 Criteria

Arts Funding Schemes

Artist and the Community Award

This award invites artistic proposals involving professional artists in non-professional arts contexts using community arts, socially engaged, collaborative and/or participatory methods in one of any of the following typical project phases:

1. Research/Development  (max funding @€2000)

2. Project Realisation (max funding @€10000)

Please note that applications must include a Lead Artist and, for the Project Realisation and Project Completion Phases, show evidence of how the proposal has been co-created with the participating group in the relevant setting eg. a school, health or social care setting, youth club, prison, community space etc. 

Artist and the Community 2026 Criteria

Artist and the Community Award 2026 Guidelines

Artist Bursary Award

This bursary supports the professional development of artists (max funding @€5000) through:

• Further educational and/or training opportunities
• Development opportunities in other countries
• Opportunities to be professionally mentored
• Opportunities to facilitate a significant shift in direction of work

Collectives of two or more artists with shared objectives may apply for a bursary however the maximum funding available per application cannot be increased and one Lead Artist must be named in the application. Fees for curator, project manager, producer, mentor and/or other relevant service providers may be included as appropriate, however, at least one professional artist must lead on the application.

Artists Bursary 2026 Criteria 

Artist Bursary 2026 Guidelines

Project Scheme Award

This scheme invites artistic proposals from professional artists (max funding @€10000) across all disciplines in one or both of the following categories:

1. Research/Development 

2. Production such as performance, exhibition, commission etc

Please note that a successful application to the R&D Phase of this scheme in 2024 may lead to an eligible proposal to the Production category in later years however future funding cannot be guaranteed.

Project Scheme 2026 Criteria

Project Scheme 2026 Guidelines

Cow House Visual Artist Bursary

This bursary supports the professional development of visual artists seeking a residency opportunity.

Cow House Studios provides artists-in-residence with a comprehensive support structure that includes private accommodation, shared studio space, access to meals and essential amenities. Located on a working farm in County Wexford, the residency fosters a welcoming and collaborative environment for professional visual artists across disciplines. Participants benefit from an adaptable studio setup that encourages interdisciplinary exchange and individual re-search, alongside opportunities for professional development through facilitated discussions, public talks, workshops, and studio visits.

For more information on Cow House Studios visit www.cowhousestudios.com 

Cow House Studios Visual Artists Bursary 2026 Criteria

Cow House Studios Visual Artist Bursary 2026 Guidelines

Access Requirements

Cork City Council is committed to making our arts funding schemes accessible to everyone. We recognise that artists and collaborators/participants with disabilities may face additional barriers when engaging in creative projects, and we are here to support you in removing those barriers.

Personal or Participant Access Costs are costs that support the full participation of artists, collaborators, or participants with disabilities in your project. They are intended to remove barriers for individuals directly involved in the delivery of your proposal. It is not obligatory to apply for Access Costs.

Access Costs 2026 Guidelines

Access Costs 2026 Budget

Please note: The Application Forms referenced on this page are provided by a third-party, Submit.com, contracted by Cork City Council to process online submissions.  You will be presented with the privacy policy and terms and conditions if you choose to use the service.

Funding Information:

Cork City Council Arts Office provides information about arts funding opportunities including updates via an annual webinar. Click on the links below to access the recordings from this year's webinar in two parts.

• 2026 Arts Funding Webinar Part 1 Overview
• 2026 Arts Funding Webinar Part 2 FAQs

Instructional Step-by-Step Videos for Online Applications

• Setting up an account to access online applications on the Cork City Council Submit platform
• Finding your draft form when you are logged in to the Cork City Council Submit platform
• Completing an application form for the Artist and the Community Award
• Completing an application form for the Artist Bursary* 
• Completing an application form for the Project Scheme

*The application form for the Cow House Visual Artist Bursary is similar to the Artist Bursary form with fewer questions.

Quick tips for completing your form:

• Use the Google Chrome browser to avoid issues using Submit
• Ensure that you accept cookies on the Submit website
• Save as you work on your application form
• Submit your form in advance of the application deadline so that you have time to verify your signature via the email that Submit will send to your email inbox
• Email artsgrants@corkcity.ie if you encounter technical difficulties so that the time of your issue is logged

Access Requirements:

Contact artsgrants@corkcity.ie with queries in relation to access requirements.