Cork County Council Artist Bursary Scheme 2026
Up to €5,000 bursary for practicing artists in Cork County to develop new work, pursue residencies, training, and international opportunities.
The Cork County Council Artist Bursary Scheme is an annual funding initiative providing up to €5,000 to support practicing artists living and working in the Cork County administrative area. This scheme enables artists across all disciplines to create new work, expand professional skills, pursue residencies, engage in mentorship, and access international exhibition and performance opportunities. The funding helps strengthen professional development, encourage innovative practices, and promote international visibility for Cork-based creators. Eligible expenses include costs for producing new work, residency and training fees, international touring costs, and research and development for future projects. Activities must be completed within 12 months of the grant date. The scheme supports a wide range of artistic activities including creation of new work, research and development, professional development workshops, residencies, international performances or exhibitions, and interdisciplinary collaborative projects. Applicants must be practicing artists living and working in Cork County, demonstrate artistic achievement or strong potential, and show financial need for the proposed activity. An independent panel evaluates applications based on artistic achievement and excellence, innovation and artistic merit, professional development impact, feasibility and realistic planning, and relevance and value of the proposed activity.