Arts Council of Ireland Visual Arts Bursary Award 2027, Round 1

The Visual Arts Bursary Award is the Arts Council of Ireland's main support for individual visual artists who want time to develop their practice. It focuses on giving artists the time and resources to think, research, reflect and engage deeply with their work, rather than funding a specific exhibition or product. Round 1 for 2027 opens on 10 November 2026 and closes on 17 December 2026.

The Arts Council runs bursaries across art forms, from literature and theatre to architecture and dance; this listing covers the visual arts strand.

What the Bursary Supports

The bursary buys time. You might use it to:

• Research a new body of work
• Experiment with new materials, techniques or ways of working
• Reflect on and develop your practice after a period of intense production
• Pay for resources such as studio time, materials or travel linked to research

How Much

The amount you can request, and the bands available, are set out in the 2027 Visual Arts Bursary Award guidelines. In recent rounds, visual arts bursaries went up to €20,000, and the top-scoring applicant in Round 1 received the Oliver Dowling Award. Check the current guidelines before you decide what to request.

Who Can Apply for the Visual Arts Bursary?

Professional visual artists and curators for whom their art practice is their main profession. The scheme is mainly for artists living in the Republic of Ireland; in past rounds, applications from abroad were considered if the applicant explained how the proposal would benefit the arts in Ireland. Read the 2027 guidelines for the current eligibility rules, including any requirements such as a PPS number.

Read the Guidelines First

The Arts Council publishes guidelines and templates about two weeks before a scheme opens. Download the 2027 Visual Arts Bursary Award Guidelines for Round 1 and read them in full before applying. A Personal Disability Access Costs template is also available, and the Arts Council offers disability access supports for applicants.

The Information Clinic

The visual arts team is holding an online clinic on 18 November 2026 at 11:00 for artists interested in applying. It is a chance to ask questions about the scheme and what assessors look for.

How Applications Are Assessed

All eligible applications are assessed, and the Arts Council aims to keep the process fair and transparent. You will be told by email whether you have been successful.

Tips for Applying

Explain clearly what you want to explore and why now is the right moment in your practice. A realistic plan for how you will use the time is more convincing than a promise of a finished exhibition. Include strong documentation of recent work, and plan to submit well before the deadline.

Preparing Your Application

Start by reading the guidelines and noting the exact questions and supporting documents required. Gather a clear selection of recent work, with images, captions and links, and a short CV. Draft a plan that explains how you would use the time over the bursary period and what you hope to learn. Ask a peer to read it before you submit. Use the online clinic to check anything you are unsure about, and submit a few days before the deadline in case of technical problems.

Things to Consider

• Time to develop, not a project fee.
• Read the 2027 guidelines for amounts and rules.
• Mainly for artists in Ireland.
• Deadline: 17 December 2026.

Apply for the Bursary

Need time to develop your practice?

Apply for the Visual Arts Bursary Award

Guidelines, templates and the application are on the Arts Council website.

Looking for more open calls? Browse all competitions and opportunities on Good Stuff Weekly.

Last verified: November 4, 2026