16/09/2003

The Arts Council of Ireland has launched a new funding initiative, the Small Festivals and Events Scheme to help support cultural programmes. The project will start in 2004 and will be open to festivals and events across the country wishing to apply for revenue funding between €1,000 and €10,000.
The award of grants will be prioritised to favour well-run organisations promoting artistic excellence and trying to develop audiences for the arts. The funding will be provided in two rounds (early and late 2004) instead of the annual revenue grant process used for larger arts events. The deadline for applications for grants in excess of €10,000 is October 10, 2003.
Andrea Corbett from the Arts Council said that under the new scheme, the Council “recognises the planning time that needs to go into a good local festival. The new deadlines will allow small festival committees to benefit from a longer lead in time for planning and to provide better supporting information in applying for public funding support”.
The further deadlines for applications for grants are for December 5, 2003 and March 12, 2004.