As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting artistic development and community participation in the arts, Clare Arts Office has launched two new funding opportunities: the Nourish Project Funding 2026 scheme and the Clare Arts Bursaries 2027.
These schemes are designed to support a diverse range of artists, communities, and organisations across County Clare, providing opportunities to develop creative practice, deliver high-quality arts projects, and increase public engagement with the arts.
There are three strands available to support creative projects and cultural participation initiatives. This funding opportunity is intended for organisations, schools, community groups.
Strand 1
Funding up to €1,250
Suitable for smaller-scale projects, workshops by professional artists, visits to cultural centres or activities, transport fees, tickets to see professional shows.
Strand 2
Funding up to €2,500
Suitable for medium-scale projects involving a professional artist or a series of activities.
Strand 3
Funding up to €5,000
Suitable for larger projects with significant community participation and/or impact.
For this scheme applications are invited from:
Voluntary and community organisations/groups
Schools
Disability organisations
Youth services
Older people’s groups
Not-for-profit organisations
Arts and Cultural Groups seeking funding for once off art projects (not capital funding for buildings or equipment)
Artists working with or for a community group/school/organisation
Guidelines and application are available here. Deadline for application is December 1st 2026 at 12pm
There are two strands of the Creative Bursaries Scheme 2027.
Creative Bursaries for Professional Artists (those generating an income from their artistic endeavours)
Creative Bursaries for Non-Professional Artists (those who are looking to upskill in areas of the Creative Arts)
Guidelines and applications are available to read here. Deadline for application is December 1st 2026 at 12pm
Please ensure you read the guidelines before submitting your application. If you have any queries you can email arts@clarecoco.ie
An online Q&A session for these schemes will take place online on Tuesday 17th at 12.30pm. To register email arts@clarecoco.ie
Public Art Opportunity
A new local Public Art opportunity will be announced next week. Keep an eye on our website for full details. In the meantime, we’re celebrating the fabulous murals commissioned through the PRISM Public Art Programme 2026. These powerful artworks, located in Ennis, Corofin, Quilty, Shannon, Ennistymon and Whitegate, are currently being showcased across our social media channels. Murals have an enriching and uplifting effect on local communities and we congratulate the artists and communities behind this years works
Annual Open
Súil Gallery presents the second Annual Open, an exhibition which celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of contemporary visual art practice in Ireland. The exhibition places openness, inclusivity and opportunity at its core, inviting emerging and established artists to exhibit together.
Created via open call, this exhibition showcases over 160 artists working across a broad range of media. Together, the works form a rich, dynamic tapestry of visual culture that reflects the depth of artistic talent working across the country today. At its core, this exhibition is a celebration of creativity. It honors individual expression while highlighting how shared display can inspire connection and exchange.
Funded as part of the Culture Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026.
Launching November 19th at 7pm. All Welcome.