Call for Applications: Arts Grants for Communities 2027 (Ireland)

The “Arts Grants for Communities 2027” opportunity provides grants to support community arts activity in County Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown during 2027. It is offered through the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Arts Office, with applications submitted via the council’s grant portal. The application deadline is Friday, 23 October 2026 at 12:00 PM (time zone not specified in the source). Opportunity at a Glance

- Opportunity name: Arts Grants for Communities 2027

- Funding organisation/provider: Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Arts Office (dlr Arts Office)

- Opportunity type: Grant for community arts activities (community arts activity)

- Eligible applicants: Local community groups; individual artists; service/organisations working with local communities (with specific exclusions)

- Eligible location/benefit area: Projects must meet in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County

- Grant size: Up to €1,500 (you may apply for as little as €100)

- Project/activity period: January to December 2027

- Deadline: Friday, 23 October 2026 at 12:00 PM

- Application method: Submit via the council’s grant portal (requires registration for first-time applicants)

About the Opportunity

The Arts Grants for Communities 2027 supports community arts activity in County Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown. The source describes community arts activity as activities such as: - Planning art workshops - Hosting a community art exhibition - Supporting a performance by a local amateur group The programme aims to help local groups and people participate in and celebrate the arts in their local neighbourhoods. Funding and Benefits

- Maximum grant: Applicants can apply for up to €1,500.

- Minimum amount: Applicants may apply for as little as €100.

- One grant limit: Applicants can only apply for one arts grant. If applying for other council grants, this must be stated in the application.

- Not specified in the source: Total funding pool, exact award frequency, and whether funding is available for all eligible applications are Not specified in the source. Who Is Eligible?

The source allows applications from:

- A local community group - An individual artist - A service/organisation working with local communities Key eligibility conditions and exclusions include:

- Geographic requirement: Community services/groups must meet in Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County. Projects taking place outside the county are not funded.

- Previous funding restriction: The council will not fund any arts activity already funded by the Council in the last 12 months.

- Single application rule: Applicants can only apply for one arts grant. If applying for other council grants, applicants must state this in their application.

- 2026 reporting requirement: If you or your group received an arts grant for 2026, you must have sent the report/update; otherwise, a new application will not be accepted. - School and youth services exclusion: This funding is not for UBU funded youth services/projects or primary schools. The Arts Office states it supports an annual programme in primary schools and youth services and advises contacting the Arts Office for information about those programmes. - Individual artist requirement: If an individual artist is applying to work with a community group, they must include a letter from the community group. The letter must outline the group’s wish to work with the individual and detail the project/event/activity. If you need the complete eligibility framework, the source instructs applicants to read the General Grant Scheme Guidelines (available via the link described below or by request). Eligible Activities or Priority Areas The grant supports community arts activities, including (examples from the source): - A community art exhibition - A publication of creative writing by a local group - A performance by an amateur group The opportunity’s criteria emphasise arts participation across the county and funding projects that help achieve this outcome (specific selection criteria are detailed in the selection section below). Why This Opportunity Matters This grant is designed for local community groups and artists seeking to deliver community-focused arts events, workshops, exhibitions, and performances across Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown. It also establishes clear boundaries—such as excluding capital equipment, certain education and youth services, and activities outside the county—to ensure funding supports community arts participation during January–December 2027. How to Apply

- Register if needed: If this is your first time applying for a grant on this portal, you will need to register.

- Read the guidance: The source points applicants to a registration and system usage guide (“Click here on this Guide”).

- Review general guidelines: Applicants are advised to read the General Grant Scheme Guidelines. A copy is available on the council site “here” under Grant schemes, or you can request it by email ([contact details removed]) or telephone ((01) 204 7966).

- Complete the application form: The application portal asks for information including:

- Contact person name and email - Confirmation you are eligible and have only applied for one arts grant - Community group name and description - Electoral ward the community group is based in - Description of what you are applying for - Amount requested - Budget breakdown

- For individual artists: upload a letter of support from the community group

- Confirmation about 2026 report/update submission (if applicable) - Where you heard about the dlr arts grants - Whether AI was used for the application

- Submit before the deadline: Applications must be submitted by Friday, 23 October 2026 at 12:00 PM.

Official application page (portal): DLR COCO — Arts Grants for Communities 2027

What you must include in the application The source states applications must include: - A description of the community group - Details about what you will use the grant for, including (as much detail as possible) what, when, where, who benefits, and wh