Wicklow County Council Arts Office is pleased to announce that the application window for the 2026 Strategic Project Award Scheme is now open and will close at 4 pm on Monday, 8th September 2025.
The Arts Office invites submissions to this annual funding stream, which is open to artists, national resource organisations, individual curators, and/or artist collectives. Applications should focus on nurturing practice, enhancing connectivity, generating new perspectives and cultivating new voices within County Wicklow.
Two funding streams will be available under the scheme for projects which will take place in 2026.
Stream A is for new applicants and proposals, and support for new initiatives will be prioritised for projects that add significant value to existing arts practice, experience, and participation in Wicklow, and which support the strategic goals of Wicklow County Council Arts Office.
Stream B is for the consolidation/development of strategic projects previously awarded under this scheme.
Applicants may only submit one application for this Award (either Stream A or Stream B).
Prior recipients of Stream B funding are not eligible to apply again under the Stream B category.
All awards are subject to budget allocation. The total funding for the 2026 Strategic Project Award Scheme is expected to be in the region of €100,000 to €110,000.
The maximum award for selected individual projects under Stream A is €15,000 and for Stream B, €10,000.
Applicants must apply through the Arts Office's online platform ‘Submittable’, where applicants can complete the online application form and upload all supporting materials.
The application form can be accessed here: Wicklow County Council Arts Office
Late and/or incomplete applications cannot be considered. Applicants are strongly advised to test the process prior to the closing date, so that technical support can be provided if needed.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Melanie Corrigan commented on the scheme, “It is wonderful to see the investment being offered to artists and creative practitioners to develop their craft, strengthen connections and bring ideas to life.”
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman, said, “Wicklow County Council is pleased to provide this award scheme which is designed to support artists and creatives in developing ambitious new work and creative engagement programmes for the benefit of the citizens of Wicklow.”
Questions relating to the Award application process may be directed to: wao@wicklowcoco.ie
IMAGE: Aisling Ennis, 2024 Strategic Project Award Recipient from Co. Wicklow. Photograph courtesy of Aisling Ennis.