Photograph courtesy of Nell Regan, 2026 Strategic Project Award Recipient
Background
Wicklow Arts Office is pleased to announce the 14th edition of its Strategic Project Award Scheme and invites applications from artists, national resource organisations, individual curators, and / or artist collectives to propose projects which will nurture practice, enhance connectivity, generate new perspectives and support new voices within County Wicklow.
There are two streams available under the 2027 Strategic Project Award Scheme:
· Stream A – Open for applications for new artistic projects
· Stream B – Open for applications for the consolidation or development of strategic projects previously awarded under Stream A of this Award Scheme. Previous awardees under Stream B are not eligible.
A separate application form is available for each Stream.
The 2027 Strategic Project Award Scheme is open for applications between 10th July and 21st August 2026.
*Note: Applicants may only submit one single application for this Award Scheme (e.g. either Stream A OR Stream B).
Scheme purpose
The Scheme is open to individuals and organisations from across all arts disciplines. Reflecting the balance of other elements of the Arts Office programme, the Arts Office would particularly welcome strong applications in the art form areas of literature, film, dance, artist development, music, and the visual arts. In previous years, the Arts Office has awarded projects where proposed project outcomes included the following:
· Development of the artist collection(s) / community(ies) of practice in the county
· Inter-regional collaborations by Wicklow-based artists, for work which culminate in presentation in the County
· Development and/or presentation of ambitious new work sited / situated in the County
· Projects which will create strategic connections for art form development
· Projects which propose high-quality public participation and engagement opportunities
· Projects which increase artists’ networking and professional exchange in the county
Previously supported work under this scheme includes visual arts engagement, digital arts, arts in the public realm, arts and health, early years, and arts and disability.
Wicklow County Council Arts Office welcomes applications from artists / groups / organisations who propose innovative artistic solutions which meet the strategic development goals of Wicklow County Council’s Arts Office.
Application window
The 2027 Strategic Project Award Scheme is open for applications between Friday 10th July and Friday 21st August 2026.
The deadline for applications is Friday 21st August at 4pm.
Online Submissions only HERE
How do I apply?
Read the guidelines below to familiarise yourself with what is required for your application.
Download the budget template below, complete and upload the completed budget as part of your supporting documentation in your online application.
All applications must be made through Submittable. Here you will be able to upload all supporting material along with your application form.
*The Submittable platform works best on Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Internet Explorer is not supported.
Apply Online
Applications must be submitted online through Submittable HERE
Confirmation
You will receive an acknowledgement email from Submittable once you have made an application.
Applicants will be notified of outcomes as soon as is practicable, however, it is anticipated that the overall process from the submission of applications to notification will take 6 - 8 weeks.
Questions
For questions relating to the application process or for application support contact wao@wicklowcoco.ie.
This email support service is available up to 5pm on Friday, 14th August 2026.