Hey Mzansi fam! While Bursaries Room focuses on funding your future right here in South Africa, we sometimes stumble upon awesome international opportunities that could spark your interest or inspire you. Today, we’re taking a peek at the Kerry County Council Arts Bursary for 2026, straight from the Emerald Isle – Ireland! If you’re an artist or involved in the arts and looking for inspiration, or perhaps you’re considering international studies, this one shows how arts funding works abroad.
So, what’s the deal with this bursary? Kerry County Council in Ireland offers a fantastic range of grants and bursaries to boost the arts in their region. They’re looking to support everything from arts festivals and groups to individual artists, youth theatres, schools, and community events planning arts activities in 2026. It’s all about nurturing creativity and strengthening communities through the power of art!
Who Can Apply?
This particular opportunity is generally for artists and organisations based in or planning activities in Kerry County, Ireland. However, understanding the criteria can be helpful for anyone aspiring to secure arts funding, whether locally or internationally. Specifically, applications are invited for:
- Arts Act Grant: For arts festivals, groups, events, communities, organisations, and schools.
- Individual Artist Bursaries: For individual artists looking for professional development, continuing arts education (like the Creative Work Development, Artist in Retreat, or Further Arts Education Bursary), or established artists from/residing in Killarney Municipal District (Eamon Kelly Bursary).
- Artists in Schools Scheme: Encourages schools to team up with artists for projects that connect local artists, students, and teachers.
- Youth Theatre Grant Scheme: For not-for-profit companies and organisations with new or established youth theatres.
What Does It Cover?
These bursaries and grants are designed to provide valuable financial support for various artistic endeavours. While the exact amounts and specific coverage will depend on the grant or bursary you apply for, they generally aim to:
- Fund arts activities and projects for 2026.
- Support professional development and continued education for individual artists.
- Facilitate collaborations between artists and schools.
- Nurture the growth of youth theatre groups.
Essentially, they’re there to help bring artistic visions to life and ensure the arts thrive in Kerry.
How to Apply?
Ready to dive in? If you’re an eligible artist or organisation in Ireland, here’s what you need to know:
- The deadline for all applications is 5pm on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Mark that calendar!
- An online information session was hosted on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, to guide applicants. (Note: This date has passed, but for future reference, attending such sessions is always a good idea!)
- You can submit your applications online via www.consult.ie/kerrycoco.ie or by completing application forms available at the official arts website.
- Official Application Link: https://arts.kerrycoco.ie/arts-forms-funding/
- For any queries, you could contact [email protected] (though note the info session date has passed).
While this specific bursary is for our friends in Ireland, it’s a fantastic reminder that opportunities exist globally for passionate individuals in the arts! Keep your eyes peeled for similar bursaries right here in South Africa, and remember to check Bursaries Room regularly for funding opportunities that can help you kickstart or advance your career. Don’t let your artistic dreams just be dreams – go out there and get funded!
