Creative Heartlands Programme & Film Bursary

The Creative Heartlands project was established across Leitrim, Sligo and Roscommon in 2019 to strengthen economic growth and sustain existing enterprises in the creative sector. The project is managed by the Leitrim Design House in partnership with Leitrim, Sligo and Roscommon County Councils. In 2020 funding was received from Enterprise Ireland, under the Regional Enterprise Development Fund. This 3-year project was developed by the Arts Offices and Local Enterprise Offices to focus on growing and sustaining existing enterprises in the film sector and in the design and digital fabrication sector. The project aims to build on the existing structures and infrastructure in the region to sustain and grow the creative sector across the three counties.

ACCESS TO EQUIPMENT

Under the Project, investment has been made in shooting and editing equipment. This equipment is available for use by practitioners throughout the region. Its function is to promote and develop the region’s screen productions (encompassing all media output including Film, Television, Animation, Educational, Commercial etc). Shooting equipment is available to rent from the Glens Centre. There are also three edit suites available, one each in county.

AVAILABLE EDITING SUITES

  • Sligo: The Northside Community Centre Sligo Town
  • Leitrim: The Glens Centre Manorhamilton
  • Roscommon: King House, Boyle

Further information and queries in relation to the above can be made to Johnny Gogan Creative Heartlands Film Project Manager (see below).

CREATIVE HEARTLANDS CONTACTS:

CREATIVE HEARTLANDS FILM BURSARY:

As part of the Creative Heartlands progamme, the Creative Heartlands Film Bursary is an annual award offered by Sligo Arts Service with the support of The Arts Council, together with both Leitrim and Roscommon Arts Offices as part of their Creative Ireland programmes.

The award is open to both established and emerging filmmakers and production companies, living/working in the SLR (Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon) region, and designed to support collaboration among filmmaking teams in the development of an original Short Film.

One award will be offered to a filmmaker/production company in each of the three counties. Successful recipients can avail of the Creative Heartlands Editing and Shooting Equipment & Mentoring support.

Key Information

  • The previous “adaptation” requirement has been removed from the criteria.
  • Open to filmmakers based in Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon
  • Three awards per year (one per county)
  • Each bursary is valued at €6,000
  • Additional support includes access to equipment and mentoring
  • Supports collaboration across film teams and disciplines
  • Films are typically developed, produced and premiered within the same calendar year at a range of regional festivals and screenings, including Strandhill Film and Folk Festival, Adaptation Film Festival and Roscommon International Film Festival.
  • The scheme usually opens early in the year, with a submission deadline in March.

Eligibility:

  • One film will be commissioned from a filmmaking team based in each of the counties that are part of Creative Heartlands project – Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon. The address of the Lead Applicant will determine the county of origin of the application.
  • Each application must be led by a professional* practicing film artist/producer/director based in either Sligo, Leitrim or Roscommon.
    * Although you might not earn income continuously or exclusively from your arts practice, applicants must identify themselves and be recognised by their peers as professional practicing artists.
  • The scheme is open to short films – drama, animation, documentary and more – to be delivered in HD 1080p – and should be no longer than 12mins (flexible with the running time on a documentary).
  • Team applications (writers, directors, producers) are encouraged as will be the inclusion of regionally based Heads of Department and Crew.

Assessment Criteria:

  • Track record of those involved in the project (20)
  • Likely benefit to artists involved in the project that live/work in the region. (20)
  • Artistic quality of the proposal (20)
  • Evidence of collaboration and distinct roles among the film team. (20)
  • Feasibility (20)

Funding & Support:

  • In addition to the bursary of €6000, the successful recipients can avail of the Creative Heartlands Editing and Shooting Equipment.
  • Mentoring support is available from the Creative Heartlands Film Development Manager.
  • Bursaries will be paid in two parts – €5,000 on award; €1,000 balance on completion and delivery.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.

Further Information: creativeheartlandsfilm@gmail.com

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