This funding stream offers full-time, independent professional (non-commercial) artists the opportunity to apply for funding of up to €1,200 to support professional development opportunities, a residency and/or travel to support the afore-mentioned. It is also intended to support artists in the research, development, creation and/or presentation of a new body of work.
The scheme is designed to nurture and advance the practice of individual, professional full-time artists and practitioners currently living in Sligo or artists who can demonstrate that their practice is primarily based here. It is open to artists at all career stages working in all disciplines. This is a rolling fund, while applications are invited year-round, there will be four assessments to allocate the funds, closing dates for which are as outlined below.
Closing Dates for Assessments (subject to change):
| Round 1 | Thursday 4th February 2026 at 4pm |
| Round 2 | Thursday 9th April 2026 at 4pm |
| Round 3 | Thursday 11th June 2026 at 4pm |
| Round 4 | Thursday 10th September 2026 at 4pm |
The total fund for 2026 will be circa €20,000
Please refer to the Information Sheet (below) relating to this fund to gain an understanding of eligibility, how applications will be assessed and what costs are ineligible.
While there is no fixed number of awards, there will generally be a larger number of lesser value and a small number of maximum value ones. The quantity and value of awards will depend on available resources, number of applicants and the quality of applications.
Live Work Play Information Sheet
What will be Funded
Professional Development:
Costs relating to improving your knowledge, skills or expertise – such as research, residencies, mentoring or short-term courses (including online courses); the opportunity to work with national or international artists with extensive track records and/or the opportunity to perform or exhibit nationally or internationally at venues with strong track records of presenting high quality professional art events.
The extent to which these activities are relevant to on-going and planned work, the quality of that work, and its importance to future audiences, is crucial and should be clear from your application.
Residencies:
Costs that would support an artist to take up a residency either here or abroad. A confirmed letter of offer outlining the details of the residency (including fees) must be supplied to support an application.
Development of New Work:
To facilitate artists in the development or the completion of specific bodies or programmes of work. To support artists to sustain and develop their practice through the research, design, creation and presentation of events, performances, exhibitions, publications, and other artistic projects.
Travel:
Vouched costs associated with public transport / international travel and accommodation relevant to the application.
Assessment Criteria
Track Record (35)
Likely benefit to the Artists Practice (50)
Value of the Investment (15)