Sligo County Council’s 2027 Arts Grant Scheme will open for applications on Wednesday next 28th October.  The scheme recognises the vital contribution of the arts to the county’s cultural life and aims to strengthen Sligo’s arts infrastructure while supporting the professional, amateur and community-based arts sector.

• The closing date for the 2027 scheme is Thursday 3rd December at 4pm. Late applications will not be accepted.
• Applications will only be accepted online via Sligo County Council’s Grants Portal

The scheme is divided into two strands, reflecting the breadth of arts activity across the county and the different roles played by local arts infrastructure, festivals and events. Applicants should review the guidelines carefully to identify the strand most appropriate to their activities.

Strand 1: Arts Infrastructure is aimed at supporting Sligo’s arts venues and workspaces and professional arts and resource organisations that play a key role in sustaining and developing the county’s arts infrastructure and raising the profile of Sligo’s arts sector nationally and internationally. Activities may include year-round programming and public engagement, support for artists and artform development. Applications under this strand are require to submit more detailed information and supporting documentation.

Strand 2: Arts Festivals & Events is aimed at supporting Sligo’s wider arts community through the provision of funding to independently programmed and non-commercial arts festivals and events that provide opportunities for audiences and communities throughout the county to engage with the arts. The strand is open to professional, amateur and community-based applicants whose activities have a clear arts focus.

Activities whose primary focus lies outside the arts, including primarily food-focused, tourism-focused or commercial events, are not eligible under this scheme. Organisers of such activities should consider alternative Sligo County Council funding opportunities.

How to Apply: Applications must be submitted online via the Sligo County Council Grants Portal.

The closing date for completed applications is 4pm on Thursday, 3 December 2026. Late applications will not be considered.

Subject to confirmation of funding, successful applicants will be announced in January 2027.

For further information, including eligibility criteria and access to the Grants Portal, visit the Sligo County Council Arts Grants information page.