Arts Participation Scheme

The Arts Participation Scheme provides opportunities for those involved in the arts in Clare to attend summer schools, training courses or once off events.

We welcome applications from participants across all artforms and all ages.

Examples of supports which could be considered are: (but are not limited to)

• Blas Traditional Summer School
• Drama League of Ireland Summer School
• Irish Youth Choir
• Meitheal
• Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy

The Scheme aligns and streamlines the supports offered by Clare County Council to artists and those involved in artistic activities (established and emerging) across all artforms.

The scheme is offered by Clare County Council as it aligns to Flourish – Clare Arts Development Plan 2019 – 2023 and our mission to
• Provide open and accessible opportunities for all
• Foster continued appreciation and development of the arts

The scheme will provide opportunities for those involved in the arts in Clare to attend summer schools, training courses or once off events.

We welcome applications from participants across all artforms and all ages.

Successful applicants will be required, as far as is feasible, to complete their activity by December 31st, 2024.

CRITERIA

1. The bursaries are open to those involved in the arts in all art forms (as defined by the 2003 Arts Act), living in County Clare.
2. Applicants should show significant dedication, achievement or potential in their chosen field.
3. Applicants should state clearly what they are applying for.
4. Applicants should state clearly when they hope to attend.
5. Applicants should state clearly the costs involved. Where possible a letter of offer from the organisation should be included outlining the costs involved. (Note: In general payments will be made to the organisations and not to individual artists. In the case of travel expenses for individuals these will only be paid on a receipt basis)
6. In the case of applicants who are required to audition for a space / are awaiting the results of an audition, a conditional offer may be made subject to them being accepted on the course in 2024. We cannot hold awards over for future years. Confirmation of the offer will be made on receipt of a letter of offer from the host organisation.
7. Applicants should state clearly what they wish to accomplish.
8. Positive weighting will be applied to applicants who demonstrate financial hardship.
9. Applicants must supply a reference from their local group (in the case of amateur dramatics etc.) or from their teacher / mentor. Each group / teacher / mentor may only nominate one applicant. Previous bursary recipients may not reapply.

ASSESSMENT

On assessing your application we will take the following into account:

• Track Record / Involvement in the arts to date (30 marks)
• The quality of your chosen course or event and the cost of attending the course (inclusive of fees, accommodation, travel etc.) (20 marks)
• What impact you think it will have on your artistic development (please give as much detail as you have available at this point of time on the course / event) (30 marks)
• Demonstrated need for the financial assistance to attend (20 marks)

We are very conscious that one size will not fill all and that each application will vary considerably in terms of its scope and scale. If there is something we have not covered, or something you have a burning desire to let us know, please include it in the application.

Applicants may apply up to the value of €1000 but we envisage making a number of smaller awards.

We reserve the right to offer a contribution to the costs, rather than all of the costs.

We reserve the right to have a shortlisted panel in place so that if artists are unable to take up their offer we can offer it to the next shortlisted candidate.