Pilot Artists Bursary Scheme

The Pilot Artists Bursary Scheme aligns and streamlines the supports offered by Clare County Council to artists (established and emerging) and arts participants, 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
• Offer strategic support for artists
• Foster continued appreciation and development of the arts

The scheme is not intended to

a) replace the Artists Support grants scheme run through the Arts Act Grants of the Clare Local Area Grants Scheme

b) displace any other professional development schemes such as the glór Mentoring Scheme and Platform 31 (which will be announced later this year)

c) cover travel expenses or per diems. The scheme will only cover tuition costs or fees associated with your chosen event and accommodation costs where necessary.

The scheme intends to

provide opportunities for artists and members of the community participating in the arts to attend publicly funded summer schools, artists retreats, professional development events in Ireland eg Tyrone Guthrie Centre, Drama League of Ireland Summer School etc.

We welcome applications from established and emerging artists as well as those involved in the community, amateur or voluntary sectors. Young people attending high quality summer schools are also welcome to apply.

Successful applicants will be required, as far as is feasible, to complete their activity by December 31st, 2023.

CRITERIA

1. The bursaries are open to creative practitioners, in all art forms (as defined by the 2003 Arts Act), living in County Clare.
2. Applicants should show significant achievement or potential in their chosen field.
3. The applicant must demonstrate a high degree of promise attested by references or other forms of support from established figures in the arts or from the sector from which they are applying (eg youthwork, amateur drama group)
4. Each application must be accompanied by an artistic curriculum vitae and a reasonable sample of the artist’s work. In the case of those involved in the community, amateur or voluntary sectors, details of experience in these fields will be required.
5. Applicants should state clearly what they are applying for, where it is and when they hope to attend. They should indicate the costs involved (Note: Payments will be made to the organisations and not to individual artists)
6. Applicants should state clearly what they wish to accomplish if they are successful in receiving this bursary.
7. Positive weighting will be applied to applicants who demonstrate financial hardship.
8. Previous bursary winners may reapply but positive weighting will be applied to applicants who have not previously received bursary support from the Arts Office.

ASSESSMENT

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

• Artistic Background / Track Record / Potential of Applicant (25 marks)
• Outline of what you wish to accomplish during your stay at your chosen festival / summer school / retreat (25 marks)
• Potential Impact of the Proposal on your own own Artistic / Professional Development (25 marks)
• Potential Impact of the Proposal on the Arts Environment / the Wider Public in County Clare (15 marks)
• Financial Hardship (if applicable) (10 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 or upload it with your application.