Funding Bodies

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Director: Mary Cloake
Arts Director (Music, Dance & Theatre): John O'Kane
Arts Director (Combined Arts): Martin Drury
Head of Theatre: David Parnell
Operations Director: Aidan Burke

The Arts Council is the national agency for funding, developing and promoting the arts in Ireland. Its funds come from the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. Its role is to provide advice to government on artistic matters; to advise, assist and support individuals and arts organisations and a wide range of governmental and non-governmental bodies on art matters; and to provide financial assistance and other forms of support to individuals and organisations, for artistic purposes.

Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon funding programmes for Organisations and Individuals are subject to change. For up-to-date information please consult the website.

Director, Arts Development: Philip Hammond
Drama & Dance Officer: Gilly Campbell

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is the statutory body through which public funding for the arts in Northern Ireland is channelled. The Arts Council is funded by grant-in-aid by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) and has responsibility for distributing Lottery funds, including Awards for All, to the arts in Northern Ireland. Its principal functions are: to develop and improve the knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts; to increase public access to, and participation in the arts; to advise DCAL and other government departments, district councils and other bodies on matters relating to the arts.

Support is available to organisations and individuals. Full details and application forms available on the website or from the Arts Council directly.

See under Arts Council of Northern Ireland

Director of Communications: Ray Mullan

The Community Relations Council aims to support and advise projects which encourage a positive awareness of difference and diversity both between communities and within communities in Northern Ireland.
Funds: The Council administers various grant schemes in pursuit of the above aims and arts-based projects may be eligible.
Application procedure: Application forms, criteria and further information are available from the above address or the CRC website.

CEO: Eugene Downes
Contact: Christine Sisk

Culture Ireland, the national agency to promote Irish arts and artists overseas has a budget of €4 million for 2007. Its remit includes the allocation of grants for overseas activity to Irish artists or arts organisations, the funding and facilitation of Irish participation at strategic international arts events and the management of emblematic cultural events. It also advises the Minister on international arts and cultural affairs. Culture Ireland supports artists across the creative spectrum.
Application: Culture Ireland will meet to consider applications 3 times a year in January, May and September. The deadline for receipt of applications is the 15th of the previous month.
In all cases, applications must be received at least eight weeks before the event for which funding is being sought.

Arts Development Officer: Mícheál Ó Fearraigh

Ealaín na Gaeltachta Teo. was set up to implement an Arts Plan for the Gaeltacht. It is funded jointly by the Arts Council and Údarás na Gaeltachta. Three Arts Officers are employed in the various Gaeltacht regions (Connacht and Co. Meath, Munster and Donegal) to assist and encourage artists and arts organisations to develop arts projects and to futher their artistic careers. Application forms are available from Ealaín na Gaeltachta local offices.

For contact information, see Arts Officers or log on to the website.

Director: Rolf Stehle
Programme Manager: Barbara Ebert

The Goethe-Institut is the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany with a global reach.
We promote knowledge of the German language abroad and foster international cultural cooperation. We convey a comprehensive picture of Germany by providing information on Germany's cultural, social and political life.
We face the cultural policy challenges of globalisation and develop innovative concepts for a world made more human through mutual understanding, where cultural diversity is seen as an asset. The Goethe-Institut Dublin organises and supports a wide spectrum of cultural events which present German culture abroad and promote the inter-cultural dialogue.

Director: Tony Reilly

The British Council in Ireland, in partnership with individuals, institutions and organisations, supports the relationship between Ireland and the UK through developing projects in arts, science and society.

Director: Colm McGivern
Arts Manager: Colette Norwood

The British Council in Northern Ireland seeks to present a realistic and balanced image of Northern Ireland overseas in partnership with bodies working primarily in the cultural sector, civil society, human rights and gender issues.

Funds: Contributes to Northern Irish companies touring abroad (including Republic of Ireland). Will also assist with foreign practitioners visiting Northern Ireland.

Application Procedure: No formal procedure exists. Applications outlining project details are accepted all year round.

Grants and Research Manager: Gillian Wynne

These funds are currently under review. Please contact the Ireland Funds or refer to their website for the latest information.