The Arts Council expresses its sadness at the passing of painter and Aosdána member, Gene Lambert

The Arts Council has expressed its sadness at the passing of painter and Aosdána member, Gene Lambert. Born in Dublin in 1952, Gene Lambert was a towering figure in the Irish arts community, known for his distinctive and evocative work…

The Arts Council announces €1.2 Million in Creative Production Supports to enhance the independent arts sector   

The Arts Council is proud to announce the recipients of the Creative Production Supports Scheme 2025–26, with a total investment of €1.2 million. The three organisations, based in Dublin, Galway and Wicklow will benefit from the Scheme, which will increase the…

The Arts Council expresses its sadness at the passing of writer and Aosdána member, Jennifer Johnston

The Arts Council has expressed its sadness at the passing of writer and Aosdána member, Jennifer Johnston.  Maura McGrath, Chair of the Arts Council, said:  “Jennifer Johnston was an esteemed literary voice whose work captured the complexities of Irish life with extraordinary depth…

Statement from the Arts Council regarding 2023 Annual Report

The Arts Council distributes funding to artists and arts organisations across Ireland. To do so, we operate an online application and payment system, which has been in place since 2008. In 2023, 90% of our €143m expenditure directly supported artists…

Paul Muldoon elected as Saoi of Aosdána

President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins presided at a ceremony, today, Thursday 6th February 2025, to mark the election of poet and Aosdána member Paul Muldoon to Saoi  of Aosdána.   The honour of Saoi is bestowed for singular and sustained distinction in…

New research by the Arts Council shows that Irish arts audiences are returning to pre-Covid levels

83% of people surveyed in 2024 attended at least one arts event in the previous 12 months, up 11% on 2023.   Cost and value for money are key concerns for audiences when deciding whether to attend arts events.  Just 12%…

Creative February 2025 inspires young people to “Make your Mark”

Arts Council initiative returns with an engaging programme of events. Schools and Youth Centres around Ireland encouraged to take part and get creative! Libraries and cultural spaces to join in with events.  Creative February, the Arts Council initiative which encourages…

The Arts Council expresses its sadness at the passing of poet and Aosdána member Michael Longley

23 January: The Arts Council expresses great sadness at the passing of the distinguished Irish poet and Aosdána member Michael Longley, who has died aged 85.  Born in Belfast in 1939, Michael Longley was educated at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution…

The Arts Council celebrates partnership with third-level institutions through artist in residence programmes

Arts Council announces first round of direct grant funding worth €68.5M for 2025 

175 grants awarded to organisations, art centres and arts studios across the country   The Arts Council has announced its first round of funding decisions for 2025, awarding 175 arts organisations, arts centres and arts studios grants amounting to €68.5 million. These grants will…

Literature Bursary Award 2025 Information Clinics

The deadline for the next round of the Arts Council’s Literature Bursary Award is Thursday, 13 February 2025 at 5.30 pm. The Arts Council offers a Literature Bursary for writers, comic book artists and children’s picture book makers working in…

The Arts Council launches Street Performance and Spectacle Policy

First of its kind policy for Street Performance and Spectacle  Re-enforcing the Arts Council’s belief that art should be accessible to all  Emphasis on community co-creation and Local Authority Partnerships  The Arts Council is proud to unveil its new Street Performance…