Dance

We are committed to developing a diverse and sustainable dance practice in Ireland through focused support for dance companies, individual dance artists, festivals and resource organisations.

In 2024, we announced the creation of a new national and all-island dance company, Luail, following an open call for submissions.

CoisCéim Dance Theatre’s ‘DANCEHALL BLUES’ by David Bolger. Photo: Ros Kavanagh.

How we develop dance

Our dance policy aims to create pathways to sustainable careers for dance artists, improve dance infrastructure, and increase public engagement with the artform.

Learn more about how we develop dance

two ballerinas dressed in red leotards are caught in movement on a black empty stage

Ryoko Yagyu and Enzo Convert in ‘All that Remains’ by Filipe Portugal, Ballet Ireland. Photo: Andrew Ross.

Publications

View the latest research and reports.

Latest funding opportunities for dance

More funding opportunities

Individual

Applications open Closing: 24 Apr

Agility Award

The Agility Award supports individual professional artists and arts practitioners who have not been previously funded as an individual by the Arts Council. It focuses on enabling artists to develop their practice, develop their work and develop their skills.

Individual & Organisation

Applications open Closing: 8 May

Touring of Work Scheme 2026 – Round 1

The Touring of Work Scheme supports the touring of work across Ireland by individual artists and organisations. It focuses on making great art from different artforms available to more people throughout the country.

Organisation

Opening soon Opening: 29 Apr

Festivals Investment Scheme – Round 1

The Festivals Investment Scheme supports small-to-mid-scale festivals to deliver high-quality arts experiences for audiences. It focuses on programmes engaged with, and relevant to, local communities or communities of interest.

Individual

Opening soon Opening: 20 May

Dance Bursary Award – Round 2

The Bursary Award supports individual artists to develop their artistic practice. It focuses on providing artists with the time and resources they need to think, research, reflect, and deeply engage with their artistic practice.

Spotlights

Dance artists we have supported share how their funding made a difference to their artistic careers.

Ali Clarke

Ali Clarke is a choreographer and director of dance and circus. Here Ali speaks about the impact of Arts Council funding on her practice.

Jessie Thompson

Jessie Thompson is a Professional Dance artist and Emerging Choreographer, specialising in Hip hop and experimental contemporary dance. Jessie talks about the impact of the Agility Award on her practice.

Mateusz Szczerek

Mateusz Szczerek is a Dublin based dance artist. Mateusz speaks about the impact of Arts Council Awards on his practice.

Mufutau Yusuf

Mufutau Yusuf made his professional debut at 18 years of age with the Irish Modern Dance Theatre in ‘Fall and Recover'. Mufutau explains the impact the Bursary Award has had on his…

Róisín Whelan

Róisín Whelan is a dance artist born in Carlow. Róisín speaks about the impact her funding from the Arts Council has had on her practice.

Zoë Ashe-Browne

Zoë Ashe-Browne is a dance artist and maker from Dublin. Zoë explains the impact the Bursary Award has had on her practice.

Our Dance team

Lisa McLoughlin

Head of Dance

Victoria O’Brien

Dance Adviser

Elaine Connolly

Dance Officer

Adele Kirwan

Dance Assistant

Get in touch

Contact our team with your questions about dance.

dance@artscouncil.ie
+353 1 6180203