Opera

Opera as an artform has a 300-year history in Ireland and is very popular with Irish audiences. The opera producing sector in Ireland is of very high standard but is comparatively small.

We are dedicated to the further development and performance of opera, both traditional and contemporary works, and growing and expanding its national reach.

Sinéad Campbell Wallace in ‘Salome’ by Irish National Opera. Photo: Patricio Cassinoni.

How we develop opera

Our opera policy and strategy outlines how we are supporting the creation and presentation of high-quality opera productions that aim to reach diverse audiences and make opera accessible to the public.

Learn more about how we develop opera

A woman in a flapper dress is cream and gold stands between two ornate art deco fences behind shell shaped orange lights

Sarah Luttrell as Zibaldona in ‘Cinderella’ by Alma Deutscher at Wexford Festival Opera. Photo: Pádraig Grant

Publications

View the latest research and reports.

Latest funding opportunities for opera

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.

Organisation

Opening soon Opening: 24 Jun

Strategic Funding 2026

Strategic Funding supports key arts organisations, ensuring their sustainability and capacity to deliver high-quality arts experiences. It focuses on the delivery of excellent artwork, services, events and activities that provide more people with the opportunity to enjoy high quality arts experiences.

Our Opera team

Vacant

Head of Music and Opera

Isis Cortes

Music and Opera Assistant

Tara Bolger

Application Support Manager Music and Opera

Sarah Carroll

Music and Opera Assistant

Áine Kelly

Music and Opera Officer

Paul McNamara

Opera Adviser

Get in touch

Contact our team with your questions about opera.

musicandopera@artscouncil.ie
+353 1 6180 229