The objective of this scheme is to assist individual artists to develop their arts practice and artistic career. The scheme is open to professional artists living in County Galway at all stages of their career, working in any artform and context.
Artists may apply for support with:
- Research, development or presentation of new work that will have a significant impact on the applicant’s career.
- Short-term mentorship or continued profession development supports that offer a demonstrable benefit to the artist’s practice. This can include participation on short-term courses, residencies, specialist workshops, mentorships etc. It is not intended to fund undergraduate third level or on-going study.
- Materials, exhibition costs, equipment hire and fees towards third party expertise. These costs must be intrinsic to the creative process or to the production and dissemination of the proposal.
Who is eligible to apply?
This award is open to all professional practising artists, in all artforms and contexts. To be eligible to apply the applicant must live in the local authority area of County Galway.
How much may I apply for?
The maximum award offered is €3,000 and awards are often made for smaller amounts. Please note that the average award made under this scheme in 2025 was €2,178. The total fund available for 2026 is €34,000. Up to €9,000 will be awarded to artists in the early stages of their career.
Deadline for applications is 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday 03 February 2026.
If you have questions about making an application, email artsoffice@galwaycoco.ie.
Click here for the Artist Support Scheme guidelines and application form.
Artist Support Scheme 2026: Come Ask Questions
We're hosting two online sessions for Artist Support Scheme applicants. Join us to talk through your questions about preparing and submitting your application.
Thursday 15 Jan at 7pm
Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/.../447eabc1-3994-45e2...
Thursday 22 Jan at 1pm
Register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/.../e86fbb0e-32cc-454b...
List of artists awarded in 2025
Alannah Robins
Anne Marie Deacy
Brigid Mulligan
Ciara Broderick
Fiona Hanley
Fionnuala Quinn
Grace Dyas
James Skerritt
Jamie Toomey
Karen Dervan
Matthew Noone
Melisande Souef
Sinead Pokall
Sorsha Galvin
List of artists awarded in 2024
Claire-Louise Bennett
Debbie Wright
Fiona Hession
Helena Kilty
Jennifer Cunningham
Magdalena Hylak
Niamh St John
Noelle Gallagher
Phillida Eves
Sarah Deane
Tadhg Ó Cuirrín
Tristan Heanue
List of artists awarded in 2023
Alannah Robins
Anne Marie Deacy
Brigid Mulligan
Bryony Hussey
Ceara Conway
Emma O'Grady
Hilary Woods
Louise Manifold
Noeline Kavanagh
Samir Mahmood
Selma Makela
List of artists awarded in 2022
Andreea Banciu
Jennifer Cunningham
Jessie Keenan
Joanna McGlynn
Magdalena Hylak
Márie Robinson
Noreen Burke
Peadar-Tom Mercier
Ronan Connor
Stephanie Dufresne
Tadhg Ó Cuirínn
Tom Portman
Tracy Gaughan
Veronika Straberger
Yvonne Kane