The Kerry County Council Arts Grants application process opened on Wednesday of this week for projects and activities taking place in 2020.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 1pm Monday, December 16th. 2019.
Under the Arts Act 2003, funding is allocated to individuals or groups where activities, projects and undertakings stimulate public interest in the arts, promote knowledge and appreciation of the arts and improve the standards of practice in the arts.
Arts Support is Crucial
“Funding to support the arts is crucial and my colleagues at the council fully recognise that funding the arts is an investment in our communities, our culture, and our ability to communicate creatively at many levels,” said Kate Kennelly, Kerry County Council Arts Officer.
Spend on Arts Activities
The council’s arts service oversees the application and selection process and prioritises spend on arts activities that reflect the following strategic policy areas:
Youth Arts and Arts in Education initiatives; Supports to artists in terms of career and arts practice development; promoting Kerry as a place to both create and show work and the strategic partnerships that will better develop the arts locally.
Arts Strategy 2016 – 2021
In accordance with the core values of Kerry County Council’s Arts Strategy 2016 – 2021, priority will be given to festivals, events and activities that seek funding for the paid involvement participation/mentorship/direction of professional artists.
Artistic Work Development
Individual Artist Bursary Awards support the artistic work development of artists based in Kerry. There are four different Bursary categories: Artists’ Retreat; Creative Work Development; Further Arts Education; Eamon Kelly Bursary for the Killarney Municipal District only.
Artist in Schools Awards
These bursaries offer support for the artist across a wide range of areas and applications are open to artists with significant track records in their chosen discipline.
There is also a number of Artist in Schools Awards which support schools who wish to give children and young people the opportunity to work with professional artists on a specific project that enhances the curriculum without replacing the work of the curriculum.
Get the Applications In
Anyone seeking support for arts activities in 2020 is encouraged to send in their applications on time as late applications cannot be accepted.
Application forms are online at www.kerrycoco.ie/home3/arts/arts-forms/ and additional information and support throughout the application process is available by contacting the Arts Office on 066 7183541 or email arts@kerrycoco.ie
