The Kerry County Council Arts Grants application process is now open for projects and activities taking place in 2021.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 1pm on Thursday, December 17th 2020.
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.
Funding Support is Crucial
“Funding to support the arts is crucial,” said Kate Kennelly, Arts Officer at Kerry County Council.
“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 Ms. Kennelly.
Spend On Arts Prioritised
The Arts Service at Kerry County Council 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; Strategic partnerships that will better develop the arts locally.
Paid Involvement of Professional Artists
In accordance with the core values of Kerry County Council’s Arts Strategy 2016 – 2021, priority is given to festivals, events and activities that seek funding for the paid involvement participation/mentorship/direction of professional artists.
Individual Artist Bursary Awards support the artistic work development of artists based in Kerry. There are four different Bursary categories: 1. Artists’ Retreat; 2. Creative Work Development; 3. Further Arts Education and 4. Eamon Kelly Bursary – the latter is applicable in the Killarney Municipal District only.
Artists with Track Records
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. These support schools which 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.
Applications Encouraged
Anyone seeking support for arts activities in 2021 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/
Additional information and support throughout the application process is available by contacting the Arts Office on 066 71 83541 or email arts@kerrycoco.ie
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