Fingal County Council announce Artists’ Support Scheme, 2022

Fingal County Council is inviting applications for the Artists’ Support Scheme 2022.

This strand of funding, which has increased again this year, allows professional artists to avail of an award up to €5,000 towards travel/professional development opportunities, a residency or towards the development of work.

The objective of the Artists’ Support Scheme is to support individual professional artists from Fingal to develop their artistic practice.

The award, with a total combined fund of €200,000, is open to practising artists at all stages in their professional careers working in music, visual art, drama, literature & dance.

To be eligible to apply, applicants must have been born, have studied, or currently reside in the Fingal administrative area.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Seána Ó Rodaigh commented “This is a very exciting time for the arts as we emerge from a difficult time for the sector.

“I am confident the 2022 funding opportunity will be of great benefit to our artists and will nurture and encourage artistic excellence in Fingal.”

Speaking about the award, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly said “I am delighted to announce the 2022 funding scheme, which enables Fingal based artists to develop their professional arts practice.

“Last year 89 applicants working in diverse disciplines were awarded a combined total of €150,000 through this bursary strand.

“The increase in funding again this year reflects the Council’s continued commitment to support and invest in its artists.

Director of Services, Emer O’ Gorman said, “Fingal County Council recognises and values the important role of the arts and artists in our society and is very pleased to provide funding to professional artists through this essential scheme.”

Aerialist and artist, Emily Aoibheann McDonnell was among the 89 artists awarded under the Artists’ Support Scheme in 2021. The funding she received was used towards the research and development of a new ambitious work combining aerial dance and digital technologies. McDonnell stated “Fingal’s Artist’s Support Scheme allowed me to collaborate with artists Liing Heaney and Rob Mirolo, as well as technical experts, to combine aerial dance and digital technology for a new experimental artwork. The funding allowed us time to work together, enhance our technical expertise and bring together elements of dance, digital art, illustration, animation and technology in exciting, beautiful ways. Although this phase of work focused on research and artistic process, we plan to finish and share our artwork with audiences through film and performance in the future.”

The Artists’ Support Scheme funding is for projects/initiatives which will take place from 1 May – 31 December 2022.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 25 February 2022 at 4pm.

For further information and to apply please see www.fingalarts.ie/news or www.fingal.ie/arts

Alternatively, please contact Eoghan Finn at Fingal Arts Office by email at eoghan.finn@fingal.ie or by phone on 087 773 8427.