Grants are awarded on an annual basis under the Arts Act Grants scheme which is advertised in January each year.
1: Arts Act Grants
Provision has been made by Laois County Council for the payment of grants to Laois arts organisations and individuals who meet the artistic and financial criteria set down by Laois County Council and who provide adequate information on their proposed activities. Maximum amount payable do not exceed €1,000.
2: Tyrone Guthrie Residency Bursary Awards 2024
Annual bursaries are available to enable two Laois artists to spend one week working at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre in County Monaghan. The bursaries are open to artists in all fields and is selected based on previous achievements and projects in hand.
3: Artists in Schools Scheme 2024
Grants are available for artists’ residencies in schools, to include all art forms. This scheme gives primary and post primary schools the opportunity to select and work with professional artists and explore new arts media. In 2024 the budget increased to €2500 for each Artist in the Schools Scheme residency.
5: Art Studios and Residential Studios at Laois Arthouse
Laois Arthouse provides day studios and residential Studios in Stradbally. Studios are available for a period of up to six months. Facilities include an exhibition space, kiln, garden, public library and WIFI. Artists may apply through regular open calls. See further information here.
6: Creative Ireland Laois Film Bursary
The Laois Short Film Bursary offers funding of up to €10,000 to fund the making of a short drama film or short documentary. A prerequisite of this award is that it is produced and/or written by a Laois born or Laois resident. The film must be filmed on location in Co Laois and completed by the end of the year in which it is awarded. The Arts Office supports a public screening of the film in association with Dunamaise Arts Centre.