Architecture Project Award – Ireland

The purpose of the award is to support:

• the making of innovative and challenging new work;
• the making of work which develops the arts practice of architects;
• the making of work which develops theoretical and/or practical aspects of architecture;
• ambitious, high-quality initiatives that deliver a presentation to an audience.

Objectives and Priorities

There are three strands to this award and each has a specific purpose.

• Strand 1: Research and Development
  • The purpose of this strand is to offer applicants an opportunity to explore, test and develop ideas in architecture that relate to and could be developed into Strand 2 (Production) OR Strand 3 (Engagement) projects.
  • Ideas for projects developed under Strand 1 are eligible to apply for Strand 2 or Strand 3 funding, as appropriate, in a subsequent year.
  • It is a requirement of this strand that an architect or architecture graduate is the applicant OR a core member of the team in a group application – e.g. in an application from a curator, community group, festival, arts centre, local authority, etc. (in the case of an application that could be developed into a Strand 3 Engagement project).
• Strand 2: Production
  • The purpose of this strand is to support once-off ambitious new work from architects or architecture graduates at all career stages, in, or about, architecture through the creation of spatial, material or other physical work that has a real and tangible output that can be experienced by the public (in a public space in the case of built or material work).
  • Potential proposals could be those that:
    • Enable the production of work in architecture that is challenging and embraces artistic and creative risk
    • Enable the exploration and/or testing of creative ideas in architecture
    • Develop and expand critical discourse on architecture as an artform (e.g. through writing, film, etc.).
  • It is a requirement of this strand that applicants must be architects or architecture graduates.
• Strand 3: Engagement
  • The purpose of this strand is to support the delivery of high-quality once-off projects that are ambitious, innovative, creative and that specifically aim to enhance and extend the public’s experience of, and involvement with, architecture (e.g. exhibitions, events, festivals and programmes).
  • Potential proposals under this strand could be those that:
    • Deliver a clearly devised project or programme, with the central objective of engaging a public with architecture
    • Are innovative and ambitious in the ways in which architecture is exhibited, mediated, communicated, debated or presented.
  • It is a requirement of this strand that an architect or architecture graduate is the applicant OR a core member of the team in a group application.

Funding Information

• There are three funding levels available according to the strand you are applying for:
  • Strand 1: Research and Development – Up to €7,000
  • Strand 2: Production – Up to €80,000
  • Strand 3: Engagement – Up to €25,000
• You may apply for only one strand of the award. If you apply for Strand 1, you may apply for Strand 2 or Strand 3, as appropriate, in the future.

Eligibility Criteria

• All strands of the award are open to individuals; groups of individuals working collaboratively; organisations working in architecture.
• To be eligible to apply, applicants must:
  • Meet the applicant requirements for the strand for which they are applying. Please note that organisations in receipt of funding through other Arts Council grant programmes are eligible to apply for Strand 1 (where applications relate to and could be developed into a Strand 3 Engagement project) AND Strand 3 Engagement.
  • If applying as an architect (whether as an individual or as part of a group), provide evidence of attainment of professional-practice examination or documented proof of appropriate experience at the time of the application
  • If applying as an architecture graduate (whether as an individual or as part of a group), provide evidence of a third-level degree in architecture
  • Be resident in the Republic of Ireland. There are certain exceptions where the Arts Council may deem eligible applications made by those based outside the Republic of Ireland. However, before admitting as eligible any such application, the applicant would need to explicitly outline within the application how the outcomes of any such proposal would benefit the arts in the Republic of Ireland, and the Arts Council must be satisfied with same.

Ineligibility Criteria

Applicants who are not eligible to apply include the following:

• Organisations/individuals currently in receipt of funding under the following Arts Council programmes: Strategic Funding, Arts Centre Funding, Partnership Funding or 2024 Arts Grant Funding may not apply for Strand 1 (where the application relates to or could be developed into a Strand 2 Production project) OR Strand 2 Production, though the involvement of such organisations as partners is welcome
• Individuals who work on an ongoing basis with organisations funded through any of the above programmes
• National Cultural Institutions (CNCI) (or their Council members) directly funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
• Individuals or organisations who do not have a demonstrable track record as professional artists or organisations
• Individuals currently in undergraduate education (including those undertaking foundation courses) or who will be during the period for which this award is offered
• Individuals seeking support towards fees for postgraduate (including unaccredited)/higher education or study
• Note: you cannot apply for the award both as an individual and as part of an organisation – e.g. you cannot apply as artistic director of a company and also apply separately under your own name.

For more information, visit The Arts Council.