Dublin City Arts Office has announced the continuation of its Community Development Arts Grant for 2026, confirming that the scheme—previously run as a two-year pilot in 2024 and 2025—will now become a permanent funding programme supporting collaborative arts and community development projects across Dublin.
The initiative invites applications from community development practitioners, groups, organisations, artists, and arts organisations, encouraging joint proposals that combine artistic practice with meaningful community engagement. The programme is designed to support long-term, participatory projects where both artists and community members play active roles in shaping creative outcomes.
The grant defines artistic activity broadly in line with the Arts Act 2003, covering disciplines such as visual arts, theatre, literature, music, dance, opera, film, circus, architecture, and multidisciplinary work. Community development is framed as a process aimed at improving quality of life, strengthening social cohesion, and enhancing wellbeing, resilience, and access to opportunity within local communities.
Funding for the programme is structured across the five administrative areas of Dublin City Council, with a total allocation of €30,000 per area. Applicants can apply for funding between €5,000 and €15,000 per project, depending on scope and delivery requirements.
Applications will be assessed based on artistic ambition, community engagement, and feasibility of delivery, with each category carrying a defined weighting to ensure balanced evaluation of creative quality and practical implementation. Applicants are also provided with a detailed guidance document to support the application process and are encouraged to review it carefully before submitting proposals.
As part of the rollout for the 2026 funding round, Dublin City Arts Office will also host an online information session to support applicants and provide guidance on the application process. The session is scheduled for May 19 at 11:30am and is intended to help participants better understand eligibility, criteria, and project expectations.
The Community Development Arts Grant continues to position itself as a key cultural funding mechanism within the city, strengthening collaboration between artists and communities while supporting inclusive and sustainable creative development across Dublin.
