Amazon has launched the Regional Creatives Fund Ireland to open new pathways into creative careers for underrepresented individuals across the country. The fund offers grants of up to €20,000 to registered Irish charities that help people pursue careers in publishing, music, gaming, film, TV, fashion, visual arts, podcasting, and other creative sectors. The initiative aims to support diversity and fresh perspectives, recognizing their role in driving innovation and change within the creative industries.
Beyond financial support, the fund leverages Amazon’s network of creative industry professionals to provide charities with pro-bono upskilling opportunities. These include mentoring, work experience, placements, and digital training, with guidance from teams across Amazon Music, Prime Video, and Amazon Games. The programme aligns with Ireland’s Creative Industries Roadmap and Creative Communities initiative, aiming to expand access to creative careers in all 31 local authorities.
Charities eligible for the fund must be registered with the Charities Regulatory Authority of Ireland, have an annual income under €1 million, and run programmes that upskill people from underrepresented backgrounds for creative industry careers. Grants can be awarded across three categories: small-scale enhancement (€1,000–€5,000), moderate expansion (€5,000–€12,000), or strategic growth (€12,000–€20,000), depending on the project’s scale and ambition. Applicants must demonstrate how the fund will expand or continue impactful initiatives, such as music production training, portfolio development, or game development placements.
An independent judging panel, including senior leaders from Amazon, the National Concert Hall, Writers Guild of Ireland, Business to Arts, and Digital Hub, will assess applications. Proposals are evaluated on five key criteria: alignment with the fund’s creative development goals, measurable impact through skills and access, feasibility and clear planning, inclusivity of underrepresented people or stories, and building on existing successful programmes.
Leaders from the Writers Guild of Ireland and Business to Arts highlighted the fund’s role in strengthening grassroots organisations, expanding opportunities for talent often excluded from the sector, and investing in Ireland’s next generation of storytellers, artists, and innovators. The Regional Creatives Fund Ireland combines financial resources and industry expertise to create tangible pathways for diverse talent into the country’s creative industries.
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