Arts Bursary FAQs

Arts Bursary 2024 Frequently Asked Questions

Take a look at our Arts Bursary 2023 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to help you. If you cannot find any answer to your question below, contact scrossan@longfordcoco.ie.

Do I live in Longford County Council Administrative Area?

You do not need to live in County Longford to be eligible. However, your application must demonstrate tangible benefits for the development of art and culture within County Longford.

Can I apply for both project and bursary awards?

Yes, you can apply for both. The Bursary Awards are for the development of your artistic practice. 

How many Bursary Awards will there be in 2024?

There will be no more than 15 awards in 2024. 

Is a postgraduate course eligible for the bursary?

Yes, postgraduate courses are eligible for the bursary. However, if you are applying for a course, you need to have a provisional offer to attend. 

Does the bursary cover the cost of courses being undertaken at the time of application, but which the artist may not be in a position to complete due to a shortage of funds?

Due to the competitive nature of the bursary, it may be more difficult to make a compelling argument of how this bursary will change your development in this case as you are already doing the course it. However, this argument could be made successfully.

Is a mentorship eligible for the bursary?

Yes, mentorships are eligible for the bursary. 

Can a period of mentorships with various mentors be eligible for the bursary?

Yes, you can build your own mentorship programme with various mentors, with costs made to individual mentors in this case. 

Do mentor(s) need to be identified and do they need to submit their own documentation?

Yes, the mentor(s) need to be identified at the application stage as the assessor will need to know that the mentor has the experience appropriate to support you. A CV, biography or letter of support from your proposed mentor(s) will show you have consulted with them and will also help to show your plan is feasible.

Is the purchase of equipment eligible?

The purchase of equipment (for example, cameras or production costs) is not eligible under the bursary. 

Are subsistence or travel costs eligible?

Subsistence costs such as daily per diems or work-related travel costs are not eligible under the bursary.

What is meant by 'action research'?

Action research is setting out a plan of action to learn something new about your practice. This learning is not set within formal education. Explaining why this is important to the development of your practice is helpful when making a case for this approach.

What are examples of 'capacity building'?

Capacity building is the process by which individuals improve skills, knowledge, and other resources to do an arts practice competently. Explaining why this is important to the development of your practice helps make a case for this approach.

Would renting a studio space be an example of capacity building?

Yes, you can rent a studio if that is the most useful thing to support your work at this time.

Would writing a screenplay at a residency for three weeks be covered by the bursary?

Yes, a residency with a plan for making artistic work over that time and adding to your learning journey would be covered. This residency can take place outside of County Longford. In this case, considering how you may bring that learning back to Longford helps make a case for this approach.

What should the proposed budget include about 'buying time' living costs?

The budget for living costs should be allocated in proportion to the intended costs of the bursary overall. This bursary is not fully for your living costs. Your time and/or a portion of your time, to make your proposal happen should be costed out.

What details should be supplied about underestimated income?

Estimated income could include scholarships, support from another funder(s), earned income, or in-kind support from a venue or organisation.

Are there recommended guidelines for calculating artist fees in the budget?

Resource organisations such as Visual Artists Ireland, Theatre Forum or Dance Ireland may be able to suggest industry standards for payment related to experience.

Will this bursary funding support be repeated?

It is hoped that the Arts Bursary will be repeated annually but at present it is conditional on year-to-year funding.

How many supporting samples of work should I include?

A maximum of five examples of your work can be included. Be selective, put in examples of practice and clearly label what these examples relate to to help your application.

Can a timeline be included as an additional document for the 'feasibility' section if it is over 500 words?

Yes, you can attach a timeline and budget breakdown in supporting documents.