You can download the UK-Ireland Culture Connects Grant 2026/27 Information Overview here.
You can find out more about the UK-Ireland Culture Connects Grant 2026/27 by signing up to the webinar here.
Should you have any further queries please complete this Enquiry Form and we will endeavour to respond to your question within 7 days: Enquiry form is here.
The UK-IRL Culture Connects Grant 2026/27 is a British Council Ireland initiative delivered in association with Arts Council Ireland/ An Chomhairle Ealaíon. This programme supports artistic collaboration between Ireland and the four nations of the UK, enabling emerging artists and creative practitioners to develop ideas through in-person exchange.
About the programme
The UK-IRL Culture Connects Grant supports the early stages of artistic collaboration. It is designed to help artists build partnerships, develop ideas, and explore new approaches through time spent working together in-person.
The fund prioritises creative development over final outputs, supporting meaningful outcomes such as research, experimentation, and professional growth. This includes (but is not limited to):
- Research and development of new creative ideas
- Mentorship opportunities
- Exploring collaborative pathways with producers or partners
- Experimenting with new technologies or practices
- Developing initiatives that support creative exchange
Who Can Apply
Applications must be made by individual artists or creative practitioners working as part of a bilateral partnership, including:
- One individual based in Ireland
- One individual based in one of the four UK nations (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales)
Applicants must:
- Be resident in Ireland or the UK for the duration of the project
- Have a proven professional track record
- Be working at an early or developing stage of their career
- Not be in full-time education
- Only one application per collaboration is permitted.
Funding Available
Applicants can request up to €3,000 (smaller amounts are also eligible).
Funding can support:
- Artist fees (including your own time)
- Collaborator fees
- Travel and accommodation costs
- Studio or space hire
- Materials (secondary to collaboration activities)
- Access costs (including additional support for artists with disabilities, where applicable)
Grant Requirements
- Activities must involve in-person collaboration (fully remote projects are not eligible)
- Activity must take place between October 2026 and March 2027
- Activities must be completed by 31 March 2027
Information for Applicants
An online information webinar will take place on Tuesday 7th July, 12noon-1pm, and will provide guidance on the application process. The session will be recorded and made available online.
Applicants are encouraged to review all guidance materials and prepare a clear proposal outlining their collaborative idea, timeline, and budget.
You can download the UK-Ireland Culture Connects Grant 2026/27 Information Overview here.
You can find out more about the UK-Ireland Culture Connects Grant 2026/27 by signing up to the webinar here.
Should you have any further queries please complete this Enquiry Form and we will endeavour to respond to your question within 7 days: Enquiry form is here.