The Arts Council, the Irish government agency for developing the arts, is pleased to announce its Strategic Funding decisions for 2023. Funding totaling €50,475,572 will be distributed to 107 organisations across all parts of the country. From theatre to Irish traditional arts, from jazz to classical music to local fiddle festivals, from visual arts to literature, the talent and creativity embodied in these organisations is world class, full of ambitious confidence and something to imbue pride in every citizen.

Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council, said, ‘These decisions will enable people of all ages and from all backgrounds to experience the very best of the arts. Following significantly increased investment in recent years, these funding commitments will consolidate the position of these critically important organisations.’

Prof. Kevin Rafter, Chair of the Arts Council, said: ‘The Council’s €130m budget in 2023 will be spent on developing the role of the artist and increasing public engagement with the arts. The Council’s latest strategic funding decisions will allow people all over the country to experience great art throughout 2023.’

Recipients of strategic funding play a critical part in delivering the policy priorities of Making Great Art Work, the Arts Council’s ten-year strategy. They also support the essential infrastructure required to sustain and develop the arts in Ireland. Funding is awarded following an open and competitive application process. The criteria against which applications are assessed are; artistic quality and development of the arts, public engagement, organisational capacity, the importance of the organisation in the arts infrastructure and the commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Our strategically funded organisations deliver excellent artwork and / or events and provide excellent opportunities for artists to develop their practice or to be engaged in high-quality, creative work.

For the full list of funded bodies please see here

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