Four funding schemes open to Longford artists and organisations

Four separate funding schemes: the Arts Projects Award 2025, the Arts Bursary Awards 2025, the Film Mentorship Awards 2025, and the Short Film Bursary Award 2025 are open to Longford artists and organisations.

These schemes are funded by Longford County Council in partnership with the Arts Council of Ireland.

The Arts Projects Award aims to help local artists and arts organisations in the development of their artist practice by supporting planned projects. These projects may include ambitious art activities or event-based arts, as well as training and development work. The maximum grant available is €5,000.

The Arts Bursary Awards helps local artists in the development of their artistic practice. It may be used for training, mentoring, research and building capacity. Applicants can come from any artistic background and work in any form. The maximum grant is €3,000.

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The Film Mentorship Awards aims to support the professional development of emerging filmmakers with a structured mentorship programme with a professional film production company, Harp Media. Those being mentored will receive a €500 grant towards expenses incurred as part of the mentorship programme.

The Short Film Bursary Award aims to foster talent, creativity, and activity in filmmaking in County Longford. A grant of €7,000 will be awarded to a filmmaker towards the cost of production of a short 10-12 minute drama or documentary film to be shot in Longford in 2025.

Longford County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Mark Casey said “The arts in Longford are going from strength to strength with new ideas and initiatives being pursued and put forward all the time. It is great to see this targeted funding which aims to support artists and arts organisations who are working throughout County Longford. I encourage anyone considering applying to do so.”

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Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon added, “Through our Arts Service we have seen the increasing promotion of the arts in County Longford. The Council supports these efforts as it helps to celebrate our county, our heritage, and our culture. I look forward to seeing the creative and cultural work which results from this funding."

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Longford artist and previous recipient of the Arts Bursary Award, Gary Robinson spoke how the funding helped him in his work. “For an artist in any discipline to receive a bursary from Longford County Council’s Arts Service is hugely beneficial to their practice. Each artist would have written a specific submission directly related to their requirements and to receive this financial aid cannot be underestimated. In my own case, it allowed me to continue research and development and to present new work to new galleries.”

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The closing date for all schemes is Friday, December 20. Late applications will not be considered. For further details, including how to apply and terms and conditions, visit the Arts Funding section of LongfordLibrary.ie.