Multiple Grants and Bursaries are offered through Roscommon Arts & Culture Office annually which support individual artists, at different stages in their careers, to develop their artistic practice, to create new work, to develop and realise artistic activities and projects in Roscommon and display work. This includes the annual Artist Bursary Awards; Creative Ireland Bursaries; Literary Awards and Bursaries; Bealtaine Awards; EDI and Slow Art Bursaries; and Creative Heartlands Film Bursary. Additional grants and bursaries are also supported as they arise.
Find Artists' Professional Development Training and Opportunities here.
Roscommon County Council Funding for Artists 2026
Music Network Residency at King House
Applications open for a residency opportunity for musicians who are autistic/people with autism from Music Network and Roscommon Arts Office at King House in Boyle.
Music Network and King House/Roscommon Arts Office wish to provide a significant development opportunity specifically for a professional musician who is autistic/a person with autism and who has a strong track record in music performance.
This opportunity recognises that many such musicians face barriers toward career progression that others may not. The main purpose of the residency is to provide time and space for a Musician-in-Residence to develop their practice intensively.
Through this opportunity Music Network and King House/Roscommon Arts Office are seeking to make space for social change in the music sector in general and hope to learn from the Musician-in-Residence how they can better facilitate and include autistic people/people with autism in their own programmes and in the wider sector, both in performance and educational environments.
This opportunity follows the appointment of Patrick tefan in 2024 as the first Musician-in-Residence in a residency specifically for a professional musician who is autistic/a person with autism, a partnership between Music Network and St. John’s Theatre and Arts Centre, Listowel.
In 2025 Dylan Howe, known as Hánt, was appointed as our second Musician-in-Residence in partnership with Ionad Cultúrtha in Baile Mhúirne, Cork. Speaking about the opportunity he said “I think this residency is an amazing initiative for autistic artists... A key success was sharing music with kids with autism, as I feel it inspired a few of them to possibly take up music, and for me, music has been a saviour, especially when I was younger and wasn't fitting in, music was always there and I could express myself through it.”
This year’s selected musician will receive a bursary of €8,000 and have access to a dedicated space at King House in Boyle during October – November 2026 to develop their creative practice and create new work and/or artistic collaborations. They will also engage with the wider community, working alongside an experienced outreach co-ordinator to deliver a programme of inclusive music activities, and showcase their work live in concert at the end of the residency in November.
Commenting on the announcement, CEO of Music Network Sharon Rollston said: “We are delighted to partner with Roscommon County Council to offer this residency, only the third of its kind, which we see as a valuable opportunity not only to support an autistic musician but also to learn from them as they spend time at King House as Musician-in-Residence.”
Roscommon County Council Arts Officer Rhona McGrath has said “We are very pleased to partner again with Music Network on a high quality music development programme in County Roscommon. Our previous partnership in a Teaching Residency was hugely popular and warmly received by all involved. We expect this music residency, while very different in nature, will meet another area of need and responds to one of our key aims to Support, encourage, nurture and promote the arts and artists through diverse programmes, events, funding schemes and partnerships.”
An online information meeting for people potentially interested in applying for the residency will take place on Tuesday 23 June at 11am.
Applications for the 2026 residency are now open and the deadline for applications is Thursday 9 July at 2pm. Applications can be made online or by email. The online application form, guidelines and registration for the online information session are available now at www.MusicNetwork.ie or by contacting programmesadmin@musicnetwork.ie.
This programme is presented by Music Network in partnership with Roscommon Arts Office, supported by King House, Roscommon County Council, Bank of Ireland Community Fund, Community Foundation Ireland and the Arts Council.
For further information please contact
Melanie Wright - Head of Communications & Marketing
E: pr@musicnetwork.ie
T: 086 838 2090
2026 Music Network and King House, Boyle Musician-in-Residence - online information session
When: Tuesday 23 June 11am
Where: Online via Zoom
Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87138888323?pwd=DZF5B7PmyQTcocrvemx2OAUvHAT73b.1
About Music Network
Music Network is Ireland’s national music touring and development organisation. We make high quality live music accessible to communities throughout Ireland and help musicians to develop fulfilling careers. Our vision is that of a culture which increasingly values live music in our everyday lives, embracing it as an essential part of a healthy, vibrant society. Everything we do stems from this vision: from our work in music education, to supporting musicians at varying stages of their development, to providing opportunities for performance and participation through our valued network of partners. Our work enriches many aspects of music-making across Ireland, bringing musicians and listeners together through the magic of live performance.
We are motivated by the desire to make live music available to everyone, regardless of location or circumstance, and to be equitable and inclusive in our approach. We advocate for, support, educate, and encourage people to find joy in music. We embrace innovation through research, exploration and experimentation, to continue to challenge current thinking. We believe that live music is central to people’s lives and wellbeing, and to the creation of a culturally rich society.
We deliver a broad range of programmes including a National Touring Programme, Musician Residencies both here and abroad, learning and participation projects, the Music Capital Funding Scheme, commissioning, training programmes and other professional development supports for musicians.
About Roscommon Arts Office
Roscommon Arts Office programmes are funded by Roscommon County Council, the Arts Council of Ireland and Creative Ireland. They are guided by the Place for Art Roscommon Arts Plan 2023–2028 and the Culture and Creativity Strategy 2023-2027 and aim to:
- Support, encourage, nurture and promote the arts and artists through diverse programmes, events, funding schemes and partnerships;
- Work collaboratively and inclusively locally, regionally and nationally with artists, venues, organisations, departments, agencies and communities;
- Facilitate and support opportunities to enhance the environment in which art is made, engaged with and received.
About King House, Boyle
A Georgian mansion built in 1720 for the influential King Family, King House later became headquarters for the Connaught Rangers. Now beautifully restored, King House opened in 1995 as an Historic & Cultural Centre. It is home to a range of treasured collections and exhibits and hosts numerous arts events throughout the year. A Steinway Grand Piano takes pride of place in the Main Salon and is a regular venue for music performances.
Creative Heartlands (SLR) Short Film Bursary Scheme
The 2026 Creative Heartlands (SLR) Short Film Bursary Scheme is now open and will run for six weeks, closing on Monday 23rd March 2026 (midnight).
Three bursaries are available to film teams, each to the value of €6,000.
The Creative Heartlands Film Bursary is an annual award by Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon Arts Office and Creative Ireland Programmes. The award is open to both established and emerging filmmakers and production companies, living/working in the SLR region, and designed to support collaboration among filmmaking teams in the development of an original Short Film.
The earlier timeline for this year’s scheme is designed to allow a stronger pre-production window, enabling filming in early summer and project completion by August.
Films are to be delivered by Sunday 2nd August 2026 (midnight) for presentation at the Strandhill Film and Folk Festival (August 2026), Adaptation Film Festival (September 2026) and Roscommon International Film Festival (October 2026).
Note: The previous “adaptation” requirement has been removed from the criteria.
Deadline for applications is Midnight, Monday 23rd March 2026
To make a submission, follow this link: https://forms.leitrimcoco.ie/form-88812/creative-heartlands-film-bursary-2026
For any clarification, please contact creativeheartlandsfilm@gmail.com
Emma Brennan was the successful Roscommon recipient in 2025
"Over The Hedge" was the Roscommon recipient of the 2025 Creative Heartlands Film Bursary. Over The Hedge was directed, produced and adapted by Roscommon native Emma Brennan and based on the short story “Beyond The Hedge” by Roscommon-based writer Rose Byrne. The film stars Gerry Herbert and Andrea Kelly and was filmed in Doon, Co. Roscommon in July 2025. It was screened at the 2025 Adaptation Film Festival at the Glens Centre in Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim and at Roscommon Arts Centre as part of Roscommon International Film Festival 2025.
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RCC Artist Bursary
Performing Arts Forum Belfest Gathering 2026
Performing Arts Forum is delighted to be working with Roscommon County Council Arts Office to offer two bursaries for arts practitioners based in the Roscommon County administrative area to attend the Performing Arts Forum Gathering in Belfast on 26/27 May 2026.
Hundreds of artists, arts workers and funders from arts centres, production companies, festivals, local authorities and other agencies are getting together in Belfast for two days of conversation, provocation, and inspiration. Sessions will take place in the Lyric Theatre with an artistic programme on the first evening of the event. The event happens from approx. lunch time on 26 May to a late lunch on 27 May.
We welcome applications from individuals from diverse national, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, including, but not limited to, Asian, Black, Traveller and other minority ethnic communities; refugees; people with disabilities; people from marginalised socio-economic backgrounds; and LGBTIQ+ artists and arts workers.
Each Artist Bursary will cover:
- Ticket to Performing Arts Forum Belfast Gathering includes all day sessions, two lunches, dinner, coffee breaks and the artistic programme
- Artist Honorarium of €180
- Accommodation and Travel Contribution of €150 (To be arranged by the artist - see www.performingartsforum.ie for details of accommodation deals)
NOTES FOR APPLYING
- Applicants must be living & making work in/for and for the Roscommon County administrative area
- In the interests of fairness and transparency this opportunity is for first time recipients of this bursary.
- Deadline to apply is 5pm Monday 2 March
- Please note that the bursaries will be distributed from a selection process. The artist will receive €330 (artist honorarium and accommodation and travel contribution) on 29 May, on receipt of attendance.
Please contact Paul Donnelly at paul@performingartsforum.ie to apply and for queries in relation to Roscommon County Council Artist Bursaries for Performing Arts Forum Belfast Gathering.
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Roscommon Arts Office announces
Drama League of Ireland Scholarship 2026
The Arts Office of Roscommon County Council is pleased to support Amateur Drama again this year in the form of a scholarship to the popular Drama League of Ireland (DLI) Residential Summer School which takes place at the University of Limerick from August 1st to 8th 2026.
The Drama League of Ireland is the national representative body for Amateur Drama groups, societies and individuals. Arts Officer Rhona McGrath outlines that “the Summer School facilitates the participant’s artistic development by furthering their knowledge and experience under the guidance of Irish and international theatre professionals. Places are highly sought after, and Roscommon County Council is confident of the benefits to local theatre in our partnership with the Drama League of Ireland.”
There are many courses on offer at this year’s summer school for actors and directors, designed to cater for a wide variety of interests and levels of experience. The scholarship, valued at €700, will cover the cost of a residential place at the Summer School and includes tuition, accommodation and meals. Further information on the DLI is available at www.dli.ie
Members of Amateur Drama Societies in County Roscommon are invited to apply for this scholarship.
Guidelines and application forms are available for this Roscommon scholarship by emailing artsofficer@roscommoncoco.ie.
The deadline for receipt of all applications is Friday 20th February 5.00pm.
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Artist Bursary Programme 2026
Roscommon County Council Arts Office is now open for online applications from practising artists working in all genres are for an Artist Bursary 2026. Applicants must be living in County Roscommon.
This programme is designed to further the development of professional practitioners in all art forms, for any purpose that will demonstratively contribute to the artist’s development and in so doing, improve the standard and development of the arts in County Roscommon.
Full details available below:
ARTIST BURSARY PROGRAMME 2026 Information Sheet
Applications can only be made via My Online Services on the Roscommon County Council Website or click https://roscommon-self.achieveservice.com/ to register as a user. Here you will find the online application form and the facility to upload supporting documentation.
<- Or scan this QR code to access site
All enquiries may be made to bursaries@roscommoncoco.ie
The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is 5pm, 13th February 2026.
Late applications will not be considered.
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Roscommon County Council Funding for Artists 2025
RCC Artist Bursaries - Performing Arts Forum Limerick Gathering
*OVER SUBSCRIBED - APPLICATION NOW CLOSED*
Performing Arts Forum is delighted to be working with Roscommon County Council Arts Office to offer two bursaries for arts practitioners based in the Roscommon area to attend the Performing Arts Forum Gathering in Limerick on 27 and 28 May 2025.
Hundreds of artists, arts workers and arts organisation people from arts centres and production companies, festivals and funders are getting together in Limerick for two days of conversation, provocation, and inspiration. Sessions will take place in the Lime Tree Theatre with an artistic programme on the first evening of the event.
The event happens from approx. lunch time on 27 May to a late lunch on 28 May.
Each Artist Bursary will cover: Ticket to Performing Arts Forum Limerick Gathering includes all day sessions, two lunches, dinner, coffee breaks and the artistic programme Artist Honorarium of €150 Accommodation and Travel Contribution of €150 (To be arranged by the artist - see www.performingartsforum.ie for details of accommodation deals)
NOTES FOR APPLYING
- Applicants must be living in the Roscommon area.
- In the honour of fairness and transparency this opportunity is for first time applicants
- Deadline to apply: Friday 28 March 2025**.
- **Please note that the bursaries will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The artist will receive €300 (artist honorarium and accommodation and travel contribution) on 30 May.
Any questions can be directed to Paul Donnelly at paul@performingartsforum.ie
Roscommon Arts Office announces
Drama League of Ireland Scholarship 2025
*APPLICATION NOW CLOSED*
The Arts Office of Roscommon County Council has introduced a new support for amateur drama this year in the form of a scholarship to the popular Drama League of Ireland Residential Summer School which takes place at the University of Limerick from 19th to 26th July 2025 (dates subject to confirmation by DLI)
The Drama League of Ireland (DLI) is the national representative body for amateur drama groups, societies and individuals. Arts Officer Rhona McGrath outlines that “the Summer School facilitates the participant’s artistic development by furthering their knowledge and experience under the guidance of Irish and international theatre professionals. Places are highly sought after.”
There are many courses on offer at this year’s summer school for actors and directors, designed to cater for a wide variety of interests and levels of experience. The scholarship, valued at €600, will cover the cost of a residential place at the Summer School and includes tuition, accommodation and meals. Further information on the DLI is available at www.dli.ie.
Amateur members of drama societies in County Roscommon are invited to apply for this scholarship.
Guidelines and application forms are available for this Roscommon scholarship by emailing artsofficer@roscommoncoco.ie
The deadline for receipt of all applications is Friday 7th February 5.00pm.
Roscommon Arts Office Bursary Programme 2025
*APPLICATION NOW CLOSED*
Roscommon County Council, together with the Arts Council of Ireland, is pleased to announce funding for artists in 2025 under the annual Artist Bursary Programme. Professional artists either currently living in the county or who were born here, are eligible to apply.
“Roscommon County Council Arts Plan outlines our priority to Support artists and arts professionals to make great work that can be enjoyed and valued. The Artist Bursary Programme is designed to further the development of professional practitioners in all art forms, for any purpose that will demonstratively contribute to the artist’s development. We are looking for quality applications which will benefit the artists and in turn the cultural life of County Roscommon.” Rhona McGrath, Arts Officer
The Artist Bursary Awards provide financial support to professional artists to allow them to develop their practice. The award can be used towards the costs of attending courses, mentoring, developing new work, investment in equipment, participation in exhibitions and various other activities. Applications are assessed by a panel with an external expert and awards made on their recommendation.
Applications will only be accepted via Roscommon County Council’s My Online Services
You can watch a short video on how to register for My Online Services here: http://www.roscommoncoco.ie/!62BO41
Once you have registered, you will find the application form under “A-Z Services”
The opening date for submissions is 7th January2025
The closing date for submissions is 14th February 2025 at 5pm.*NOW CLOSED*
Enquiries can also be sent via email to: bursaries@roscommoncoco.ie
The Artist Bursary Programme is the first of the 2025 announcements, with the Roscommon New Writing and Chapbook awards also to be announced later this spring, in addition to a number of artist commissions, as part of Roscommon County Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting artists.
Roscommon County Council Funding for Artists 2024
RCC Artist Bursary
Theatre Forum Sligo Gathering 2024
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Roscommon County Council Arts Service is delighted to be working with Theatre Forum to offer a bursary for a professional theatre practitioner based in the Roscommon area to attend the Theatre Forum Gathering in Sligo on 28 and 29 May 2024.
Hundreds of artists, arts workers and arts organisation people from arts centres and production companies, festivals and funders are getting together in Sligo for two days of conversation, provocation, and inspiration. Sessions will take place in the Hawk's Well and The Model with an artistic programme by Cairde Festival. The event happens from approx. lunch time on 28 May to a late lunch on 29 May.
The Artist Bursary will cover:
- Ticket to Theatre Forum Sligo Gathering includes all day sessions, two lunches, dinner, coffee breaks and the artistic programme
- Artist Honorarium of €150
- Accommodation and Travel Contribution of €150 (To be arranged by the artist - see www.theatreforum.ie for details of accommodation deals)
Applicants must be living in the Roscommon area.
Deadline to apply: Friday 19 April 2024.
Application available here or available for download in related documents below.
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The Creative Heartlands Adaptation Film Bursary
The Creative Heartlands Adaptation Film Bursary is the second annual award by Roscommon, Leitrim and Sligo local authorities under the Creative Ireland Programmewith the support of the National Talent Academy. Open to both established and emerging filmmakers and production companies, living/working in the region, to support collaboration among filmmaking teams in the development of an original Adaptation Film project.
Three bursaries are available to film teams (one from each county), each to the value of €6,000.
The ambition of the initiative is to produce a short film that is complementary to the original literary work, therefore not a literal translation. The raw material must be spoken word, song, poetry, short story or a literary fragment. The literary work or song must be the work of an artist (or artists) from either Sligo, Leitrim or Roscommon.
Deadline for applications is Midnight, Monday, 13th May, 2024
- To make a submission, follow this link - https://bit.ly/AdaptationFilmBursary2024.
- Successful applicants will be notified by Friday 17th May 2024.
- For any clarification please contact creativeheartlandsfilm@gmail.com or go to https://leitrimdesignhouse.ie/pages/creative-heartlands.
More information available in related documents below.
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Bealtaine Projects Call Out 2024
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