The British Council is inviting applications for its UK-Ireland Culture Connects Grant, delivered in association with Arts Council Ireland.

The grant offers support for creative development activities that prioritise research, experimentation and professional growth rather than final outputs. Supported activity can include developing new ideas, mentoring, collaborative exploration, testing new technologies or practices and work that encourages creative exchange between practitioners.

Awards of up to £2,500 (€3,000) are available. Applications must be submitted by individual artists or creative practitioners working as part of a bilateral partnership. Each partnership must include one individual based in Ireland and one individual based in one of the four UK nations: Wales, England, Northern Ireland or Scotland.

Eligible art forms and activities cover architecture, children and young people's art, dance, film (artist-led only), literature, music and opera, theatre, circus, street performance and spectacle, participatory arts, visual arts and multidisciplinary arts.

The funding can be used towards artist fees, including payment for an applicant's own time, and fees for collaborators. It can also cover travel and accommodation costs, studio or space hire and access costs, including additional support for artists with disabilities where applicable.

The deadline for applications is 31 July 2026. For more information please visit UK-IRL Culture Connects Grant 2026/27 | British Council