| Fund Key Dates: | |
|---|---|
| Date Opened: | Monday, 10th November 2025 @ 10:00 am |
| Date Closes: | Friday, 5th December 2025 @ 12 noon |
| Current Status: | Open for Applications |
The Artist and Cultural Practitioner Award has been created by Derry City & Strabane District Council in order to fulfill action '2k' under Aim 2 of the Arts & Culture Strategy (2019-24) to 'Deliver quality programme, product and practice'.
The Arts & Culture strategy is designed to complement Councils Tourism Strategy and Integrated Economic Development Strategy. It has been aligned with the outcomes identified within the Strategic Growth plan and is cognisant of the wider strategic and cross border environment.
The strategy consultation process was based on a co-design methodology to promote creativity and collaboration, establishing a Co Design group to drive the development of the strategy. The Arts & Culture Co Delivery Group made up of nominated representatives from across the sector, including individual artists and elected representatives, oversee the implementation of the strategy.
One of the most significant and recurring issues identified during the consultation for the Arts & Culture Strategy was the lack of direct support available for artists and practitioners. The consultation participants articulated the requirement of established and emerging artists to travel beyond DCSDC to access opportunities. In many cases these creative individuals made their move out of the City and District permanent.
Specifically the action within the Strategy states the requirement to:
Create a dedicated fund in Derry City and Strabane District to support independent Artists, theatre makers and arts organisations in the creation and dissemination of new artistic work. Commission quality local and international artists to create artworks linked to learning opportunities for programmes and events with the aim of inspiring audiences and practitioners.
This fund aims to support individual artists and practitioners based in Derry & Strabane, supporting opportunities for the artist (s) and/ or cultural practitioners to undertake one or more of the following: