Ireland Film Bursary Award 2027: Arts Council Experimental Film Practice Funding, Opens 10 November
2027 Film Bursary within the Arts Council's first funding round
The Arts Council of Ireland (An Chomhairle Ealaíon) includes a distinct Film Bursary Award among its 2027 Bursary Award Round 1 opportunities. The bursary programme is intended to give individual artists time and resources to research, reflect on and significantly develop their artistic practice. The film stream is separate from the Council's Visual Arts Bursary Award and from production-focused film project grants.
Artistic film and moving-image practice
The Arts Council's previous Film Bursary guidance describes a focus on professional film artists developing artist-authored, experimental and non-narrative cinematic practices. It distinguishes an artist's practice development from funding the production of a film. These examples are background from earlier guidance, not a substitute for the still-pending rules for the 2027 round. Filmmakers working with experimental moving images and related artistic approaches should check whether their proposed practice falls within the final 2027 Film Bursary criteria.
Funding level and scheduled application dates
The official 2027 Bursary Award Round 1 page specifies a maximum of €20,000 for individual artists. The scheduled opening date is 10 November 2026 and applications are due by 5:30pm Irish time on 17 December 2026. On 22 October the round is marked 'Opening soon'; the page says guidelines and templates are generally released around two weeks before opening.
Eligibility and preparing an application
Artists need to consult the Film Bursary's own 2027 guidelines and apply through the Arts Council's official application system. Current round-level information does not settle precise nationality, residence or evidence requirements for each applicant. The Council's general applicant guidance outlines how to prepare supporting material, register and submit applications, and how submissions are assessed. An application to this stream should not be confused with a grant for a completed film production.
About the organiser
Ireland's Arts Council is the national public agency for developing the arts, with longstanding programmes for experimental film, visual arts and other creative practices. Its website publishes separate artform bursaries and makes the relevant guidance available as part of its funding calendar.
Official scheme information
The Round 1 page lists the Film Bursary as a separate artform opportunity, together with application timing, maximum award and access to applicant guidance. Consult the Film section and current call materials for the detailed criteria. Arts Council 2027 Bursary Award Round 1 — Film stream
Important note
This article provides a summary. To avoid misunderstandings, please be sure to check the official page for full details. Information verified: 22 October 2026.
Publish an opportunity
Paid listings for digital arts, media arts and other creative calls can be requested through Ise-Shima Art Company's English-language opportunities service. Ise-Shima Art Company opportunity listings