The Bank of Ireland Begin Together Arts Fund in partnership with Business to Arts (The Fund) will distribute a total of €1million between 2020 and 2022 to support artists and arts projects across the island of Ireland (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland), including all art forms whose projects benefit a range of audiences.

The Fund will support or commission artists or groups of artists to work with a partner organisation (e.g. a venue or event, arts organisation, community/voluntary organisation or another funding agency/organisation) in the development of new or existing artworks or projects.

In 2020, The Fund aims to support artworks or projects that:

1. have been adapted due to COVID-19
With this criteria, we are seeking to support artworks or projects that have been adapted due to COVID-19. For example, this may include projects that require funding to help with the costs, equipment or expertise related to:
i) technology and distribution of artworks or projects online (e.g. professional filming, equipment, and skills required)
ii) adapting venues, exhibition spaces or spaces for performances for socially-distant audiences etc.
iii) adapting models for the delivery of learning and public engagement programmes to reach their audience
iv) adapting artworks or projects so they can be realised in the public realm or outdoors

2. are inspired by/respond to COVID-19
With this criteria, we are seeking to support the creation of new artworks or projects based on themes, narratives, or ideas which have been prompted due to living through the pandemic and our current environment. For example, this may include helping to realise new artworks or projects created specifically:
i) for digital and online audiences
ii) for the public realm or outdoors
iii) hybrid models of delivery (e.g. online and in-venue)
iv) to respond to themes of people impacted by COVID-19, lockdown, opening society etc.

Size of Grants
Applicants can request funds between €3,000 – €10,000 / c. GBP£2,500 – £8,400. Average grants will be €5,000 / GBP£4,200, with maximum grants of €10,000 / GBP£8,400. Artworks or projects with larger budgets that have secured funds elsewhere are encouraged to apply. With each grant round the Fund aims to provide funding to an artwork / art project in each county on the island of Ireland.

Key dates
Mon, 21 Sep, 2020: Open for applications
Wed, 30 Sep, 2020: Information webinar #1 at 12:00pm
Wed, 7 Oct, 2020: Information webinar #2 at 2:00pm
Wed, 4 Nov, 2020: Deadline for applications
Thurs, 31 Dec, 2020: Applicants informed by email
February — December 2021: Projects to take place

See link below for further details.