Galway International Arts Festival is delighted to announce a new round of annual Elevate Bursaries, with €45,000 available through an Open Call to support artists based in Galway City and County.
The Elevate Bursary supports individual artists, companies, and ensembles to develop new and innovative artistic projects. A total of seven bursaries will be awarded, comprising two bursaries of €10,000 and five bursaries of €5,000.
One bursary is designated for artists working in, or undertaking research related to, environmental sustainability or climate change. Two bursaries are designated for artists with lived experience of displacement or intergenerational migration, or who are from historically marginalised communities or groups.
Open to artists, collectives, and groups across all art forms, the programme aims to reflect the diversity of contemporary Ireland while providing meaningful support for artists’ time, research, materials, mentorship, training, or production costs. Elevate also furthers the Festival’s commitment to supporting artists to live and work in the Galway region, helping to develop sustainable creative practices and ambitious, long-term careers.
Applications from those currently underrepresented in the Irish arts sector are strongly encouraged, including artists of colour, members of the Traveller community, artists who identify as LGBTQ+, migrants, and artists with disabilities. Applications are welcome at all career stages.
The deadline for submissions is 6pm on Friday 20 March 2026, with successful applicants to be notified by Friday 10 April 2026.
Full details on eligibility, application requirements, and the selection process are available via the Elevate Open Call. For further information or queries, artists are invited to contact submissions@giaf.ie.
For nearly half a century, Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF) has helped shape Ireland’s cultural landscape - presenting a world-class annual festival that unites Irish and international artists across a vibrant, multidisciplinary programme; commissioning, producing and touring new work; supporting the next generation of artists; and championing leading ideas through its First Thought series, while increasingly embedding inclusivity and sustainability across its programmes.
As it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, GIAF will build on its legacy in Galway to enhance Ireland’s reputation for creativity, innovation and international connection. GIAF 2026 will take place from 13–26 July
Galway International Arts Festival would like to acknowledge the support of its principal funding agencies The Arts Council and Fáilte Ireland; its Drinks Partner Heineken®; and its Education Partner University of Galway.
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