For the arts in Ireland, it’s been a great summer so far!

Our festivals have shone brighter – and more consistently -- than the sun. Our artists and arts organisations are making great work right across the country. And there have been some inspiring arts stories, for example:

• A new opera partnership announced by the Arts Council;

• Two Irish writers nominated for the Man Booker prize;

• Unique local arts projects under our ‘Invitation to Collaboration’ partnership;

• Wonderful new work of scale and ambition emerging from our latest Open Call awards.

This month will also see many arts organisations begin writing their application for funding in 2017 under the new ‘Strategic Funding’ category. I would like to thank all of those who attended our two information clinics last week in Dublin. The application for Strategic Funding is now open, and those interested in finding out more can read about the funding programme here.

In keeping with our key goals as set out in Making Great Art Work, the purpose of Strategic Funding is to support ambitious and imaginative proposals from organisations that seek to enable artists to make excellent work which is enjoyed and valued, and to deliver excellent arts experiences to the public. Our particular thanks to Cath Hume from Britain’s Arts Marketing Association, who gave a very informative presentation at the information clinic on ways in which organisations can think strategically and systematically about setting ambitious and achievable audience targets for 2018. For those who missed the information clinic, you can watch it back on our Facebook page.

The deadline for receipt of applications is Thursday 7 September, but, as we always say, make sure to give yourself plenty of time if you’re thinking about applying.

Yours sincerely,

Orlaith McBride
Director