The primary purpose of the Young Ensembles Scheme is to support groups of young people between the ages of ten and twenty-four to create or actively engage with ambitious and original work in any artform (e.g. circus, street art, spectacle, dance, digital media, film, music, theatre, literature, visual arts, architecture or any combination of the above). Groups/ensembles must be made up of three or more members.

The Young Ensembles Scheme has two strands. You should choose the strand that is most suitable for your ensemble and for your proposal. You may only apply to one strand. The maximum award under strand 1 is €10,000 and the maximum under strand 2 is €25,000.

Strand 1

This strand is for ensembles that wish to undertake a new project or initiative that will develop the practice and experience of the young people involved. You may apply for up to €10,000. Applicants may be new or established ensembles and must demonstrate their potential for developing and delivering a high quality artistic project.

Strand 2

This is for ensembles that wish to undertake a programme of work, or a large-scale project, that develops the work of the ensemble. This strand is for proposals that will cost more than €10,000 and no more than €25,000. Applicants must be established ensembles with a track record of delivering high quality artistic projects or programmes.  For this strand, applicants must make clear why a larger budget than is available under Strand 1 is required.

You can read some tips about preparing an application and watch a video featuring previous recipients here.

Applications will be accepted online from Tuesday 16 March 2021 and full Guidelines will be available in advance.

Planning and providing for children and young people’s engagement with the arts is part of the Arts Council strategy Making Great Art Work 2016-2025.