Operating on a cross-border basis, the Arts and Disability Awards Ireland scheme is a dedicated grant system for individual deaf or disabled artists, managed by the Arts and Disability Forum on behalf of the two Arts Councils of this island. Through this funding, artists with disabilities have developed unique artwork of high artistic quality, some progressing to a level where international recognition is won. The scheme’s purpose is to identify, encourage and nurture individual talent amongst disabled or deaf arts practitioners. It is open to individual artists of any impairment type living on the island of Ireland. Activity in any of the arts disciplines is eligible and disability access requirements linked to artistic activity will be considered. Artists can apply for up to £5,000 sterling or the Euro equivalent.

Decisions are based on:

• Artistic excellence
• Innovative, original ideas
• Quality of planning
• Overall quality of application

You can download an application form, criteria and guidelines from the ADF website.  

Free membership for deaf or disabled people who have an interest in the arts

For this financial year, the Arts and Disability Forum is offering free membership to individual deaf or disabled people who have an interest in the arts. By becoming a member you can connect with other disabled people. You will be added to the ADF mailing list for e-bulletins circulating information on the arts and we will pass on information from partner or member organisations. It is a chance to build cross-border links by teaming up with other disabled artists for artform-based networking. Organisations can also join for a small fee linked to financial turnover. Contact the ADF for information.