Age & Opportunity is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2025 Artist Awards. These awards are part of our ongoing commitment to supporting artists aged 50 and over in Ireland. They aim to recognise both emerging talent and the importance of continued professional development in later life.
We are currently inviting applications for two distinct awards: the Professional Development Artist Award and the Emerging Artist Bursary. Each award offers €1,000 to a successful applicant and is designed to support artists at different stages of their creative journey.
Professional Development Artist Award 2025
Application Deadline: 12:00 noon, Wednesday 2 July 2025
This award is intended for professional artists aged 50+ who wish to further develop their practice through training, research, or other professional development activities. It recognises the importance of lifelong learning and aims to support artists in sustaining and advancing their careers.
Eligible activities may include workshops, specialist courses, residencies, research projects, or attendance at conferences. Applicants must be members of a recognised professional representative body or demonstrate a clear professional track record in their CV.
Award Amount: €1,000
Eligibility: Professional artists aged 50+ based in the Republic of Ireland
Application Requirements:
- Completed application form (online or via email)
- CV
- Three samples of work (images, video, or writing samples)
- Confirmation letter from the training or development provider
Apply here:
Guidelines: Professional Development Artist Award 2025 guidelines
Application Form (Online): https://www.tfaforms.com/5181711
Application Form (downloadable): Professional Development Artist Award 2025 application form
Contact for queries: arts@ageandopportunity.ie
Emerging Artist Award 2025
Application Deadline: 12:00 noon, Wednesday 2 July 2025
This award is designed to support artists aged 50+ who are at an early stage in their artistic careers. It acknowledges that many individuals begin or return to artistic practice later in life and seeks to provide time and resources to develop their work.
The award may be used to buy time, materials, or other supports that enable the artist to focus on their practice. While not a requirement, it is hoped that the recipient may present work at a future Bealtaine Festival.
Award Amount: €1,000
Eligibility: Emerging artists aged 50+ based in the Republic of Ireland
Application Requirements:
- Completed application form (online or via email)
- CV
- Three samples of work (images, video, or writing samples)
- A letter of support from a professional artist or organisation
Apply here:
Guidelines: Emerging Artist Award 2025 guidelines
Application Form (Online): https://www.tfaforms.com/5181098
Application Form (downloadable): Emerging Artist Award 2025 application form
Contact for queries or application support: arts@ageandopportunity.ie
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Age & Opportunity is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all communities. We particularly encourage submissions from artists who are underrepresented in the arts, including those from diverse ethnic backgrounds, the Traveller community, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
In line with the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty, we are dedicated to taking positive measures to ensure that our programmes reflect the diversity of Irish society and are inclusive of all.
