Fingal County Council Announce Artists’ Support Scheme, 2021

Fingal County Council invites applications for the Artists’ Support Scheme 2021. This strand of funding allows professional artists to avail of an award up to €4,000 towards travel/professional development opportunities, a residency or towards the development of work.

The objective of the Artists’ Support Scheme is to support individual professional artists from Fingal to develop their artistic practice. The award, with a total combined fund of €100,000, is open to practising artists at all stages in their professional careers working in music, visual art, drama, literature & dance. To be eligible to apply, applicants must have been born, have studied, or currently reside in the Fingal administrative area.

The Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David Healy commented “The arts have a positive effect on our wellbeing which was particularly evident in 2020 through the online entertainment they provided as they, like us, adapted to Covid-19 restrictions. Fingal is proud of its rich and vibrant art and cultural sector. The 2021 scheme will greatly benefit our artists so they can produce work and continue to enhance our lives.”

Speaking about the award, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly said “I am delighted to announce the 2021 funding scheme, now in its 8th year, which enables Fingal based artists to develop their professional arts practice. Fingal County Council is committed to investing in its artists. Last year 65 applicants working in diverse disciplines were awarded a combined total of €100,000 through this bursary strand.

Director of Services, Emer O’ Gorman said “Fingal County Council values and appreciates the role that art and artists play in the lives of people and communities in Fingal especially during the current COVID –19 crisis. It is important we continue to support artists through this essential funding opportunity.”

Among the 65 artists awarded under the Artists’ Support Scheme in 2020 were Odd Morris, a four-piece band from Swords. Funding was allocated for the recording of their new EP, Cityscape the ballet. Since their inception in late 2017, Odd Morris have earned a reputable name through their brooding live performances across Ireland, and recently the UK. They released their debut single in March 2019 and have played shows with the likes of Ezra Furman and Fat White Family and performed on two of Ireland's biggest music festivals Electric Picnic and All Together Now.

The funding is for projects/initiatives which will take place from 1 May – 31 December 2021.  Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 26 February 2021 at 4pm.

For further information and to download an application form please see www.fingalarts.ie or www.fingal.ie/arts  or contact [email protected]  087 9266727.

Odd Morris

Image: Band Members: Daragh Griffin – Vocals, Guitar, Kris Hassett – Guitar, Ciarán McCarthy – Bass and Sam Martin – Drums

For more information on Odd Morris see www.oddmorris.com