About the Open Call

Elevate 2026: Creating Inclusive Opportunities is a grant designed to support disabled people of all ages in creating art projects with socially engaged or collaborative artists. The grant prioritizes artists with experience or a strong interest in working with disabled communities. Funded projects must take place between July and December 2026 within Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County. The program aims to remove barriers to participation and increase arts practice for and with disabled people, aligning with the County Arts Plan 'Creating with Communities'.

What is Offered

A maximum grant of €5,000 to cover artist fees, materials, access costs, professional fees (e.g., photographers), and participant expenses such as travel and refreshments.

Requirements

Eligible applicants include professional artists who live or work in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County, or disability services/groups (minimum 4 people) that meet within the county. Projects must be socially engaged/collaborative in nature and take place within the county. Activities already funded by the Council in the last 12 months, capital equipment, international travel, and third-level education costs are ineligible.

How to Apply

Applicants must register and submit through the dlr Arts Office online portal (https://dlrcoco.submit.com/show/356). Requirements include a CV, a one-page project statement or five-minute video plan, a letter of support from the identified group or disability service, a detailed budget, and two examples of previous work (e.g., photographs, audio, or text).