What the time frame is for the scheduled programme of activities and use of resources provided if successful?  

The anticipated timeframe for participation in each strand is July 2025 – December 2026. We will work with the participating artists and producers to devise a plan and suite of resources that work best for their individual idea/project/practice.  

I am living/resident in the Republic of Ireland, but I am not official citizen. Would I still be eligible?  

Yes, you are eligible if you are living in the Republic of Ireland. It is not a requirement to be an 'official citizen'.  

To be eligible to apply for Branar Meitheal, you must be:  

A professional practising artist at any stage in your career (emerging, mid-career, established)  

A resident in the Republic of Ireland  

Can two or more collaborating artists apply together for one project?  

Yes, collaborations are possible, but you should select a 'lead artist' for the application. This person would be the main participant in Branar Meitheal for the purposes of programmed activities (mentorship opportunities, masterclasses etc.) which may be scheduled during the year.  

While an applicant may collaborate with other artists, creatives or organisations, the 'lead artist' would be the main participant/point of contact throughout, and also the person who will be liaising with their creative collaborators in terms of fees, scheduling etc. As there is a limited budget to pay artists for their time, the details of how collaborating partners would be included in the process would be worked out in consultation with the Branar Meitheal team once a lead artist is on board with the initiative.  

I have been developing a production for some time but it’s at an early stage – which strand should I apply to?  

If you have already had some development time on a project, the Nurture and Grow is the place to apply…  

If you’re at the stage where an idea is simmering but you have not yet moved it forward past a concept stage, then Seed and Sow is a suitable strand for you.  

Here is brief reminder of how the strands are divided:  

Seeds and Sow: Explore, Experiment, Interrogate, Innovate. This strand supports early concept development across the performing arts disciplines. 

Nurture and Grow: Devise, *Revise, Realise. The Nurture and Grow strand is for artists seeking further development of potential or existing productions. *Please note that a production may have had an initial presentation, but it is still eligible if an artist would like to revisit or review elements of the work.  

Harvest and Show: Plan, produce, present. The Harvest and Show strand of Branar Meitheal is designed to support artists who have a show that is ready to be presented to audiences and would benefit from production support and strategic planning. 

Re: The Branar Meitheal Seed and Sow Strand – how ‘early’ can an idea be to apply for Seeds and Sow? I have a glimmer of an idea but have not worked through any detail on it…  

Seed and Sow is designed to support artists at very early stages of a concept or idea. Once you can articulate your idea clearly – e.g. tell us who you are, your thought process, practice, motivation, vision etc. – then please do apply.  

Re: The Branar Meitheal Seed and Sow Strand - Does the work need to be produced for a specific time or within a certain time frame?  

We don't have any specific requirements or expected deliverables regarding completion or presentation of a piece of work in this strand. We aim to help artists to work in a supported and sustainable way to explore an idea and its creative potential with a focus on best practice throughout. With this in mind, we have tried to capture the aims of Seed and Sow with this tagline 'Explore, Experiment, Interrogate, Innovate'. 

In essence, Seed and Sow is a strand in which you will have a set amount of paid time and support to consider and develop your idea, but without the pressure of a deliverable end product.  

Re: The Branar Meitheal Nurture and Grow Strand – We have some financial support in place to bring our project to full production and initial presentation. Am I still eligible to apply? 

Yes, you are eligible. The Nurture and Grow strand is intended to support productions at various points, from early through to late stages of development.  

It is also open to productions that may have already had an initial presentation, but the artist wants to revisit aspects, adapt or make changes to the work.  

In terms of funding already in place for the production, to avoid the risk of any 'double funding' scenarios, we will work with the selected participants to identify and design a plan that supports the additional needs of the artist or production.

I would like to apply for the Producer Development Strand but I have producing commitments in 2025 and 2026. Can I still apply? 

Yes. Please outline the dates and time commitment involved in your work in your application and we will determine if the remaining time and dates available to you will be sufficient for participation. 

Can I submit an application for more than one strand?  

Yes. Given that there are distinct strands – one at early concept/idea stage (Seed and Sow) one at development/production stage (Nurture and Grow), and one for presentation ready work (Harvest and Show), you may submit an idea in more than one strand. Please note, you can only be selected to participate in one of the strands. 

I have a disability. Is this programme accessible to all professional artists?  

Access supports and access costs are available. These supports are for applicants with disabilities to cover any requirements you may have to remove barriers that might stop you from completing your application. Branar can cover access costs, as defined by the Arts Council.   

If you’d prefer to meet one of our team to talk through these guidelines or would like to submit your application in another format (for example, video), please contact meitheal@branar.ie  

If you are selected for the programme, we will complete an access requirement audit as part of the induction process to identify and make a plan to meet your needs. If you have any queries or there are barriers you feel limit your access to the programme or application process, please get in touch directly so we can best support you within the means available to us.    

What does the application process entail? Will shortlisted applicants be called for an interview? 

Applications will be assessed by a panel comprising of Branar Meitheal team members and programme partners. Participants will be selected based on their application. We expect to notify all applicants of the outcome of their applications in the week beginning 23rd June.