ESB Brighter Future Arts Fund in partnership with Business to Arts
The ESB Brighter Future Arts Fund in partnership with Business to Arts has now closed. Projects will take place between May 2022 and December 2023.
The ESB Brighter Future Arts Fund is an all-island Arts Fund which aligns with ESB’s ‘Brighter Future’ purpose by promoting environmental sustainability in diverse and ambitious ways. It will support the Irish arts community by funding or commissioning artists / groups of artists or arts organisations to create new work during a period of unprecedented change.
Through this open call, ESB is seeking to fund new artworks / arts projects which respond to the question ‘what does a Brighter Future look like?’, engaging the public in a vision for Ireland that is hopeful and inspiring. Individuals and communities have a critical role to play in the transition to a low carbon energy system, by changing their behaviours, embracing new technologies, and helping to determine the pace and scale of change. Engagement with the arts can inspire communities and help people to see the world differently.
Through this open call, ESB wants to support creative ideas to engage the public in a positive way around the energy transition, look towards a Brighter Future, consider the steps necessary to get there and the importance of this in tackling climate change. Artists / arts groups are encouraged to work in partnership with other arts, community, environmental, technological, or heritage/architectural organisations on the development and realisation of their projects. These artworks / arts projects can be in any artform (e.g. visual arts, spoken word, music, theatre, etc.) and must take place on the island of Ireland. Successful artworks / arts projects should be realised between March 2022 – December 2023.
Themes or Interests
What does a Brighter Future look like?
A low-carbon future
Best-practice in environmental sustainability
Addressing environmental issues and sustainable development goals
Enhancing participation of communities and audiences in the environment
Active partnership between artists and partner organisations
Size of Grants
Grants may be requested in the range of €20,000 – €40,000 (or STG equivalent). The total amount available through the ESB Brighter Future Arts Fund open call strand is €120,000 – €140,000. This means we expect between 4 and 6 artworks / arts projects to be funded.
Applications with larger budgets that have secured funds elsewhere are encouraged to apply
Applications with larger budgets must demonstrate proof of other funding secured and disclose the relevant funding source
Applications can be for 100% of the budget required
Key Dates
Tue, 13 July, 2021: Open for applications
Tue, 20 July, 2021: Webinar 1: General Overview & How to Apply – watch back here
Thurs, 22 July, 2021: Webinar 2: Audience, Budget, & Evaluation – watch back here
Wed, 8 September, 2021, 5:00pm: Deadline for applications
Before 31 Oct, 2021: Applicants informed by email
March 1 2022 — December 31 2023: Artwork / Arts Project Realisation
Key Documents
Application Questions (for reference only)
How to apply
1. Visit businesstoarts.ie/artsfund/esb/
2. Review the eligibility requirements to ensure the suitability of your application
3. Click ‘Enter Here’
4. Register your details with our application system (please ensure you click the link in your verification email. You will not be able to start your entry until you do this.)
5. Complete your application
6. Ensure you submit your application before 5:00pm on Wednesday 8th September, 2021
Support
Should you require assistance, please consult the FAQs available here or watch one of our information webinars:
Tue, 20 July, 2021: Webinar 1: General Overview & How to Apply – watch back here
Thurs, 22 July, 2021: Webinar 2: Audience, Budget, & Evaluation – watch back here
If you have any technical difficulties with your application, please contact The Fund team by email on brighterfutureartsfund@businesstoarts.ie or call +353 1 662 9238 and they will be able to assist you.
