In architecture, the Arts Council has two key priorities. Firstly, the Arts Council supports individual architects to make excellent work that is valued. Secondly, the Arts Council supports individuals and organisations to deliver programmes and projects that engage the public with architecture across Ireland.

Yes - under the Arts Acts in Ireland, architecture is one of eleven artforms supported by the Arts Council. As a result, architects – even those who design and make buildings in the spatial and built environment - are considered artists by the Arts Council. The Arts Council recognises that the meaning of the term ‘artist’ is nuanced and specific to each artform.

Design and creative practice is a broad term which is intended to encompass the architectural, intellectual, social and spatial intentions, processes and outcomes associated with the work of an individual architect. It does not mean the studio, collective or formal organisation to which that architect may belong.

The Arts Council offers support architects at all stages of their careers. Applications are welcome from architecture graduates (Part II certified) and early and mid-career architects. Applications are also welcome from established architects who may already have carried out a significant body of work but who may need specific support to address an aspect of their practice.

The Arts Council supports architects who pursue their individual practices in their own distinctive ways. For example, architects have sought funding under the Architecture Bursary Award to examine aspects of their creative techniques and processes (e.g. drawing, virtual reality, photography etc.) or to explore tectonic and material aspects of the work.

The Architecture Project Award – Strand 3 specifically seeks to support ambitious, innovative and creative, high quality initiatives that specifically aim to enhance and extend the public’s experience of architecture and this would include exhibitions/presentations of architecture. The Touring and Dissemination of Work Scheme can also support architects and curators of architecture to present exhibitions for a public audience across Ireland.