The purpose of the Arts in Early Learning and Childcare Scheme 2024 is to provide opportunities for babies and young children to explore and enjoy the arts with the support of artists, early-years educators, school-age practitioners, families and carers. Priority will be given to proposals that provide meaningful opportunities for babies and young children to explore and engage with the arts; while supporting artists, early-years educators, school-age practitioners, families and carers to collaborate, share learning, and develop their capacity in this area. Proposals should include a considered approach to documentation, evaluation and reflection, and should have the capacity to inform wider practice.

The Arts in Early Learning and Childcare Scheme 2024 has three strands. 

Strand 1: Early Learning and Childcare

This strand supports partnerships between artists/arts organisations and Tusla-registered early learning and care (ELC) and/or school-age childcare (SAC) services. Eligible services include community and private services, ELC services, ELC and SAC combined services, and stand-alone SAC services.

Strand 2: International Protection (birth–6-year-olds)

This strand supports partnerships between artists/arts organisations and those working with children from Ukraine and others who have been impacted by war, displacement and loss. Proposals should be centred in trauma-informed practice. Projects can be facilitated within local Stay and Play sessions, parent-and-toddler groups or other locations that support Ukrainian and other children seeking international protection from birth to 6 years of age.

Strand 3: Combined Contexts 

You should apply for this strand if your proposal includes services that meet the requirements of Strand 1 and other services that meet the requirements of Strand 2.

Access Supports

If you have a disability and would like help applying, contact our Access Officer as early as possible before the deadline.

Phone:      

• 01 618 0200
• 01 618 0243

Email: access@artscouncil.ie

You will be able to apply for additional costs if you have access needs relating to your application.

Note: applications will only be accepted through the Arts Council’s Online Services site. If you have not used Online Services before you must register for a login to be able to apply for funding.  It is important that you register as early as possible as it may take up to five working days for your registration to be processed.