Monaghan County Council Arts Office is delighted to partner with Performing Arts Forum by offering up to two bursaries for independent arts practitioners based in the Monaghan County administrative* area to attend The Gathering in Belfast on 26 & 27 May 2026.
Hundreds of artists, arts workers and arts organisation people from arts centres and production companies, festivals and funders are getting together in Belfast for two days of conversation, provocation, and inspiration. Sessions will take place in the with an artistic programme on the first evening of the event.
The event happens from approx. lunch time on 26 May to a late lunch on 27 May.
We welcome applications from individuals from diverse national, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, including, but not limited to, Asian, Black, Traveller and other minority ethnic communities; refugees; people with disabilities; people from marginalised socio-economic backgrounds; and LGBTIQ+ artists and arts workers.
Each Artist Bursary will cover:
- Ticket to Performing Arts Forum Belfast Gathering includes all day sessions, two lunches, dinner, coffee breaks and the artistic programme
- Artist Honorarium of €180
- Accommodation and Travel Contribution of €150 (To be arranged by the artist – see www.performingartsforum.ie for details of accommodation deals)
NOTES FOR APPLYING
- Applicants must be living & making work in and for the Monaghan County administrative area*
- In the interest of fairness and transparency this opportunity is for first time recipients of this bursary.
- Deadline to apply: is 5pm Monday 2 March**.
- ** Please note that the bursaries will be distributed from a selection process. The artist will receive €330 (artist honorarium and accommodation and travel contribution) on 29 May, on receipt of attendance.
*please see question below of eligibility for bursary – applicants must show not only that they reside in county Monaghan but that they have worked on projects or have contributed to existing projects ,events etc in the county, or plan to do so this year (2026)
Please complete the online form if you would like to apply for a Monaghan County Council bursary at Monaghan County Council Artist Bursaries – Performing Arts Forum Belfast Gathering
Any questions can be directed to Paul Donnelly at paul@performingartsforum.ie.
More information about The Gathering at Belfast Gathering // Cruinniú Bhéal Feirste | Performing Arts Forum