Applications for Bursary 2012

The Irish Craft Bursary was launched in 2005 with the objective of providing an opportunity to assist makers to develop a body of work that they would otherwise not have had the time or resources to develop. Irish Craft Bursary offers a prize fund of €10,000 awarded to support a commitment to producing craftwork that illustrates the attainment of the highest level of technical and design skill. For 2012, the Crafts Council of Ireland will award three bursaries between €2,500 - €4,000.

Who can apply?
To date the Irish Craft Bursary has been used to fund many valuable projects and proposals which have deepened the creative practice of many of Ireland’s leading craftmakers. Previous successful applicants have used funds to:
Travel abroad
Participate in masterclasses
Fund collaboration with makers and artists in other disciplines
Develop new bodies of work that they previously could not have afforded to investigate.

Guidelines for the use of Irish Craft Bursary monies:
Bursary funding can be used to benefit and develop the creativity of the maker e.g:
1. Acquiring additional skills, training and further learning (funding appropriate recognised third level courses, masterclasses, mentors, field experts, etc).
Makers must already be in receipt of the course place in order to be eligible for an award
2. Travel and associated costs for travelling abroad to pursue additional skills, education or research.
3. Research (materials, technology, practices).

Bursary funding cannot be used for:
1. Capital expenditure on equipment or property.
2. Rent of premises.
3. Funding of solo exhibitions.
4. Funding of samples to launch new product lines.

The proposal must be completed within one year of award.  The recipients must provide progress updates on a three-monthly basis throughout the duration of the bursary activity and submit a final report.

To apply, makers must fulfill the following criteria:
Must be a craftsperson based in Ireland
Must be registered with the Crafts Council of Ireland
Must demonstrate an excellence in craftsmanship and creative quality in
their work
Must have a minimum of five years of professional practice
Must have exhibited their work extensively, preferably in recognised galleries in Ireland and abroad.
Must not be in receipt of funding for this proposal from any other source

Application checklist:
1. CV highlighting professional experience, exhibitions and awards.
2. A proposal detailling how the bursary would be used to advance the practice of the maker . The proposal must be completed within one year of award. The proposal must also detail the activity, outline the timeline and outcomes of the activity proposed.
3. Six digital images representing your work practice.
4.  Submission of two representative, physical pieces of craftwork. To be submitted separate from the application. See submission of craftwork details on application form for delivery dates and delivery address.

Proposals will be assessed by an Independent Selection Panel comprising of Irish and international members who have significant academic, commercial and professional experience in the field of contemporary craft.
  
Irish Craft Bursary Selection Criteria: Points to keep in mind when making an application 

(i) Does the proposal described in the application demonstrate a creative vision that will significantly enhance the applicant’s career and Irish Crafts as a whole?


(ii) Is there a clear indication of how the Irish Craft Bursary will impact on the applicant’s future once the proposal has been completed? Are the key outcomes identified?


(iii) Is the project feasible? Is it practical and is it likely based on the experience and judgment of the selection panel to have the desired effect on the professional practice of the applicant?


(iv) Can it be completed within a reasonable timeframe? Is the timeframe defined and is it feasible?


(v) Is the proposal built on a continuation of reliable craft practice?


(vi) Does it include all the financial details of how the funding will be spent? The level of research or support for any financial estimates presented will also be a critical factor in the evaluation of proposals.

You should be making an application to Irish Craft Bursary because:
• Your work requires further development. You are at a critical juncture where you have a track record and are ready to explore a new area, skills or techniques in order to progress further.
• You have identified further learning opportunities (third level courses, master-classes, mentors, field experts) that will enable progression in your career.
• You have identified additional skills, education or research in Ireland or abroad that will enable progression of your career.


APPLICATION DEADLINE
Completed applications must be returned by post or email by 5pm on Wednesday 18th January.
Applications by email to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it [Please write ‘Irish Craft Bursary 2012 application’ in subject line].
Applications by post to: Ciara Garvey, Development Manager, Collector & Tourism Programmes, Crafts Council of Ireland, Castle Yard, Kilkenny.

If you have any queries please contact:
Ciara Garvey
Development Manager, Collector & Tourism Programmes
Crafts Council of Ireland, Castle Yard, Kilkenny
T: (056) 779 6137
E: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Irish Craft Bursary 2012 Application Form:
(IRISH CRAFT BURSARY APPLICATION FORM2012.doc)