Irish Government to Provide Funds to Support Seeing and Booking Tour-Ready Irish Performers
Attention all presenters: The Irish government is offering funding for you to attend tour-ready artist showcases in Ireland and book their shows!
The new initiative, Canada – Ireland 180, will showcase the “180-degree turn” that Ireland has made since 1847: going from abject poverty and forced mass emigration to becoming one of the most prosperous, dynamic countries in the world.
Canada – Ireland 180 aims to highlight the diversity of contemporary Irish arts and culture beyond what most Canadian audiences are typically familiar with.
The program will fund Canadian festivals, events, and venues in programming Irish arts of all disciplines (film, literature, dance, theatre, music, etc.) in 2027 as part of existing programs and seasons.
The majority of available Irish funds will underwrite the cost of touring for Irish artists and productions of every discipline and size to tour in Canada.
A portion of the funds will also support inbound travel by Canadian presenters to attend showcase events in 2026 including the events listed here.
Funds for travel and showcase attendance will be dispersed on a first-come first-served basis, with a final application deadline of April 16th. To be considered for travel funds, please contact [email protected] or reach out to your regional presenting network.
Irish Government Now Seeking Expressions of Interest
Deadline: April 16, 2026 at 5 p.m. IST (Irish Standard Time)
Culture Ireland and the Embassy of Ireland to Canada are inviting expressions of interest from artists, ensembles, and cultural organizations to take part in a dedicated Irish arts and culture season in Canada in 2027. This initiative aims to support the presentation and promotion of contemporary Irish arts across the country.
Proposals are welcome from artists and their representatives, curators, venues, and presenters interested in participating in this special programme—including companies that already have tentative plans for work to be presented in Canada in 2027.
Submissions should be no more than two pages (excluding budget documentation) and sent to [email protected] with the subject line “Canada Ireland 180.” Each submission should include the following:
- An outline of the concept of the proposed project
- An outline of your approach to the practical realisation of the presentation
- A list of the proposed participants, including any Canada-based partners
- The funding strand to which your project is more closely aligned
- An outline of how your proposal will showcase Irish creativity and/or highlight Ireland’s contemporary creative strengths in Canada