Laois Arts

08/06/2026

Congrats to Donna Wright artist on her opening on Thurs 4 June at The Arthouse and Library. Donna has realised a beautiful body of work 'Calling up Berba', that focuses on the ecology and mythology of the River Barrow 'Berba', during her residency here in Laois. Thanks to all who attended. Exhibition runs until this Sat 13 June. Mon - Fri (13:00 - 16:00) and late night during Library opening hours Tues & Thurs and Sat (10:00 - 13:00). Thanks to Rene Photography for these beautiful photos.

23/02/2026

Still time to apply, Laois County Council and Laois Arts Short Film Bursary. Deadline Friday 27th February at 5pm. The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon Dunamaise Arts Centre Further details at this link. https://laois.ie/arts-and-culture/arts-grants/artists-awards-supports

23/02/2026

Opportunity for Laois born or Laois based performers and theatre artists to attend the Performing Arts Forum Gathering in Belfast this May. Bursary covers cost of attendance and accommodation. Follow this link to apply. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqudVW0gP9ZAEW9a9OpkWy7yvo-arrtPQkfb54R0K4Uh_avg/viewform

21/02/2026

Closing date for this, and Laois grants and opportunities Friday 27th February

Laois County Council Arts Service is inviting proposals for the Facilitation and Management of Laois Youth Theatre for the 2026–2029 pilot phase.

The successful applicant will manage, support and develop Laois Youth Theatre in Portlaoise and implement an annual Youth Theatre programme, with regard to the existing services and expertise within the Arts Service and supports provided.

Find out more information here - https://laois.ie/newsroom/2026/laois-county-council-seeks-proposals-for-facilitation-of-services-and-management-of-laois-youth

20/02/2026

Fantastic opportunity for Laois musicians seeking to develop their careers. See below for further details. Laois County Council Laois Arts The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon Music Generation Laois Dunamaise Arts Centre

Calling Musicians from the Midlands.

Offaly Arts Office is partnering with First Music Contact to launch a Regional Development Plan survey for musicians in the Midlands.

The initiative aims to support artists across Offaly, Laois, Westmeath, and Longford with improved access to professional development opportunities.

Musicians are invited to complete a short online survey to help shape a series of free workshops scheduled for March and early April.

The sessions will feature industry advice, panel discussions and tailored guidance based on survey feedback.

The survey closes on February 27th.

Online sessions will take place on March 9th–12th and March 30th–April 2nd, with practical industry advice, panel discussions and guidance for musicians at all stages.

Complete the survey here:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9PWPV93

Funded by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon, Offaly County Council, Longford County Council, Laois County Council and Westmeath County Council.
Music Generation Longford Music Generation Westmeath Music Generation Laois

06/02/2026

Laois Youth Theatre - Join us for the next chapter - call for proposals from qualified interested parties to lead this new phase of Laois Youth Theatre. Dunamaise Arts Centre The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon Youth Theatre Ireland Irish Theatre Institute (ITI) CreativeIrl Carlow Arts Office Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board

Laois County Council Arts Service is inviting proposals for the Facilitation and Management of Laois Youth Theatre for the 2026–2029 pilot phase.

The successful applicant will manage, support and develop Laois Youth Theatre in Portlaoise and implement an annual Youth Theatre programme, with regard to the existing services and expertise within the Arts Service and supports provided.

Find out more information here - https://laois.ie/newsroom/2026/laois-county-council-seeks-proposals-for-facilitation-of-services-and-management-of-laois-youth

03/02/2026

Reminder: Spectacle Skills Training & Networking Award

Laois Arts is offering a unique opportunity for two local artists to join a 4-day residential training programme in March 2026. This collaborative initiative, led by the team behind Longford Lights, focuses on upskilling artists in spectacle-making, street performance, and large-scale prop construction.

This is a brilliant chance to collaborate with peers across the region and build a skilled network to support major events like Culture Night in Laois. We are looking for artists interested in large-scale public art and festival props who want to share expertise across our participating counties.

The deadline to apply for this cross-county creative team is 5pm, Friday 27th February 2026.

For full details on how to apply, visit laois.ie or email [email protected].

Laois County Council

01/02/2026

Reminder: New Music Mentoring with First Music Contact!

Are you an early-career musician in Laois looking to take the next step? Don't forget to register your interest for our new professional training and mentoring programme, delivered in partnership with First Music Contact.

This is a fantastic opportunity to receive expert guidance on navigating the music industry and growing your career. Whether you are just starting out or ready to reach the next level, this programme is designed to provide you with the professional tools you need to succeed.

If you want to access this expert support, please contact [email protected] to express your interest today.

Laois County Council

30/01/2026

Reminder: Residency Opportunities at Laois Arthouse, Stradbally!

Laois County Council Arts Service is inviting professional artists to apply for two residency awards at the Laois Arthouse. These residencies offer a fully equipped private studio, access to specialized facilities like a kiln and exhibition space, and a bursary to support your creative work.

The opportunities include a studio-only residency for local artists and a studio-plus-apartment option for those based further afield. To be eligible, you must have at least three years of professional experience and a connection to Laois through birth, residency, or education.

To apply, email [email protected] with your CV, a PDF portfolio of 6–8 work examples, and a one-page expression of interest.

Don't forget—the deadline is 5pm, Friday 27th February 2026.

Laois County Council