Brief Information
UK Ireland 2030 Cultural Cooperation Programme is a major bilateral funding initiative supporting joint cultural projects between leading institutions in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Backed by €6 million in funding until 2030, the programme aims to strengthen long-term cultural collaboration, innovation, and professional exchange. Eligible institutions are invited to submit project proposals by 8 January 2026.
Key Dates & Details
- Programme Name: UK Ireland 2030 Cultural Cooperation Programme
- Application Deadline: 8 January 2026, 17:00 (GMT)
- Location / Type: United Kingdom & Ireland (project-based, international cooperation)
- Target Group: Cultural institutions, museums, galleries, archives, and national cultural bodies
- Funding Available: €6,000,000 (allocated up to 2030)
- Funded By: Government of Ireland
- Assessment Period: Approx. 6 weeks after deadline
- Official Organisers: UK Government & Government of Ireland
- Official Website: https://arts.britishcouncil.org/
Table of Contents
Overview
The UK Ireland 2030 Cultural Cooperation Programme was established by the UK government and the government of Ireland to expand and deepen cultural collaboration between the two countries. Announced at the inaugural UK–Ireland Summit in March 2025, the programme builds on the UK-Ireland 2030 Joint Statement and aims to support a broader range of cultural institutions beyond existing partnerships.
The programme funds projects that fall under one of three strategic strands:
- Joint programming and artistic collaborations in Ireland, the UK, and internationally
- Professional exchange and development for cultural staff at all career stages
- Joint research and policy initiatives
Projects may focus specifically on UK–Ireland bilateral relations or address wider global or curatorial themes while clearly demonstrating the partnership between institutions.
Funded projects are expected to represent geographic diversity across England (including regions outside London), Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and span a wide range of art forms, disciplines, and cultural themes.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the UK Ireland 2030 Cultural Cooperation Programme, proposals must meet the following core requirements:
- Projects must include at least one partner institution from Ireland
- Projects must include at least one partner from England, Scotland, or Wales
- There is no fixed list of eligible UK cultural organisations
- Projects may involve multiple partners across the UK and Ireland
- UK partners must be actively involved in project delivery
⚠️ Important note:
Projects primarily focused on collaboration between Ireland and Northern Ireland should instead explore the Shared Island Cultural Cooperation Fund. However, Northern Ireland partners may be included in UK–Ireland 2030 projects where relevant and complementary.
Application Details
Interested cultural organisations should follow these steps to apply for the UK Ireland 2030 Cultural Cooperation Programme:
- Identify a suitable bilateral partner institution in the UK or Ireland
- Jointly develop a project proposal aligned with the programme objectives
- Review the official Call for Proposals and Guidelines for Applicants
- Draft a proposal document in line with the guidance requirements
- Submit the application by email before 8 January 2026, 17:00 (GMT)
Successful projects will receive funding via the Irish National Cultural Institutions, which will support agreed joint costs incurred by UK and Irish partners. UK institutions may also contribute their own funding or apply to additional sources such as their national Arts Council.
For broader context on international cultural cooperation, you may also explore resources from the
British Council – Arts & Culture
Who can apply to the UK Ireland 2030 Cultural Cooperation Programme?
Leading cultural institutions in Ireland and eligible cultural organisations in the UK can apply jointly.
Is this programme open to individual artists?
No. Applications must be submitted by cultural institutions, not individuals.
Can projects include partners from Northern Ireland?
Yes, if complementary. However, projects primarily focused on Ireland–Northern Ireland collaboration should apply to the Shared Island Fund.
When will applicants be notified of results?
Applicants are expected to be notified within approximately six weeks after the application deadline.
Official Link
👉 Apply and read the full Call for Proposals here:
https://arts.britishcouncil.org/get-involved/opportunities/call-proposals-uk-ireland-2030-cultural-co-operation-programme
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