Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) invite applications for the External Exhibitions Fund 2021 (EEF). The fund was established to assist DCCI members in the development of high-quality, independent exhibitions - as individuals, organisations or groups including DCCI Guilds, Associations, Networks & Societies (GANS). We invite organisers of exhibitions planned for 2021, featuring design and craft in Ireland or abroad, to submit for the EEF.  Deadline for submission of completed application forms is extended to Monday 11th January 2021.

The purpose of the fund is to:

    Stimulate and reward the development of professional exhibition skills in makers and curators of craft / design;
    Develop exhibition opportunities for Irish makers;
    Facilitate relationships with international galleries and collectors;
    Increase awareness of Irish craft and design in Ireland and abroad;
    Enhance the reputation of Irish craft and design in Ireland and abroad.

What Will be Funded?

This annual fund will support a small number of professionally produced exhibitions featuring Irish craft and design in Ireland or abroad. This call will only fund activities due to take place in 2021. The maximum allocation to any individual proposal will be €5,000. Projects must demonstrate match-funding. Exhibitions can be in recognised venues or one-off/ site-specific projects, organised by individuals, groups, partnerships or organisations.

Exhibitions in Contexts of Covid-19

DCCI recognises the difficulties faced by makers during this pandemic, and the need to ensure safety while finding new ways of developing exhibitions and making work accessible. DCCI welcomes innovative EEF proposals which respond creatively to our current restrictive circumstances through:

• high-quality online / virtual exhibitions
• developing new accessible exhibition formats
• exploring different methods of safe, impactful engagement

In light of COVID, any international exhibitions proposed for 2021 should be planned in partnership with curator, gallery or group based on the ground, so that work can be sent and installed without travel. DCCI cannot fund travel abroad, while government guidelines advice against.

Application

Submit your completed application form, with supporting documents and images, on or before midnight Monday 11th January 2021.
Access the online form here: DCCI External Exhibitions Fund Application Form