Bursaries to support International Museum Day
Thanks to the activities that museums and communities organise and the strong connections they develop with the public, International Museum Day (IMD) continues to be a success year after year. This year the theme will focus on “Museums Uniting a Divided World”. The theme highlights the potential of museums to act as bridges across cultural, social, and geopolitical divides, fostering dialogue, understanding, inclusion and peace within and between communities worldwide. Resources and guidance on how to organise and promote IMD events are available here.
ICOM Ireland has some funds available to support museums and professionals wishing to organise events celebrating International Museum Day on the 18 May 2026. These bursaries are generously sponsored by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport.
Application criteria for funding:
1. Funding will only be awarded to applicants wishing to organise an event/s as part of International Museum Day (IMD) to ideally be held on 18 May or during that month.
2. The amount of money awarded to each project is dependent on the funds available; in the majority of cases the funding awarded will be no more than €1,000.
3. Funding will only be paid on receipt of proof of payment of expenditure.
4. Recipients are expected to write a brief review (500 words) of the event/s organised.
5. Applications need to be submitted by 5pm on Friday 8 May.
Eligibility:
Applications will be considered from all Individual members and staff representatives from Institutional members. Please note: Members in arrears are not eligible to apply.
How to apply:
All applicants need to submit an email requesting funding to: secretary@icomireland.com
The request should include:
details of the event/s you would like to organise including estimated costs,
any details of funding already received to organise the event/s,
relevance of the event/s to supporting the promotion of International Museum Day and where possible this year’s theme.
The ICOM-Ireland Committee will consider all applications and where necessary further information may be requested. Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application as soon as possible.