The fund is open to a wide range of stakeholders for activities creating ambitious new cinematic events set to drive audiences to Irish films

Lighthouse Cinema, Dublin (© Lighthouse Cinema)

On 2 August, Screen Ireland announced the creation of a new Audience Development Fund. 

In detail, the fund is open to a wide range of stakeholders for activities creating ambitious new cinematic events which will drive audiences to watch Irish films. According to the official press release, the main objectives of the fund are “to increase visibility of Irish films nationally while promoting cinema-going and access to diverse content to a wide range of socio-economic groups.”

The Audience Development Fund is set to grant funding under three main strands. The first strand will award up to a maximum of €40,000 to “stakeholders to deliver a large-scale, high-quality audience development initiative with measurable results over a period of 12 months.” The second strand will grant up to a maximum of €25,000 to “stakeholders to develop and deliver one or a series of audience development activities that would be likely to have a significant impact on Irish audiences.” Finally, the third strand will earmark up to a maximum of €10,000, open to applicants “who are focused on delivering a more targeted audience development plan, perhaps specifically aimed at impacting niche groups or underserved audiences.”

Candidates may include Irish Festivals or groups of festivals, Irish owned cinemas or cinema chains, Irish distribution companies including those working together or with other partners, Irish content platforms, Irish media marketing companies, audience research experts, media Outlets with a wide cultural audience, and industry stakeholders or guilds representing creative talent or promoting projects.

Applications will be assessed on the basis of “the quality and innovation of the initiative or activity,” “a fully costed budget which will be reported against,” “the track record of the applicants,” “the ability of applicants to deliver a credible project demonstrating value for investment and measurable results,” “a stated commitment to diversity, inclusion, equality, and sustainability,” and “the ability of applicant to demonstrate how they will reach new and diverse audiences via their outlined activities.”

Along with the creation of cinematic events capable of driving audiences to Irish films, eligible Activities may include research activities, festival audience development initiatives, data-driven campaigns using Irish contents and touring film programmes, among others.

You can find out more about the new fund and all the application requirements here (English language guidelines) and here (Irish language guidelines).

The deadline for applications is set for 12 September.