Strollers Touring Network - PROPEL 2026

2026 will see the delivery of Cycle 6 of the PROPEL Artist Development Programme. PROPEL is an established artist support initiative that utilizes the network’s existing infrastructure, resources, and wider network partnerships to support the sustainable development of independent artists working within the Irish theatre sector. 

Programme callouts are run annually, with the award delivered over three years. The aim of this programme is to strengthen the ecology of the Irish theatre sector by firstly supporting the development of new work by independent artists, and secondly by supporting the long-term sustainable development of artists through capacity building and strategic professional development.

New for 2026:

From this year, the annual PROPEL callout will be targeted towards artists at different career stages in alternate years; year A will target mid-career and established artists, while year B targets early career and emerging artists. The application leaves room for artists to self-define their career stage; but the below is a guideline:

Emerging artists are considered to be those, of any age, who are in the early years of establishing a professional career as an artist in the theatre sector. Emerging artists have some experience but have not yet established a solid reputation as artists; but identify, and are recognised by their peers, as professional practising artists.

Mid-career and established artists are considered to be those, of any age, who can demonstrate a body of professional work as an artist in the theatre sector. Mid-career and established artists have built a reputation as artists, and continue to make work professionally.

The 2026 callout is targeted towards mid-career and established artists. 
Next year’s callout will target emerging & early career artists.

A bursary of €35,000 to support development of artistic practice, professional strategic development, and project development. The bursary is divided up over 3 years as follows:

• Year 1 - €20,000
• Year 2 - €10,000
• Year 3 - €5,000
• Access to development and rehearsal space in one of the ten Strollers Arts Centres across the country, as well as the possibility of a work-in-progress performance or showing.
• Support and mentorship from a range of experts in producing, fundraising, technical production, marketing, finance, cultural entrepreneurship, audience development and engagement, and strategic business development and management, as required.

Apply online here: https://strollersnetwork.net/propel-artist-development-programme

The application process for the programme has been divided into two stages:

Stage 1: A short form application process - Closing date 20th May 2026 12pm

Stage 2: Long form application process for artists that have been shortlisted during stage 1 and have been requested by the selection panel to submit a more detailed proposal (28 May - 10 June). Those who are not strategically funded will be paid a fee of €100 to complete the stage 2 application.

The following applicant information is for stage one of this process only.

Please note the closing date for receipt of your stage 1 application is Wednesday 20th May 2026, 12pm. Those who have been selected to submit a long form application will be requested to do so on or before Thursday the 28th of May.

Please note in order to complete this application you will need to attach the following documentation in one PDF document (max. 6 pages) which should include Artist CV, Biography & Examples of Work.

We hope that by offering two different options for completing the main section of this application, via both text and video, that we have managed to make this application process as accessible as possible (see section 2.1 & 2.2 of form). If you require further reasonable adjustment or additional accessibility supports in completing this application, please contact strollersnetwork@gmail.com. 

Extensions to the above application deadline will not be possible.
Please note AI-generated submissions will not be accepted.

Draíocht Blanchardstown
Belltable / Lime Tree, Limerick
Hawk's Well Theatre, Sligo
Linenhall Arts Centre, Mayo
Riverbank Arts Centre, Kildare
Siamsa Tire, Kerry
Solstice Arts Centre, Meath
The Source Arts Centre, Tipperary
VISUAL, Carlow
The Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny

Strollers Network is kindly supported by Arts Council Ireland