Applications are now being invited for the 2026 Ted & Mary O’Regan Arts Bursary. The Bursary was inaugurated in 2004 to honour the memory of one of Waterford’s best loved and respected couples who, together, made an enduring and extraordinary contribution to the cultural life of the city. The purpose of the Award is to assist an individual or individuals, either from or with a strong connection to Waterford City or County, to pursue and develop their chosen arts discipline.
Applicants should note that the criteria for the Bursary are open and flexible and that people of all ages may apply. Whilst the Bursary has, in the past facilitated recipients to attend a third level arts course, this is not a pre-requisite. The Award will aim to fill the financial gap which prohibits an arts worker or arts student of any age or any arts discipline achieving their artistic goal.
The Bursary’s primary sponsor is Waterford City and County Council. The Bursary is also funded by Garter Lane Arts Centre, Waterford Youth Arts, Spraoi, and the Theatre Royal and by individual contributions from friends, associates and family of the late Ted and Mary O’Regan. Together, these organizations and individuals have enabled the awards committee to offer local artists more than €140,000 in support of their activities since the foundation of the Bursary. This year, the Awards Committee is pleased to announce the addition of GOMA Art Gallery to the list of Bursary Sponsors.
Further information and application forms for the Award are available on: http://www.waterfordyoutharts.com
The closing date for the receipt of applications is Friday, May 29th.