Applications now open for the Anne O’Donoghue Award - supporting excellence in Northern Ireland's Community Arts sector
12th March, 2025
Community Arts Partnership (CAP) is proud to announce the re-opening of the Anne O’Donoghue Award, funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and The National Lottery.
Established in memory of the late Anne O’Donoghue, a trailblazer in participatory arts, the award is dedicated to supporting the professional development of Arts Managers and Administrators working within Community Arts and participatory arts organisations across Northern Ireland. This includes those contributing to Arts & Disability, Minority Ethnic Arts, Circus, Carnival, Arts & Health, and Youth Arts. Anne O’Donoghue, who passed away in September 2014, played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of Community Arts in Northern Ireland and her legacy is marked by a commitment to excellence in service design and delivery, alongside her dedication to advancing the professional growth of others.
Under CAP’s stewardship, the Anne O’Donoghue Award seeks to:
- Foster Professional Development – Supporting participation in formal or informal courses, mentoring, coaching, supervision, research, and cultural exchanges.
- Strengthen Business and Managerial Skills – Enhancing expertise within the Community Arts sector.
- Promote Continuous Professional Development – Encouraging the ongoing growth of individuals working in Community Arts, ensuring the sector's long-term sustainability and vitality.
Conor Shields, Chief Executive of Community Arts Partnership, welcomed the re-opening of applications for the award, stating:
"This award is not just a tribute to Anne O'Donoghue's legacy but also acts as an invaluable opportunity for those committed to excellence in Community Arts and related sectors. On behalf of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, CAP is charged with stewarding Anne's legacy, and this National Lottery award underscores our collective determination to recognise achievement, foster innovation, and support professional growth within the sector. The award can be a game changer for an established manager , helping to develop their skills and learn from best practice beyond these shores to reach even greater heights of professional development. And of course, this not only strengthens the capacity of that individual and their organisation, but our whole sector as well.”
Patricia Lavery, Head of Community Arts and Education, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added,
“Anne O’Donoghue contributed a huge amount to the life and legacy of the arts in Northern Ireland and we are delighted to make this award available in her memory to an arts manager in support of their career, thanks to the National Lottery players and Community Arts Partnership.”
Applications are now open and will close on Friday, 24th March 2025 at 5pm precisely. Eligible projects must take place between 21st April 2025 and 31st January 2026. Applicants are strongly advised to carefully read the guidance notes on eligibility and application procedures before applying.
For more information and to apply, please visit: https://www.capartscentre.com/2025/03/anne-odonoghue-award-open-for-application-closing-24-mar/