These Fellowships offer a unique opportunity for passionate and accomplished people working in creative and cultural professions in Ireland to visit the USA for a 3-6 month period from August 2021 – August 2022, to undertake research and engage with U.S. peers. Any travel undertaken as part of this scheme will be done in line with the prevailing advice in relation to COVID 19 restrictions.

Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht, Catherine Martin T.D. said:

“The intrinsic value of culture has always been at the forefront of Irish-U.S. relations. The new Fulbright-Creative Ireland Professional Fellowships encourage enhanced dialogue between our two nations. The successful Fellows will bring their skills to U.S. organisations, and return home bringing new insights and ideas.”

The Fulbright Awards aim to forge lasting international connections, counter misunderstandings and help people work together toward common goals. The Creative Ireland Programme partnered with the Fulbright Commission in Ireland to present these Fellowships in addition to the three existing Fulbright Creative Ireland Museum Fellowships for students.

Successful candidates receive a significant monetary grant, accident and emergency insurance, visa administration, cultural and professional programming, and introduction to a vast international professional and academic network. Applicants can choose which organisation they wish to visit – prospective hosts may include, but are not limited to, third level institutions, cultural and creative organisations and government agencies.

Professionals with seven years’ experience in the creative, cultural and heritage fields are eligible to apply. The application period will open on 31 August 2020 with a closing date of 2 November 2020. Further information on eligibility criteria and proposal preparation can be found at www.fulbright.ie.

The Director of the Creative Ireland Programme, Ms Tania Banotti, said:

“These Awards give Irish based artists, creators and cultural professionals the opportunity to make connections in the USA. Such exchanges provide huge potential for professional and personal growth, serving to invigorate and build lasting transatlantic relationships.”

The Director of the Fulbright Commission in Ireland, Dr Dara Fitzgerald, said:

“Since 2018, the Fulbright Creative Ireland Museum Fellowships for Students have seen eight PhD candidates undertake valuable research at the Smithsonian, Harry Ransom Center and Exploratorium. Our programmes continue to focus on diversity, inclusion and equity, enriching Awardees’ careers and supporting them to make meaningful contributions in the U.S. and at home. This new offering of Fulbright-Creative Ireland Professional Awards provides an exceptional opportunity for experienced professionals in Ireland.”