Small Grant Scheme for museum practitioners and researchers

Applications are being invited for the Research-Development Grant scheme, operated by the Irish Museums Trust (IMT) in partnership with the Irish Museums Association (IMA).

Offering grants up to a maximum of €1,000 each, awarded twice a year to a total of €5,000, this small grant scheme is aimed at supporting individuals working in the museum sector in Ireland and students at research masters or Doctoral level, involved in researching a subject relevant to the understanding, management or development of museums across the island.

Another objective of the scheme is to enhance networking and peer-to-peer exchanges of knowledge and mutual support, nationally or internationally, among those working in Irish museums.

What do you need to know before applying?

1. For the purpose of this scheme, the current ICOM museum definition applies.
2. These awards are intended to help individual researchers and museum staff to achieve personal development goals related either to current research projects or to developing the skills or experience conducive to enhanced curatorial or museum management practices. Awards will be paid directly to successful applicants.
3. As one of the main purposes of the awards is to support the continuous, life-long development of museum staff, there is no age limit.
4. Applications must indicate how the award will contribute to the applicant’s capacity to make an enhanced contribution to the Irish museum sector. In the case of academic applicants, they must demonstrate (a) the direct relevance of their work to Irish museums and (b) how the grant will practically assist with the research in hand.
5. IMA membership may constitute a preferential factor in adjudicating the applications.
6. Application forms must be endorsed by the director or CEO of a recognised museum. Academic applicants will need the endorsement of their designated academic supervisor.
7. Applications will be judged on the basis of the information contained in the application form, though we may contact applicants in relation to clarification of information provided.
8. The adjudicating committee will exercise its discretion in deciding whether the full amount of the award or a lesser amount is appropriate in each instance. To facilitate this evaluation, a full breakdown of costs should be provided.
9. Applicants are expected to make realistic and proportionate applications (for example, where €500 is sufficient to cover the costs of a proposed project, this should be clearly stated).
10. Applicants will be required to produce a short open access report and/or presentation of findings.

How can you apply?

The window for applications opens on Friday, 30 June 2023, and can be submitted in the following ways:

• Via the online form on this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r...

OR

• Download the word document version of the form and return to office@irishmuseums.org with subject line: IMT Research-Development Grant.

Hard copy submissions will not be accepted.

The deadline for receipt of applications is Friday 30 June 2023.

Announcement of the awards will be made on 12 August 2023, to coincide with National Heritage Week.