Pavilion Patron Donation Award 2025
Funding Available Per Award: Up to a Maximum of €30,000
Deadline: Friday 8 August 2025, 5pm
About Pavilion Patron Donation Award
Pavilion Patron Donation Award is a performance-based award to co-commission and co-produce ambitious main stage works, with the intention that these will be fully presented by the end of the award period (September 2027). Awards of up to a maximum of €30,000 are available for work by established companies, collectives, producers, curators, programmers, venues and festivals. Proposals are invited from those seeking to develop or produce either new work or revivals of existing work/productions. We welcome unique offerings, new collaborations and, ultimately, great art to engage with a wide audience. This could also include festival proposals, artists moving into different artforms or interdisciplinary projects.
We’re seeking work that is:
- Aligned with our mission to present main stage work of the highest artistic merit (Pavilion Theatre Strategy 2025-2028)
- Presented by those with a proven track record
- Compelling to Pavilion Theatre’s audience and scale (a 324-seat venue)
- Committed to presenting at Pavilion Theatre, with strong touring potential
Recipients of previous Pavilion Patron Donation Awards include: Ali Hardiman, Bombinate Theatre, Branar Theatre Company, CoisCéim, Danielle Galligan and Gavin Kostick, Dead Centre, Janet Moran, Landmark Productions, Lords of Strut, Luke Murphy, Replay Theatre Company and Sonya Kelly, to name a few.
Who Can Apply
Applicants should be:
- Established companies, collectives, producers, venues and festivals working in theatre, dance, music, opera, literature and podcasting with a track record of excellence
- Developing major projects for stage-based performance, live events or festival proposals
- Based in Ireland
Previous successful applicants are eligible.
Key Dates
• Application Deadline: Friday 8 August 2025, 5pm
• Outcome: Applicants will be informed of the outcome by Wednesday 27 August 2025
• Award Work Dates: September 2025 – September 2027
How To Apply
To apply, please fill in the application form linked here. Send your complete form with supporting documents by email to the Executive Director hugh@paviliontheatre.ie with the subject “Pavilion Patron Donation Award 2025”
Funding Conditions
Funding is subject to:
- A contractual engagement and funding agreement with Pavilion Theatre
- A mutually agreed credit and acknowledgment of Pavilion Theatre’s support in all relevant materials
- A progress report of the work supported
- Submission of a testimonial
Please note that the award cannot be used to purchase or rent equipment.
Assessment Criteria
Proposals will be assessed based on the criteria below.
1. Eligibility
- The application is complete and submitted on time
- A maximum of two applications can be made per lead applicant
2. Quality & Nature of Proposal
- The project aligns with the aims of the Patron Donation Award: ambitious, original, audience-focused work that will be fully presented by the end of the award period (September 2027)
- A named producer is required, either working independently or in collaboration with other artists, programmers, curators, venues, festivals or funders. Co-funding is welcome
- Alignment with Pavilion Theatre’s Strategy (Pavilion Theatre Strategy 2025-2028)
3. Public Engagement
- Strong potential to connect with Pavilion Theatre’s audience
- Strong touring potential
4. Track Record
- Proven achievements of the applicant(s) involved
5. Feasibility
- Evidence that the award will significantly support the project’s development and future production
- Realistic timeframe and budget
- Clear capacity to deliver and communicate with Pavilion Theatre
Further Details
No correspondence can be entered into during the process of application or selection. No late applications will be accepted. Decisions are final and made in a competitive context. This will be our only Pavilion Patron Donation Award callout for 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with a project that has other funding or partners?
Yes, co-funding or partnerships are welcome and can strengthen your application.
Can my project include collaborators based outside of Ireland?
Only artists based in Ireland are eligible for Pavilion Patron Donation Award funding. If a project involves collaborators based outside of Ireland, these individuals’ contributions may not be accounted for in the application budget.
Will Pavilion Theatre provide any in-kind support (e.g. rehearsal space, marketing, tech support)?
No.
Does work involving children require a child protection policy?
Yes, work with children will require a child protection policy.
How much funding in total is available for Pavilion Patron Donation Award?
The total funding available for the Pavilion Patron Donation Award is €140,000. Each award can receive up to €30,000.
Pavilion Patron Donation Award is made possible by the generous donations of Pavilion Theatre’s loyal patrons.
