Reel Art, an initiative by the Arts Council Ireland, aims to provide film artists with a platform to produce highly creative and experimental documentaries centered around artistic themes. The programme will support a minimum of two films in 2023, with a total fund of up to €135,000 allocated to each successful applicant. This funding includes a production budget of €120,000 and an additional €15,000 for exhibition support.

Only film projects that can be completed within the provided budget will be considered. It is a requirement that the films are fully completed and ready for premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival, the exhibition partner, in February 2025. Shortlisted applicants will be notified in July 2023 and invited to discuss their proposals with the selection panel, which is expected to convene in the same month.

The primary objective of Reel Art is to support film artists in creating documentary art films that may not receive funding through traditional channels. This award offers a unique opportunity to explore artistic film works on subjects related to the arts. Film artists applying for the funding should possess a genuine passion for their chosen subject matter and possess the ability to translate this passion onto the screen.

Projects should be designed for theatrical exhibition at film festivals and in arthouse or cultural cinema settings. Proposals that offer original, imaginative, and aesthetically driven treatments of arts subjects will be considered. Priority will be given to proposals that demonstrate visually engaging, creative, and experimental approaches to their chosen subject matter.

Successful projects will be required to produce at least one Digital Cinema Print (DCP) for preservation at the IFI Archive as part of the delivery requirements for Reel Art. Applicants should factor in the associated costs within their budget.

All Reel Art films must adhere to a maximum budget of €120,000 and must be completed on or before 1 December 2024.

See further details at the link below.