About the Strollers Network

The Strollers Network is Ireland’s largest consortium of Art Centres. It is a partnership made up of ten venues from across four regions of the country including; Belltable (Limerick), Draíocht (Dublin), Watergate (Kilkenny), Solstice (Navan), Visual (Carlow), Linenhall (Mayo), Hawkswell Theatre (Sligo), Riverbank (Kildare), Source (Tipperary) and Siamsa Tire (Kerry). Collectively the network represents one fifth of all publicly funded Arts Centres nationally.

Since its establishment in 2010 the network has invested over €190,000 into the production and dissemination of new stage works by some of Ireland’s leading theatre artists, companies and musicians including; Julie Feeney (2011), Fishamble: The New Play Company (2013 & 2018), Theatre Lovett (2012), Moonfish Theatre Company (2014/15), Monkeyshine Theatre Company (2016), Duke Special (2017) and most recently Joanne Ryan’s national tour of ‘Eggsistentialism’ (2019).

Since 2020 the network has embarked on the development and delivery of a new strategic plan which aims to strengthen the ecology of the Irish arts sector by utilising the network’s existing infrastructures, resources, and wider network partnerships to support the sustainable development of independent artists working within the Irish theatre sector. 2021 saw the launch of PROPEL, an artist development and mentorship programme supporting the development of artists and new work by independent theatre artists living and working in Ireland.

2026 will see the delivery of cycle 6 of the PROPEL Artist Development Programme. PROPEL is an established artist support initiative that utilizes the network's existing infrastructure, resources, and wider network partnerships to support the sustainable development of independent artists working within the Irish theatre sector. Programme callouts are run annually, with the award delivered over three years. The aim of this programme is to strengthen the ecology of the Irish theatre sector by firstly supporting the development of new work by independent artists, and secondly by supporting the long-term sustainable development of artists through capacity building and strategic professional development.

New for 2026

From this year, the annual PROPEL callout will be targeted towards artists at different career stages in alternate years; year A will target mid-career and established artists, while year B targets early career and emerging artists. The application leaves room for artists to self-define their career stage; but the below is a guideline:

Emerging artists are considered to be those, of any age, who are in the early years of establishing a professional career as an artist in the theatre sector. Emerging artists have some experience but have not yet established a solid reputation as artists; but identify, and are recognised by their peers, as professional practising artists.

Mid-career and established artists are considered to be those, of any age, who can demonstrate a body of professional work as an artist in the theatre sector. Mid-career and established artists have built a reputation as artists, and continue to make work professionally.

The 2026 callout is targeted towards mid-career and established artists. Next year’s callout will target emerging & early career artists.

What the Programme Offers

PROPEL offers the following supports over 3 years:

• A bursary of €35,000 to support development of artistic practice, professional strategic development, and project development. The bursary is divided up over 3 years as follows:
  • Year 1 - €20,000
  • Year 2 - €10,000
  • Year 3 - €5,000
• Access to development and rehearsal space in one of the ten Strollers Arts Centres across the country, as well as the possibility of a work-in-progress performance or showing.
• Support and mentorship from a range of experts in producing, fundraising, technical production, marketing, finance, cultural entrepreneurship, audience development and engagement, and strategic business development and management, as required.

How to Apply

The application process for the programme is divided into two stages:

Stage 1 (28 April - 20 May): A short form application process.

Stage 2 (28 May - 10 June): Long form application process for artists that have been shortlisted during stage 1 and have been requested by the selection panel to submit a more detailed proposal.

Stage 1 applications are now open, and can be completed at this link:

PROPEL Application Form 2026 (Stage 1)

The closing date for the receipt of Stage 1 applications is Wednesday 20th May 2026, 12pm.

If you have any queries relating to the application process, please contact strollersnetwork@gmail.com.