The open call has been issued to artists and arts organisations across Ireland. The Council says it will back ambitious projects up to €500,000, in one or a combination of art forms. The work will be presented to the public in 2016 and represent a key response by our contemporary artists to the centenary of the Easter Rising.

Speaking on Friday, 6 March, Minister Humphreys said: “I want the arts to be at the centre of Ireland 2016. Artists played such an important role in the lead up to 1916. It is fitting, therefore, that artists will play a central role in the commemoration of the Rising. I warmly welcome the Arts Council's open call to artists, which will enable artists to mark the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising in a creative, innovative and inspiring way.

“I was delighted to be in a position to provide the Arts Council with an additional €2 million for its commemorations programme. I am pleased to see a portion of this money being used to fund ambitious arts projects which will capture the public imagination and leave us all with a lasting impression from the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising.”