Westmeath NTAA Animation Award 2026

Westmeath County Council Arts Office in partnership with the National Talent Academies for Animation

Who Can Apply

Application and Selection Process

About the Award

Westmeath County Council Arts Office and the National Talent Academy for Animation are partnering to offer an Award of €8,000 to emerging animation artists.

Applicants are invited to submit applications for a 3-5 minute short animated film.

This award is open to emerging animators, with one member of the core team from or living in County Westmeath.

Applicants must: 

  • Be 18 years of age or over.

  • Be willing and able to participate fully in the scheme and engage in all training opportunities provided. Scheduling of training will be flexible where possible.

  • One member of the core team (Writer, Director, Producer) must be from or currently living in Westmeath, or within a reasonable distance of the county.

Applicants must not:

  • Be in full-time education. 

    We encourage applications from diverse teams. The NTA are committed to breaking down barriers and providing a platform for voices from regional talent and communities that are currently under-represented within the screen sector.  

  • Applicants must apply as a team made up of two or more members, which must contain a Writer with a Director and/or Producer, i.e -

    • A Writer may apply with a Director.

    • A Writer may apply with a Producer.

    • A Writer may apply with a Producer and a Director.

  • One individual can be part of two teams, making two separate applications.

  • One member of the core team (Writer, Director, Producer) must be from or currently living in Westmeath, or within a reasonable distance of the county. You may also apply if your artistic practice is primarily based in the county.

  • Deadline for applications is Monday 1st June 2026

Application and Selection Process

The filmmaking team can only submit one project for consideration.

  • One member of the team must be designated as the Lead Applicant and the NTA Animation will contract directly with them (see further details above “What is Included in the Scheme”).

  • The Lead Applicant should complete the Application Form.

  • Submissions must include a logline for the film (maximum 25 words) and a synopsis of the film (maximum 300 words) to be submitted as one document.

  • Submissions must include a budget (€8,000) for a 3-5 minute short film, a template for which will be provided in the Application Resource Pack.  

  • Scripts: 

    • Must be submitted in an industry-standard format, templates of which are provided in the Application Resource Pack.

    • Can be in the English or Irish language.  If the film is in Irish, an English translation of the script must be provided.

  • Writers must submit a signed declaration of ownership of all materials stating that the screenplay is their original work, a template for which is provided in the Application Resource Pack.

  • Animation Bible - examples can be found within the resource pack.

  • Submissions must include Personal Statements from each team member, which can be written or filmed. They must be no more than two pages in written format or no more than three minutes in film format. This statement should outline: 

    • Your reason for applying;

    • Any experience you may have in the animation industry to date;

    • Your vision for the project;

    • How do you hope this initiative will progress your career?

  • Submissions must include a one-page CV for each team member outlining their relevant experience.

  • Documentation must be provided in PDF format

Application Checklist

APPLY HERE
APPLY HERE

What’s Included in the Scheme?

  • Production insurance will be covered by The National Talent Academy for Animation / Animation Ireland (within reason). TBC

  • Mentoring for the Writer/Director/Producer

    Things to consider when making your submission…

    • Short films that are relevant to the landscape and culture of Westmeath are encouraged.

    • The animatic for the short film must be delivered by late November 2026. 

    • The NTA Animation and Westmeath Arts Office are keen to hear from new and diverse voices and teams.

Each application must include: -

  • Animation Bible;

  • Logline and synopsis (as one PDF document);

  • Script;

  • Signed Declaration of the Writer;

  • CV for each team member (one page);

  • Personal Statement for each team member;

  • Budget (€8,000)

  • Declaration relating to AI usage, as per NTAA AI Policy.

The following additional items are optional: -

  • Online link to showreel and/or portfolio;

  • Producer’s notes  (outlining the vision for and planned execution of the script)

  • Director’s notes (outlining the vision for and planned execution of the script)

Deadline & Application Form

Applications close 1st June 2026

‍Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

‍Please address any general queries to arts@westmeathcoco

NTAA APPLICATION RESOURCE PACK

We are happy to provide additional support and adjust guidelines if necessary to meet any accessibility requirements you may have.  To discuss this, please contact Laura McCormack at arts@westmeathcoco.ie with the subject ‘application supports’ at least fourteen days before the application deadline.