This first edition of NEMO has focused on mobility opportunities for emerging artists, recognising that this group is in particular need of financial support to further develop their artistic practices.
The NEMO funding programme strengthens the cultural ties between the Nordics and Ireland and the UK, promoting exchange activities and mutual collaboration between the two regions. The arts councils of Ireland, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales have jointly combined their funding to support this new opportunity for the regions alongside the Nordic Culture Fund.
Successful applicants have received funding for exchange projects allowing them to move across the Nordics on the one side and to Ireland or the UK on the other – or vice versa. The aim is to collaborate and meet with one or more partner artists or organisations, evolving skillsets, producing new work, developing collaborations, exchanging ideas, and expanding their field of work and reach.
The 30 NEMO projects will take place during 2026.
What’s on the horizon?
In the coming months, as the projects begin to materialise, the partners behind NEMO will meanwhile evaluate the pilot programme, with the expectation to continue the collaboration in 2026.
“The eight Nordic countries, Ireland and the UK share many cultural bonds and connections. Our joint funding programme, NEMO, seeks to develop cultural exchange in our region, and to expand the possibilities for artistic collaboration in and across our countries. Working closely together with our colleagues in the arts funding bodies in the UK and Ireland has proven to be equally rewarding and stimulating. Through connections across geographies and disciplines, we create spaces for shared learning and development.”
– Kristin Danielsen, CEO, Nordic Culture Fund
“We are delighted to be partnering with arts councils in the UK, Ireland and Nordic Culture Fund to give artists this opportunity to connect, collaborate and network with partners based in the Nordic countries. Our international programme and investments exist to support the development of creativity, skills and leadership by expanding horizons and potential and the Northern European Mobility Opportunity is one way we can deliver this support for artists. We look forward to seeing the progress of the successful applicants, and congratulations to them all.”
– Eluned Hâf, Head of Wales Arts International, the international arm of Arts Council of Wales
“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to have successfully co-delivered the inaugural Northern European Mobility Opportunity in an exciting new partnership with the Nordic Culture Fund and our colleagues across these islands. These awards will create new pathways for Nordic and international cultural collaboration and exchange and enhance Northern Ireland’s artistic development, reputation and standing. The Arts Council is committed to creating opportunities for artists and arts organisations from Northern Ireland to develop international connections and we are thrilled to support artists’ ambitions through NEMO, thanks to funding from The National Lottery.”
– Siobhán Molloy, Arts Development Officer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland
"We are thrilled to be part of this inspiring international opportunity connecting Ireland, the UK, and the Nordic countries. NEMO opens new doors for the artists to engage in meaningful exchange, share diverse perspectives, and grow creatively through cross-border collaboration. We extend our congratulations to all upcoming initiatives. These partnerships will help to build a more connected and vibrant international arts community.”
– Davide Terlingo, Head of International Arts, Arts Council of Ireland
“We are delighted to announce the first grants offered under the NEMO fund, giving artists the chance to make new connections and collaborations across the Nordics, UK and Ireland. We hope these 30 partnerships will form the beginnings of a new creative network across Northern Europe – a lasting legacy of our joint ambition to improve cultural cooperation across borders.”
– Simon Mellor, Deputy CEO, Arts Council England
“This inaugural Northern European Mobility Opportunity builds on our long history of collaborating with our Nordic neighbours and offers a new generation of artists the opportunity to forge important international cultural partnerships at a pivotal time in their career. Supported by The National Lottery, the selected creative projects celebrate our diverse cultural heritages, re-shaping and re-imaging these to create new and innovative work for our times. We are excited to see the positive impact these new connections will have on the future development of work for audiences in Scotland and the ripple effects for Scotland’s art sector.”
– Laura Mackenzie-Stuart, Head of International, Creative Scotland
Project Examples
“Talkoot Choral Cycle” is a collaboration between Irish/Welsh Belfast-based artist Anselm McDonnell with the Helsinki Chamber Choir to create a 30-minute choral cycle in Finnish, English, and Ulster-Scots, a cultural exchange between Northern Ireland and Finland. It explores the emotional landscape of loneliness and connection in modern life. It is Anselm McDonnell’s first European commission.
“Two shores: an artist exchange between Dingle and Reykjavík” aims to build a bridge and create dialogue between the grassroots artist community in Dingle (IE) and the greater county Kerry area with grassroots artist initiatives in Reykjavík (IS). Icelandic artist Tara Ingvarsdóttir is collaborating with Sarah Partington, the initiator of An Stiúideo / Tigh Nic Aodhagáin in Dingle. They both work with artist-run initiatives and commonly focus on community building and collaboration.