FAQs

Last updated: September 2024. Please note, this FAQs list is subject to change. If you have a question that is not answered below, please email info@ardan.ie

1. What does Ardán do?

Ardán supports creatives within the audio-visual industry, in film, TV, games and animation, through funding, training, and events.

Find out more here https://ardan.ie/about/our-story/

2. Is Ardán a registered charity?

Yes, Ardán is a registered charity. Our charity number is CHY 10188.

Find out more here https://ardan.ie/governance/

3. Where is Ardán’s office based?

Ardán’s HQ is in the CREW Enterprise and Innovation Hub in Galway.

4. What does Ardán mean?

Translated, Ardán means platform or stage. Ardán is a platform for creative talent development, providing opportunities for makers of films, TV, games and animation.

5. Why did Ardán change its name from Galway Film Centre?

Ardán rebranded in 2022 to reflect the broader geographic and sectoral focus of the organisation to include the western region and sectors including games.

6. When did Galway Film Centre open?

Galway Film Centre initially opened as Galway Film Resource Centre back in 1989, at the same time as Galway Film Fleadh.

Read more about GFC and how Ardán continues the legacy of here: https://ardan.ie/news/ardan-continues-the-galway-film-centre-legacy-as-a-resource-for-screen-creatives/

7. Does Ardán rent AV equipment?

No, we don’t rent AV equipment. Galway Film Centre used to be a resource to rent cameras and filmmaking equipment, Ardán no longer rents equipment to the general public.

8. Does Ardán run courses or summer camps for children?

No, Galway Film Centre did, but Ardán only directly supports adults of 18+ years of age.

9. Can I call into Ardán’s offices to get advice?

A meeting should be arranged with the person you would like to see before calling into Ardán’s office, preferably by email. If you don’t know who you would like to meet, please email your query to info@ardan.ie

10. Which initiatives does Ardán manage?

Ardán manages Galway City of Film, WRAP, National Talent Academy Film & TV, and FÍS Summits. Within each of these initiatives there are various events, funding, and training schemes. See below for more information on each of these larger initiatives. The initiatives we manage are subject to annual or multi-annual funding, and thus may change year on year.

Ardán also directly manages funding and training opportunities throughout the year including the CÚRAM Science on Screen Documentary and Animation Commission, the RTÉ Short Film Commission, the Wild Galway Games Incubator, IndieDev, and more. The programmes we manage are subject to annual or multi-annual funding, and thus may change year on year.

11. What does Galway City of Film do?

Galway City of Film/Ceantar Scannán is a UNESCO designation held by Galway City and County Council since 2014 and managed on their behalf by Ardán. The initiative runs annual funding schemes such as the Short Doc Bursary, the Misleór Short Doc Grant, the 48 Hour Challenge and the Irish Language Film mentorship scheme. We also participate in local Galway festivals such as Culture Night, featuring films made in our bursaries.

12. What does WRAP do?

WRAP’s investment fund and commission supports the development of the screen sector in the Western Regions of Ireland through strategic investment and supports for regional producers, companies, and productions based in the regions of Clare, Donegal, Galway City, Galway County, Mayo, Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo. WRAP is an initiative of the WDC and Ardán in association with Údarás na Gaeltachta and the local authorities of Clare, Donegal, Galway City, Galway County, Leitrim, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo.

13. What does the National Talent Academy for Film & TV Drama do?

The National Talent Academies are an initiative of Screen Ireland. The National Talent Academy for Film & TV Drama supports aspiring screenwriters, directors, and producers with courses, programmes, shadowing placements, roadshows, and career opportunities.

14. What are the FÍS Summits?

The FÍS Summits are annual TV and Games events hosted by Ardán. The Summits bring these industries together to listen, learn, and connect. The goal is to help foster growth and success by providing creatives with talks from professionals in the industry on the craft and career paths and networking opportunities that will help them in their own careers.

Read more about FÍS TV Summit: https://ardan.ie/events/fis-tv-summit/

Read more about FÍS Games Summit: https://ardan.ie/events/fis-games-summit/

15. What does Entry, Emerging and Established talent mean?

This is a relatively flexible bar we set for applicants so applicants and assessors can judge levels of experience when applying for funding and training opportunities, etc.

ENTRY: Beginner, first-timer, basic knowledge, skill, and 0 years’ experience level.

EMERGING: Intermediate, some knowledge and skill e.g. 1-2 projects years’ experience.

ESTABLISHED: An advanced level of knowledge and skill, 3+ years’ experience.

16. What is the Western AV Forum?

The Western AV Forum is a collective of key stakeholders in the AV industry in the West of Ireland. Its focus is on improving the regional screen sector. Ardán chairs the Western AV Forum. Read the latest 2025 Budget Recommendations Submission: https://ardan.ie/news/budget-2025-submission-on-behalf-of-the-western-av-forum/

17. Are Ardán’s events and workshops free?

Ardán’s events and workshops are usually free of charge, though nominal fees may be charged for larger events to defray costs.

18. Can college students avail themselves of Ardán opportunities?

Ardán’s opportunities are usually focused on those outside of full-time education.

19. Why is so much information required on applications for funding opportunities?

Ardán, no more than any other non-profit organisation, is subject to governance to ensure accountability and transparency, and as such, there is specific information that is required for applying for our funding and training opportunities, and for attendees at our events.

20. Does Ardán have an EDI policy?

Yes, we do. See here: https://ardan.ie/equality-diversity-inclusion-policy/

21. Does Ardán have a privacy policy?

Yes, we do. See here: https://ardan.ie/privacy-policy/