Since 2014, over 150 creators have received grants to bring their boldest ideas to life and join one of the country’s most unique design communities. The search for 2025 is now open, and this could be the creative circus you’ve always wanted to run away with! But don’t wait—applications close soon!
Electric Picnic is expanding the callout, inspired by the invigorating response in recent years from Ireland’s kitchen-table dreamers and makers. We’re harnessing that creativity to nurture the next generation of festival designers and event managers, shaping the future of the industry.
A note from the Festival Director Director, Melvin Benn:
“Trailer park has proved over the years to be a fruitful place for Ireland’s kitchen-table creators to come to the fore… several of the early Trailer Park Art Caravan makers have graduated to running their own areas and stages at Electric Picnic , and I am committed to nurturing that sort of talent, from the very start. And that’s why we want to expand the area, because our future-thinkers, creators and theatre-makers will come from it”
We’re looking for jaw-dropping, mind-bending caravan ideas for Trailer Park. We want designers, artists, engineers, technicians, builders, architects, and dreamers to step out of their creative labs with wild inventions full of humour and artistic flair.
We have seen caravans transformed into a church, a police van, a seaweed bath, a karaoke room, a mini golf course, a nun’s convent and a cabaret hall – so anything is possible…..
We’ll offer up to thirty cash grants to help bring your caravan project to life at Electric Picnic, ranging from €500 to €4000, based on the idea. These grants are for materials or expertise you might need—not for labor. We’re seeking projects that stand alone as installations, though performances or activities could complement them. Roadworthiness isn’t required but would help. Safety, however, is a must.
The key here is INTERACTIVITY.
Think about the design of both the exterior and interior, especially lighting, as Electric Picnic runs day and night.
Be realistic: this project will need a significant time investment, meeting strict deadlines, and a mix of artistic passion and practical skills.
The number of crew passes for your installation will be assessed individually, with a maximum of 9 passes per project.
Don’t miss out—apply today!
Likely questions:
How many grants are awarded?
Up to 30, including some proposals which may be selected but not funded if deemed deliverable without our help.
When may I apply for a grant?
The deadline for emailed grant proposals is Monday 17th March at 11.59pm.
When will I know if I’ve been awarded a grant?
Most final decisions will be made by 2nd May, and you will be notified on or before 16th May if you are or are not successful.
What if I have an idea, but not a caravan?
We have access to a very limited number of caravans, livestock boxes and other vehicles that can be made available, but these will remain the property of Trailer Park after the festival. We thoroughly advise that you go in search of your own caravan or horsebox or trailer – the country is full of them, often people will be delighted for you to take them away, and we prefer to see older caravans being remodelled, rather than modern ones. Those who provide their own caravan/vehicle will retain ownership of their caravan project at the conclusion of the event. If storage after the festival is going to be an issue, do please talk to us.
Should I be awarded a grant, how much will I receive?
This varies from project to project, but grants normally pay for only a portion of production costs – predominantly to cover material costs, but not for your own labour or time. Designers should be ready to provide other methods and sources of funding if they are going to be needed, and illustrate an effort to encourage collaboration and co-operation with other practitioners in Ireland. You are more likely to be awarded a grant if you are asking for an amount that is on the lower end of the range—but equally do not shy from thinking on a big scale.
When and how will I receive money?
A schedule of payment is developed for each project, agreeable to you, to ensure delivery of the final work. Usually 50% right away and the rest on completion, but we can do whatever is needed to facilitate you.
When does the complete piece need to be delivered or collected?
Your caravan must be in position by the 24th August at Stradbally Hall. Further work on the caravan can be completed onsite, but the caravan itself MUST be available for positioning onsite on that date.
Who is responsible for keeping my installation safe?
Festival Security will be responsible for anti-vandalism measures in the weeks running up to the event, but you should make sure your caravan is lockable and safe. During the Festival, you are wholly responsible. Trailer Park will provide infrastructure to stop festival-goers from going where they shouldn’t.
Ensuring your creation does not physically harm anyone is a key responsibility of the designer.
Are residential caravans (creations which provide bedding) eligible?
No. This competition promotes interactivity and artwork, although caravans can have the functional aspects of sleeping areas included etc.
What are your criteria for awarding grant?
– Whether we like it.
– Interactivity with festival-goers. Interactive design brings people together around it, provoking reactions and creating roles and transforming voyeurs into active contributors. (Sometimes, the mere act of encounter (such as a mobile sculpture) is sufficient, but most of the time more is needed).
– The thoroughness of your proposal, including a detailed budget, a construction schedule, and at least one drawing. Make it easy for us to choose you.
– Response to the theme of ‘Trailer Park’.
Does ownership of the caravan/vehicle remain with the designer/maker?
If the designer/maker owns the caravan or vehicle, yes. It should be noted that photographs and video of the caravan will be taken and used to promote the area by the organisers.
What happens to these installations after the Festival?
The creators must leave the site ‘greenfield’. ALL building materials and rubbish must be removed prior to the festival, and the site must be left without trace after the structure is removed.
Past submissions have included:
1. To Let – A team of real estate agents try to sell a decrepid caravan to passers-by
2. Caravan Club Extravanaganza – the front side folds down to become a stage for bands
3. Garda check-point – a police van checking passers-by for inebriation
4. Crappervan – yes one of them
5. Narnia – into a caravan and out the back is a snowy kingdom
6. Tow Ho Ho – a caravan full of Christmas cheer, carols, drunk Santa.
7. Trailer Tower – a viewing platform in a caravan that is craned into the sky
We have had Undertakers, Sound Studios, Redneck Theatres, Karaoke, Crazy Golf, Hot tubs, Seaweed baths, Pantomimes, Graffiti shops, Ceile sessions, Alpine snow scenes…..
