Clear Finances for Successful Grant Applications with Jackie Ryan (18 Nov)

Your Practice, Your Numbers

Struggling to get your head around the financial side of your practice? You’re not alone. This practical webinar with Art Historian and Production Accountant Jackie Ryan is designed specifically for visual artists who want to feel more confident when working with budgets, grant applications, and financial planning.

Jackie brings nearly 30 years of experience in the cultural sector to this session, combining deep knowledge of arts management with real-world financial expertise. She understands that artists’ practices are unique—and that traditional finance advice often misses the mark.

In this webinar, Jackie will demystify key financial concepts, guide you through the numbers that matter for grant applications, and share practical templates and tools you can adapt to your own practice. Whether you’re applying for a Project Award, Residency, or other funding opportunities, you’ll gain the confidence to present clear, compelling budgets and financial information that strengthen your application.

Topics will include:

• Understanding how your artistic process translates into budget lines
• Building realistic, funder-friendly budgets
• Managing income and expenses
• Simple systems to track your finances
• Common mistakes and how to avoid them

There will also be time for questions, so you can bring your real-world concerns into the room. This session is ideal for artists at all career stages who want to get to grips with the financial side of their work without the jargon, fear, or confusion.

About Jackie Ryan

Jackie Ryan is an Art Historian and Production Accountant with nearly 30 years of experience in the cultural sector. She began her career with a postgraduate Higher Diploma in Arts Administration from University College Dublin, following an undergraduate degree in Art History. Between 2012 and 2020, she earned a Diploma in Accounting and Finance from the ACCA and later completed a BSc (Hons) from Oxford Brookes University.

Her professional journey spans roles including Education Officer at the National Gallery of Ireland, General Manager of TEAM Educational Theatre Limited and Draíocht Arts Centre, CEO of Graphic Studio Dublin, and Accounts Director at OBFA Architects. She also managed the Dublin International Film Festival (2013–2015) and lectures on Finance modules at University College Dublin, Burgundy School of Business (France), and the European College of Business Management (UK).

Webinars and Online Events: We use Zoom to host our online events. You will be emailed a link to the event after registration. Zoom has a Help Desk service if you experience any problems.

VAI Disclaimer: The information provided in this webinar/clinic/helpdesk is general information only and does not constitute legal or commercial advice. Legal advice should always be sought from professionals for your personal situation.

Connectivity: If you experience connectivity issues when engaging with online VAI events, you can search for the nearest BCP (Broadband Connection Point) in your area: https://nbi.ie/bcp-map/

Event Details

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VAI works in partnership with Local Authorities, visual arts venues, and others to support the professional development of visual artists at a regional level. For specific training requirements, contact info@visualartists.ie or +353 (0)1 6729488.