The second Arts Council/OPW architecture award - the Kevin Kieran Award will be given in 2004. The successful applicant will receive a bursary of €50,000 and a building contract by the OPW.

Named after the late Kevin Kieran, architect, tutor and former consultant to the Arts Council, this award aims to support the artistic formation and career development of the architect and to direct funding towards architectural excellence and innovation. The award offers an emerging and gifted architect an opportunity to develop and deliver a research project in the first instance. Subsequently the architect will be contracted to design and run a building for the Office of Public Works (OPW).

Applications are open to architects who have a qualification in architecture listed in EU Council directive 85/384/EEC or outside Europe a qualification recognised by the relevant member section of the Union Internationale d'Architecture (UIA) and who are of Irish birth or resident in Ireland (residency is based upon the definition used by the Revenue Commissioners). A proven ability in the professional practice of architecture is also required. Attainment of professional practice examination or documented proof of appropriate experience will satisfy this requirement.

Applicants are advised that the closing date for applications is Friday 16th of April at 5.30pm