Arts and Tourism Minister Catherine Martin has announced a funding allocation of €69,945 for 16 events to support Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools taking place around Ireland in 2024.
The scheme is designed to assist local cultural events which may not be eligible under funding criteria for larger scale events such as those supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and similar bodies.
The closing date for applications was 1pm on the 26th April 2024. Funding was allocated following a competitive applications process, with a maximum grant of €5,000 available.
Speaking today Minister Martin said: “Culture and arts add hugely to our lives and to our community and reminds us of our shared values, traditions, and the importance of coming together as a collective whole.
“The crucial work of my Department in supporting local festivals and summer schools around Ireland provides opportunities for people from diverse cultures and backgrounds to meet, socialise and build relationships based on the experiences that they share.
“Cultural festivals create opportunities for people to learn about and appreciate the diversity around them, learning new and old traditions, customs and cultural practises of different communities, ethnic groups and also different eras.
“These wonderful projects make a very significant contribution to the development and promotion of Ireland’s cultural tourism offering, giving a flavour of our customs, myths, costumes & music. The myriad of performances enveloped in an imaginative package to suit all cultural tastes and flavours. To all those who work tirelessly behind the scenes of these events, I wish you every success; and I hope that the public will enjoy the bountiful array of programmes and events around the country over the coming months.”
