Deadline: 24-Apr-2026
The Festivals Scheme 2026 is a funding program that supports local arts festivals focused on promoting the Irish language and language-based creative expression. It is aimed at community organisations developing bilingual or Irish-language-centred festivals that strengthen cultural engagement, artistic participation, and language visibility. The scheme prioritises collaboration, accountability, and value-for-money in publicly funded cultural projects.
This scheme is administered through public funding and is designed to expand the reach of Irish language arts festivals across communities.
Overview
The Festivals Scheme 2026 (Call 2) is a public funding initiative supporting local organisations that develop and deliver arts festivals centered on the Irish language.
The scheme is designed to integrate Irish language promotion into cultural and artistic festival experiences, either fully through Irish or in bilingual formats.
Core Purpose of the Scheme
The main objectives of the Festivals Scheme 2026 include:
- Promoting the Irish language through arts and cultural programming
- Supporting language-based creative expression
- Celebrating Irish language heritage and identity
- Providing platforms for Irish language communities
- Increasing public engagement with Irish language arts
- Strengthening networking opportunities through festivals
- Expanding bilingual and Irish-medium cultural experiences
How the Festivals Scheme Works
The scheme funds local festival initiatives where the Irish language is a central artistic and cultural component.
Key operational principles include:
- Festivals must actively integrate Irish language content into programming
- Projects must take place within the specified funding timeframe
- Funding is provided from public money and must demonstrate accountability
- Applicants are expected to show strong value for money
- Co-funding and additional financial support are strongly encouraged
- Collaboration between organisations is highly recommended to improve reach and efficiency
Funding Principles
The funding approach prioritises:
- Transparency in use of public funds
- Measurable cultural and community impact
- Sustainable and efficient use of resources
- Expansion of Irish language engagement through the arts
- Strong organisational partnerships and networks
Who is Eligible?
To apply for the Festivals Scheme 2026, organisations must meet all eligibility requirements below:
Organisational requirements:
- Have a formal constitution
- Maintain a dedicated bank account in the organisation’s name
- Hold public liability insurance
Compliance requirements (where applicable):
- Valid Revenue Online Service (ROS) number
- Tax clearance certificate
Language requirement:
- Demonstrated commitment to the Irish language in programming or organisational mission
Who is NOT Eligible?
Applications will not be accepted from:
- Statutory bodies such as county councils and state agencies
- Leading organisations (as defined under scheme rules)
- Music festivals
- Organisations already funded under the 2026 scheme
- Applicants flagged due to internal objections from Foras na Gaeilge board members or staff
Why the Festivals Scheme 2026 Matters
This funding scheme plays a key role in strengthening Irish language arts ecosystems by:
- Increasing visibility of the Irish language in public cultural spaces
- Supporting grassroots festival development
- Encouraging bilingual and Irish-medium creative production
- Expanding community access to language-based arts experiences
- Building long-term cultural and organisational networks
- Supporting regional cultural diversity through arts funding
How to Apply (Process Overview)
While specific application steps may vary depending on official guidelines, the general process typically includes:
- Reviewing eligibility criteria and funding guidelines
- Preparing a festival proposal with Irish language integration
- Demonstrating organisational capacity and compliance documents
- Outlining festival programming, community engagement, and budget plan
- Submitting the application within the official funding window
- Awaiting assessment based on cultural impact, feasibility, and value for money
Applicants are encouraged to:
- Clearly demonstrate how the Irish language is central to the festival
- Include collaboration with partner organisations where possible
- Provide realistic and transparent budgeting
- Highlight community engagement outcomes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting applications without a clear Irish language focus
- Failing to meet compliance requirements (insurance, tax clearance, bank account)
- Weak or incomplete budgeting plans
- Lack of collaboration or community engagement strategy
- Applying despite being in an ineligible category
- Not demonstrating value for public funding
Tips for a Strong Application
- Make the Irish language a core structural element, not an add-on
- Build partnerships with cultural or language organisations
- Emphasize bilingual accessibility for wider audiences
- Clearly define festival outcomes and cultural impact
- Ensure financial clarity and realistic cost planning
- Show how the festival contributes to long-term language promotion
FAQs: Festivals Scheme 2026
What is the Festivals Scheme 2026?
It is a public funding program that supports arts festivals promoting the Irish language and bilingual cultural expression.
Who manages the scheme?
It is administered by Foras na Gaeilge as part of its Irish language promotion initiatives.
What kind of festivals are funded?
Festivals that integrate Irish language arts, culture, and community engagement either fully in Irish or bilingually.
Can music festivals apply?
No, music festivals are explicitly ineligible under this scheme.
Is collaboration required?
Collaboration is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged to improve project quality and reach.
What is the main funding expectation?
Applicants must demonstrate value for money, accountability, and effective use of public funds.
Can organisations apply if they already received funding?
No, organisations already funded under the 2026 scheme are not eligible to apply again.
Conclusion
The Festivals Scheme 2026 is a targeted funding opportunity supporting Irish language arts festivals that strengthen cultural identity, community engagement, and bilingual creative expression. It prioritises accountable use of public funds while encouraging collaboration and innovation in festival development.
For more information, visit The Irish Language Institute.
