Deadline: 20-Apr-2026
The Creative Clusters Programme invites primary, post-primary, special schools, and YouthReach centres in Ireland to collaborate on innovative creative learning projects from 2026 to 2028. Clusters of three to five schools work together on shared themes, supported by facilitators, coordinators, and funding to enhance creativity, collaboration, and learner engagement in arts and cultural education.
Programme Overview
The Creative Clusters Programme is designed to:
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Promote collaboration between schools and the arts and cultural sector
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Improve teaching and learning through creativity
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Develop learners’ and teachers’ creative capacities
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Encourage young people’s agency and voice in decision-making
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Support experimentation and innovation through bespoke creative projects
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Strengthen partnerships to embed creativity as standard practice
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Use the clustering model as a sustainable approach to creative education
Each cluster works collaboratively over two years on a shared creative theme or learning challenge identified collectively by participating schools and young people.
Structure and Support
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Cluster Composition: 3–5 schools or YouthReach centres
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Key Roles:
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Creative Cluster Facilitator: Appointed through the local Education Support Centre
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Lead School Coordinator: Oversees cluster coordination
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School Representatives: Each participating school designates representatives
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Support Provided:
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Mandatory workshops for professional development
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Scheduled cluster meetings across the two years
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Substitution cover for participating staff
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Guidance on project development, administration, and evaluation
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Funding
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Per-School Funding: €3,000 over two years
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Total Cluster Funding: €9,000–€15,000, depending on the number of participating schools
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Funding Release: In two phases across the programme duration
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Resource Allocation: Schools collectively decide how to distribute funds to meet shared and individual needs
Eligibility
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Primary, post-primary, and special schools, and YouthReach centres
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One school applies on behalf of the cluster via the online application process
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All participating schools and young people contribute to the proposal
Timeline
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Programme Duration: September 2026 – June 2028
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Number of Clusters: 42
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Application Deadline: Monday, 20 April 2026
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Application Submission: Online through the designated portal
Programme Outcomes
The Creative Clusters Programme aims to:
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Build skills in collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation
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Strengthen connections between schools, creative practitioners, and local communities
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Enable students and teachers to participate in creative decision-making
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Encourage sustainable creative teaching practices across clusters
FAQs
Q1: How many schools can be in a cluster?
A1: Each cluster includes 3 to 5 schools or YouthReach centres.
Q2: What funding is available?
A2: €3,000 per school over two years, totaling €9,000–€15,000 per cluster.
Q3: Who applies for the cluster?
A3: One school applies on behalf of all cluster members.
Q4: What support is provided to clusters?
A4: Workshops, scheduled meetings, substitution cover, and guidance from facilitators and coordinators.
Q5: When does the programme run?
A5: From September 2026 to June 2028.
Conclusion
The Creative Clusters Programme 2026–2028 offers Irish schools and YouthReach centres a structured, collaborative platform to embed creativity in education while fostering innovation, agency, and community engagement. Through cluster-based projects, participating schools can enhance learning outcomes, develop creative capacities, and establish long-term partnerships with cultural practitioners, ensuring sustainable impact in the education and arts sector.
For more information, visit Gov.ie.