Apply Now: Creative Communities on a Shared Island Grant Program (Ireland)

The Creative Communities on a Shared Island programme seeks to harness the creativity of communities across Ireland and Britain to build lasting cultural partnerships. The initiative encourages proposals that use arts and culture to connect communities, strengthen collaboration, and foster civic understanding. Projects should either enhance existing relationships or establish new cross-border collaborations, enabling mobility and shared cultural experiences.

Programme Objectives

• Strengthen connections between communities across Ireland and Britain.

• Promote collaboration through culture and creative practices.

• Encourage civic understanding, mutual respect, and consensus-building.

• Ensure sustainable, long-term creative partnerships with lasting impact.

Funding Strands and Amounts

The programme provides three tiers of funding for local authorities from 2026 to 2028:

1. Large-Scale Projects

   • Grant: Up to €250,000

   • Number of awards: Up to three

   • At least one award dedicated to a border-region partnership (e.g., Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan, Louth)

2. Medium-Scale Projects

   • Grant: Up to €150,000

   • Number of awards: Up to four

3. Small-Scale Projects

   • Grant: Up to €50,000

   • Number of awards: Up to five

Local authorities can submit multiple applications or participate as partners in collaborations led by other organisations.

Who Is Eligible?

• Local authorities across Ireland.

• Partnerships involving multiple authorities or cross-border collaborations.

• Authorities able to demonstrate experience in cultural leadership and project management.

Project Requirements

• Projects must connect communities through cultural and creative activities.

• Must demonstrate North–South or East–West collaboration.

• Should involve co-design and collaborative planning with partner authorities and local communities.

• Include clear strategies for mobility and shared experiences between participating communities.

• Ensure sustainable outcomes that extend beyond the project’s duration.

Key Implementation Details

• Project Delivery: May 2026 – November 2028

• Application Evaluation: Competitive, with emphasis on creativity, collaboration, cross-border partnerships, and alignment with the Shared Island initiative.

• Sustainability: Projects must leave a long-term legacy, continuing to strengthen community connections beyond the grant period.

Why This Opportunity Matters

• Cultivates deeper civic understanding and mutual respect across diverse communities.

• Encourages creative collaboration as a tool for social cohesion and shared cultural identity.

• Supports local authorities in celebrating creativity while strengthening strategic North–South and East–West networks.

• Enhances cultural engagement, mobility, and inclusive participation for communities across the island.

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Develop a Proposal

   • Define clear objectives aligned with cross-border collaboration and creative engagement.

   • Identify partners and outline collaborative planning processes.

2. Determine Funding Tier

   • Select small, medium, or large-scale grant based on project scope and budget.

3. Prepare Submission

   • Include project description, budget, partnership details, expected outcomes, and sustainability plan.

4. Submit by Deadline

   • Ensure compliance with application guidelines; provide evidence of creative leadership and capacity for delivery.

5. Evaluation and Selection

   • Applications assessed on creativity, cross-border collaboration, community impact, and alignment with Shared Island objectives.

Tips for Applicants

• Focus on inclusive and participatory creative activities.

• Demonstrate credible partnerships and cross-border engagement.

• Highlight long-term impact and sustainable legacy plans.

• Align project outcomes with the strategic objectives of the Shared Island initiative.

FAQ

1. Who can apply?
Local authorities in Ireland, including collaborative partnerships across multiple jurisdictions.

2. Can an authority submit multiple applications?
Yes, local authorities may submit several applications or participate as partners in other projects.

3. What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to €250,000 for large-scale projects.

4. Are projects required to involve cross-border collaboration?
Yes, initiatives should include North–South or East–West connections.

5. What is the expected project duration?
Projects must be delivered between May 2026 and November 2028.

6. Are there requirements for project sustainability?
Yes, projects must demonstrate long-term impact and lasting creative partnerships.

7. How will applications be evaluated?
Evaluation focuses on creativity, cross-border collaboration, community engagement, and alignment with Shared Island objectives.

Conclusion

The Creative Communities on a Shared Island programme provides local authorities with a platform to foster cultural connections, strengthen civic understanding, and create sustainable creative partnerships across Ireland and Britain. By prioritizing collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, the initiative ensures that culture remains central to a shared, vibrant, and connected future.