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Apply now for Creative Climate Action Fund 2026-2029 (Ireland)

Deadline: 15-Apr-2026

The Creative Climate Action Fund 2026–2029 provides €6.5 million to support ambitious arts and creative projects that drive climate action, increase public engagement, and foster behavioural and cultural change. Individual projects can receive €400,000–€750,000 over three years, with a Shared Island strand supporting collaborative initiatives across Ireland, Northern Ireland, and, where relevant, the UK.

Program Overview

The Creative Climate Action Fund supports the use of arts and creativity to inspire climate action and foster meaningful public engagement. The program emphasizes:

  • Changing mindsets, behaviours, and cultural norms to address climate challenges.

  • Increasing public understanding of climate issues and participation in climate solutions.

  • Encouraging national and local engagement that informs climate policy and supports emissions reduction targets.

  • Supporting the Just Transition Commission’s work to engage communities in green transition initiatives.

The fund targets innovative projects of scale and ambition, with strong artistic, cultural, or creative approaches that translate understanding into tangible climate actions.

Focus Areas

Eligible projects should address one or more of the following:

  1. Behavioural and Cultural Change

    • Using creative practices to shift thinking and inspire sustainable actions.

    • Embedding climate literacy across communities and networks.

  2. Public Engagement and Inclusion

    • Empowering individuals at local and national levels.

    • Ensuring engagement is inclusive and reaches diverse audiences.

  3. Policy and Systems Influence

    • Informing climate policies and supporting measurable emissions reduction targets.

    • Promoting the Just Transition agenda to enable community participation in the green transition.

  4. Shared Island Initiative

    • Collaborative projects involving partners in Northern Ireland and, where relevant, England, Scotland, or Wales.

    • Allocation of €1 million for approximately two collaborative projects, with fair distribution of funding among partners.

Funding Details

  • Total Fund: €6.5 million (2026–2029)

  • Individual Project Funding: €400,000–€750,000 over three years

  • Shared Island Strand: €1 million allocated for cross-border collaborative projects

  • Project Duration: Three years

  • Eligible Costs: Projects should demonstrate clear plans for collaborative activity, outcomes, and long-term impact.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be based in or operate substantially within the Republic of Ireland. Collaboration with partners from Northern Ireland and the UK is encouraged, particularly for Shared Island projects.

Eligible entities include:

  • Arts and cultural organisations

  • Creative networks and collectives

  • Climate-focused organisations and NGOs

  • Universities and research bodies

  • Social enterprises and community groups

  • Local authorities and public bodies

  • Commercial companies and philanthropic organisations

Applicants may participate in multiple projects but can only lead one application.

Project Scope and Disciplines

The fund encourages projects that:

  • Place public engagement at the core, whether through communities of place, networks, or groups of shared interest.

  • Use creative responses across disciplines, including:

    • Visual and performing arts, theatre, film, music, literature

    • Architecture, design, animation, digital arts

    • Museums, libraries, festivals, and cultural institutions

  • Deliver measurable climate action outcomes and long-lasting impact.

  • Foster enduring connectivity among participants and networks beyond the life of the project.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

  • Ensure the lead organisation operates substantially within the Republic of Ireland.

  • Identify any collaborative partners, particularly for Shared Island projects.

Step 2: Define Project Goals

  • Outline the climate action challenge addressed.

  • Define behavioural, cultural, or organisational changes expected.

  • Highlight how public engagement will be central to the project.

Step 3: Develop Project Plan

  • Include clear objectives, timelines, activities, and deliverables.

  • Describe artistic or creative approaches and expected climate action outcomes.

  • Plan for monitoring, evaluation, and long-term sustainability.

Step 4: Prepare Budget and Funding Request

  • Specify the total funding required (€400,000–€750,000).

  • For collaborative projects, outline fair allocation among partners.

Step 5: Submit Application

  • Provide supporting documentation detailing project scope, partners, and expected impact.

Step 6: Implementation and Reporting

  • Deliver creative, inclusive, and impactful initiatives.

  • Monitor behavioural, cultural, or organisational shifts.

  • Report on measurable climate action outcomes and lessons learned.

Tips for Success

  • Emphasize scale, ambition, and creativity in project design.

  • Ensure public engagement is central and measurable.

  • Include innovative approaches that combine arts, culture, and climate action.

  • Highlight collaborative potential for Shared Island projects.

  • Plan for long-term impact and network sustainability beyond project completion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Who can apply for the fund?
    Organisations or artists based in or operating substantially in the Republic of Ireland. Collaboration with UK partners is encouraged for Shared Island projects.

  2. What is the funding range per project?
    Between €400,000 and €750,000 over a three-year period.

  3. What types of projects are eligible?
    Projects using creative and artistic approaches to foster climate action, behavioural or cultural change, and public engagement.

  4. What is the Shared Island initiative?
    Collaborative projects involving Northern Ireland and, where relevant, England, Scotland, or Wales, supported by €1 million of the total fund.

  5. Can an organisation participate in multiple projects?
    Yes, but each organisation can only lead one application.

  6. Which disciplines are eligible for creative approaches?
    Visual and performing arts, literature, music, theatre, film, architecture, design, animation, digital arts, museums, libraries, festivals, and other cultural platforms.

  7. What outcomes are expected?
    Measurable climate action, public engagement, behavioural or cultural shifts, organisational transformation, and sustainable networks or connectivity.

Conclusion

The Creative Climate Action Fund 2026–2029 offers a unique platform for arts and cultural organisations to drive meaningful climate action through creative expression. By combining ambition, public engagement, and innovative artistic approaches, projects supported by the fund aim to transform awareness into tangible climate solutions, empowering communities across Ireland and beyond.

For more information, visit Department of Culture, Communications, and Sport.