CFAs: Cork County Council Arts Grant Scheme Irish Language Based Arts in Ireland

Deadline: 09-Jan-2026

Cork County Council offers grants to artists, arts organisations, festivals, and voluntary groups to create or promote Irish language-based arts projects. Funding supports new productions and events that place the Irish language at the center, enhancing cultural participation, audience development, and community engagement across the county.

Overview

Cork County Council’s Irish Language Arts Funding supports creative projects that celebrate and strengthen the use of the Irish language through the arts. The scheme encourages artists and organisations to develop innovative work across multiple disciplines, ensuring the Irish language remains a vibrant part of cultural life in the county.

Who Can Apply

• Individual artists

• Professional arts organisations

• Festivals

• Voluntary arts groups
  Applicants must be based in Cork County and demonstrate a clear commitment to creating or promoting Irish language-based arts activities.

Eligible Activities

The funding prioritises projects that place the Irish language at the center of creative expression, including:

• Theatre and drama

• Storytelling and puppetry

• Recitation, singing, and opera

• Animation and film

• Street arts and literature
  Projects not primarily focused on the Irish language will not be considered. Activities can be standalone events or part of ongoing artistic programmes.

Funding Details

• Existing productions: Up to 50% of total project costs, maximum award €1,000

• New productions: Up to 60% of total project costs, maximum award €1,500

• Supports both creation and promotion of Irish language arts events

• Encourages collaboration between artists, organisations, and communities

Purpose and Impact

• Promote the Irish language through creative arts activity

• Increase participation in the arts for both artists and wider audiences

• Develop new audiences and sustain existing ones for Irish language arts

• Support equitable cultural provision and inclusive engagement

• Encourage innovative approaches for online and in-person engagement

Application Requirements

• Demonstrate clear artistic and language-based intention

• Include a detailed project plan and budget

• Show community benefit and audience engagement strategies

• Evidence of collaboration with other artists, organisations, or communities where applicable

Why It Matters

• Enhances the visibility and use of the Irish language in cultural life

• Strengthens community connections through arts participation

• Encourages innovation and creativity in arts projects

• Supports sustainable engagement with Irish language arts for diverse audiences

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly highlight the Irish language as the central element of the project

• Show measurable benefits for participants and audiences

• Include evidence of collaboration or partnerships where possible

• Ensure budgets are realistic and align with maximum funding limits

• Emphasise outreach and audience development in your proposal

FAQ

1. Who is eligible to apply? – Individual artists, professional arts organisations, festivals, and voluntary arts groups based in Cork County.
2. What types of projects are supported? – New or existing Irish language-based arts activities across theatre, literature, music, film, and related disciplines.
3. What is the maximum funding available? – €1,500 for new productions, €1,000 for existing productions.
4. Can projects be partially funded? – Yes, funding covers a percentage of total project costs (50–60%) depending on project type.
5. Can funding support non-Irish language projects? – No, projects must have the Irish language as the central focus.
6. Are collaborations encouraged? – Yes, partnerships between artists, organisations, and communities are welcomed.
7. Can projects be delivered online? – Yes, the scheme supports both in-person and online activities to expand access and engagement.

Conclusion

Cork County Council’s Irish Language Arts Funding provides a strategic opportunity for artists and organisations to create, promote, and expand Irish language-based arts projects. By supporting innovative and collaborative work, the scheme strengthens cultural participation, develops audiences, and ensures the Irish language continues to thrive throughout Cork County.

For more information, visit Cork County Council.