Call for Artists and Youth Organisations to Deliver Creative Experiences in Ireland

Roscommon County Council, in partnership with Creative Ireland, invites artists, creatives, and youth organizations to deliver free, inclusive creative experiences for young people aged 0–18 through Cruinniú na nÓg 2026. Grants up to €1,000 are available to support workshops, events, and innovative creative activities, with special focus on youth participation, diversity, accessibility, and safeguarding. Applications must include at least one activity on the main event day, June 6, 2026.

Overview of Cruinniú na nÓg

Cruinniú na nÓg is a national day of creativity for children and teenagers, providing hands-on opportunities to explore arts and culture within their communities. The 2026 programme aims to:

• Encourage active youth participation in creative experiences

• Showcase diverse art forms and innovative approaches

• Foster inclusion, accessibility, and engagement for all young people, including those previously with limited access

Eligible Creative Activities

Applicants may propose activities across a wide range of creative disciplines, including but not limited to:

• Visual Arts: clay, pottery, sculpting, photography, street art, murals

• Performing Arts: theatre, costume design, music, dance, circus

• Creative Crafts: sewing, knitting, crochet, design, fashion

• Digital and Media Arts: film, digital arts, coding

• Heritage & Nature: storytelling, architecture, heritage projects, archaeology
  Activities must be youth-centered, engaging, relevant, and feasible to deliver.

Funding Details

• Grants available up to €1,000 per project

• Most awards expected to range between €500–€1,000

• Funding supports the delivery of workshops, events, or creative projects that respond to young people’s interests and feedback

• Special focus on initiatives that expand access to creative experiences

Cruinniú Late – Teen-Focused Events

• Events targeting teenagers, starting no earlier than 5 PM and ending no earlier than 8 PM

• Later running times are welcomed

• Activities can take place before and on June 6, 2026, but must include at least one activity on the main event day

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants: artists, creative groups, or youth organizations

• Activities must be inclusive, safe, and accessible

• Projects must comply with child protection legislation and include safeguarding measures

• Applicants may submit up to three supporting files (documents, images, or links to video/audio materials)

How to Apply

1. Develop a creative project or workshop that aligns with young people’s interests and feedback.

2. Ensure the project meets the programme’s aims, including inclusion, accessibility, and safeguarding.

3. Complete the online application form in full.

4. Attach up to three supporting files showcasing your project.

5. Submit before the deadline to be considered for funding.

6. Include at least one activity on June 6, 2026, the main event day.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete applications

• Proposing activities without youth involvement or relevance

• Ignoring safeguarding and child protection requirements

• Failing to include at least one activity on the main event day

• Submitting more than three supporting files

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply? Artists, creative groups, and youth organizations delivering creative activities for young people aged 0–18 in Roscommon.
2. What is the maximum grant? €1,000, with most awards ranging between €500–€1,000.
3. Can I submit multiple applications? Yes, but each application must be a separate project.
4. What activities are eligible? Any creative activity that engages young people, including arts, crafts, performing arts, digital arts, heritage, and nature projects.
5. What is Cruinniú Late? A teen-focused event running from 5 PM or later, encouraging youth participation in creative projects.
6. Are child protection measures required? Yes, all approved projects must comply with child protection legislation and include safeguarding measures.
7. Can supporting files include videos or images? Yes, applicants may submit up to three files, including documents, images, or online video/audio links.

Conclusion

Cruinniú na nÓg 2026 empowers young people to explore creativity and participate actively in cultural activities. With grant support from Roscommon County Council and Creative Ireland, artists and youth organizations can deliver engaging, inclusive, and innovative projects that inspire and expand access to arts for all children and teenagers in the community.