The SPARK Mini-Grant Scheme provides €300 grants to youth work and non-formal education organisations across Ireland to deliver short arts taster workshops for young people aged 10–25. The scheme promotes creativity, wellbeing, self-expression, collaboration, and inclusion, prioritising projects that engage marginalised groups and young people in decision-making.
Overview of the Scheme
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Supports youth arts taster workshops that encourage creativity, self-expression, and collaboration.
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Targets young people aged 10–25 in youth work or non-formal education settings.
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Aims to spark interest in youth arts practice and foster relationships between young people and local artists.
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Workshops should be short, engaging, and align with the 2026 theme of creativity and wellbeing.
Focus Areas and Priorities
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Youth-centred arts practice and participatory engagement.
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Collaborative relationships between young people and artists.
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Exploration of creativity and wellbeing through arts activities.
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Widening access for young people and artists from minority or marginalised backgrounds.
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Engagement with diverse arts practices.
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Achieving geographical spread across Ireland.
Grant Details
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Grant amount: €300 per workshop.
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Eligible expenditures:
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Artist facilitation fees.
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Workshop materials and supplies.
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Venue rental.
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Travel costs.
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Other expenses directly supporting workshop delivery.
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Purpose: To fund short, engaging youth arts workshops that introduce young people to creative arts practice.
Who Can Apply
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Youth work organisations or organisations working with young people in non-formal education settings.
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Must hold a compliant Child Safeguarding Statement.
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Projects must involve youth arts workshops for participants aged 10–25.
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Activities must align with the objectives and priorities of the SPARK Mini-Grant Scheme.
Selection Criteria
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Young people placed at the centre of planning and decision-making.
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Responsiveness to young people’s needs, interests, and abilities.
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Promotion of inclusion and accessibility in youth arts opportunities.
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Contribution to geographical diversity of youth arts workshops across Ireland.
Why This Grant Matters
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Encourages young people to explore creativity and self-expression through the arts.
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Builds collaborative relationships between artists and youth.
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Promotes wellbeing and positive engagement in youth arts.
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Provides access to arts opportunities for minority or marginalised groups.
Tips for a Strong Application
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Clearly demonstrate how young people are central to workshop planning.
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Show alignment with the 2026 theme of creativity and wellbeing.
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Include a detailed budget showing eligible costs.
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Highlight inclusion strategies and engagement with marginalised groups.
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Emphasise collaborative and participatory elements with local artists.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Who can apply? Youth work or non-formal education organisations with a compliant Child Safeguarding Statement.
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Who can participate in the workshops? Young people aged 10–25.
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How much funding is available? €300 per workshop.
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What costs are eligible? Artist fees, materials, venue, travel, and workshop-related expenses.
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What is prioritised in selection? Projects that centre young people, promote inclusion, respond to needs, and support diverse arts practices.
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Are minority or marginalised groups prioritised? Yes, widening access for these groups is a key priority.
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Do workshops need to align with a theme? Yes, they should explore the 2026 theme of creativity and wellbeing.
Conclusion
The SPARK Mini-Grant Scheme empowers organisations across Ireland to deliver youth arts workshops that foster creativity, collaboration, and self-expression. By centring young people in decision-making, promoting inclusion, and engaging diverse arts practices, the scheme contributes to the wellbeing and artistic development of young people aged 10–25.
For more information, visit National Youth Council of Ireland.
