New €6 Million Arts Capital Investment Fund Announced

The government has announced a new capital funding scheme for the arts sector. Minister for Culture, Communications, and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan TD made the announcement at the Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray, where he was joined by Minister of State Noel Grealish TD.

Applications for the pilot scheme open on Thursday, October 1. It is part of a Programme for Government committment to invest in an initiative to uplift arts and culture facilities.

The scheme will be open to applications for 11 weeks.

The €6 million Arts Capital Investment Fund will assist arts and culture facilities and organisations across the Ireland to buy new equipment and pay for refurbishment works.

The fund will allow organisations and venues to make climate friendly upgrades, advance their health and safety measures, and make their facilities more accesible to a wider range of people.

The programme will also be available for community and volunteer groups for funding to increase participation in arts and culture.

The Minister spoke about the scheme in Bray:

"This €6 million fund is about much more than buildings and equipment - it is about opening doors to creativity and opportunity in communities across Ireland.

"By investing in the places where culture happens, and in the community and voluntary groups that bring it to life, we are helping to ensure that arts can play an important part in people’s lives, regardless of where you live or your background."

Three categories of funding for not-for-profit applicants will be available:

Category 1 – Equipment for arts & culture organisations or multi-use centres providing or developing dedicated arts and culture facilities;

Category 2 – Construction works for arts and culture organisations or multi-use centres providing or developing dedicated arts and culture facilities (this may include equipment if necessary);

Category 3 – Equipment to increase participation in the arts for community/voluntary groups.

More information about the scheme can be found on the Department of Culture, Communications, and Sport's website here.