Applications are now open for Kilkenny’s Creative Ireland Grant Scheme 2026. Kilkenny County Council Creative Team, is inviting artists, creators, and community groups to apply for the Creative Ireland Grant Scheme 2026. This initiative is designed to spark imagination, support cultural projects, and celebrate creativity across Kilkenny—aligned with our Culture and Creativity Strategy 2023–2027.

Don’t miss your chance to make an impact and share your vision within your community. Need ideas. Check out the Creative Ireland website for programmes happening across the country.  Think creatively engagement, performances, outdoor events, visual arts, music, dance, drama, and more—with sustainability at the heart of your project.

Culture and Creativity Strategy for Kilkenny for guidance

We are particularly interested in projects that promote/include our Irish language or enhance climate literacy and promote active engagement in climate action through creativity. For guidance on how you can be climate and eco conscious check out resources on the VAI Website:

Additional links:

• Sustainable Art Practices: Tips on Sourcing Materials
• Sustainable Art Practices: Some Thoughts for Visual Artists
• Sustainable Art Practices: Detailed Actions

The grant is available to local and community groups, individuals, artistic and creative practitioners, event organisers, and those involved in creative, cultural, and heritage activities. Supported by the National Creative Ireland programme, preference will be given to projects that promote health, wellbeing, heritage, biodiversity, or creative climate action.

About the Creative Ireland Programme

Launched in 2017 following the Ireland 2016 initiative, the Creative Ireland Programme is a culture-based initiative designed to foster cultural participation and wellbeing. The Kilkenny Creative Ireland grant scheme supports local and community groups, individuals, artistic and creative practitioners, and event organisers in their efforts to enhance cultural participation and wellbeing in Kilkenny.

https://www.creativeireland.gov.ie/en/creative-communities/

Application Details

Link to apply:Creative Ireland Application Form 2026

Creative Ireland Grant 2026 Application Form (Irish Language Version)

One application per group/artist or organisation. Grant Amount available per group: €1,000 to €5,000.

Eligible Costs: Workshop fees, materials, transport, rental costs, photographer, PR, project management.

Ineligible Costs: Publications, alcohol, fines, legal costs, audit fees, financial consultancy fees, items for resale, equipment, accommodation, projects not related to Kilkenny’s culture or the Creative Ireland Programme.

Creative-Ireland-information-and-guidelines-2027.docx (size 1 MB)

Closing Date: 4pm, Friday 13th February 2026

Project Completion Date: Friday, 10th October 2026

For queries and application forms, contact the Community and Culture Section, Kilkenny County Council at creativeireland@kilkennycoco.ie.

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