Cork City Council Announces €544,800 in Arts Funding
Cork City Council has announced a total of €544,800 in funding across its Arts Grants, Arts Project, Artists Bursary and Artist and the Community Schemes.
Confirming the 20% increase in funding to the arts, allocated through the Council’s budget, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy commented: “Cork is a city of culture and this funding ensures that the arts continue to flourish in every corner of our city. These awards support the artists, organisations, and communities who enrich our cultural life and inspire us all.”
Of this investment, €344,800 has been allocated by the Council’s Arts Committee to 72 professional, community, and voluntary arts organisations. These groups deliver high‑quality, wide‑ranging programmes that engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds, while strengthening Cork city’s artistic capacity.
A further €200,000 has been awarded across the Council’s suite of arts funding schemes offered in partnership with the Arts Council. This represents a total of 36 awards across the Project Scheme, Artist and the Community Scheme, and Individual Artists Bursaries. These schemes provide essential support for new artistic work, and the professional development of individual artists working across all disciplines.
As part of this year’s awards, one artist has been granted the inaugural one‑week artists residency at Cowhouse Studios in County Wexford.
Announcing the awards, Cork City Council Arts Office emphasised that sustained investment in the arts is vital to creating the conditions where art and artists thrive - contributing to a vibrant, just and progressive city. The 2026 funding programme reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment to nurturing artistic talent and ensuring that culture remains central to life in Cork.
Arts Funding Recipients 2026
Individual Artist Bursary Award
- David Ryan
- Tom O’Sullivan
- Molly Twomey
- Helen Horgan
- Pádraic Barrett
- Mira Geluk
- Tetiana Milshyna
- Artem Trofimenko
- Róisín Leggett Bohan
- Sarah Jayne Booth
- Lara Quinn
- Rebecca Griffin
- Fionn Timmins
- Eoghan O’Kelly
- Alan Comerford
- Lily O’Shea
- Niamh Barry
- Joan Hickson
- Kate McElroy
Artist and the Community Award
- Alice Bellamy and Aoife King with the Inclusive Music Ensemble and Stimphony Cast (Members of Suisha Inclusive Arts)
- Amanda Coogan with the Cork Deaf Community Choir
- Headway
- Chriszine Backhouse with Cork Migrant Centre
Cow House Studios Residency Recipient
- Róisín O’Sullivan
Arts Project Scheme
- Fiona Lawton
- Noeline Kavanagh
- The Kabin Studio
- Elinor O’Donovan
- Trasna na Dtonnta
- Cork Community Music Collective
- ThunderBelle Productions
- Gabriela Mayer
- Fearghus Ó Conchúir with Cork Midsummer Festival
- Deirdre O’Mahony
- Promenade Arts with Candy Warhol
- Colm Scully
- Helga Deasy
Guide to Planning for Outdoor Arts Events Launched through Local Authority Arts Office Collaboration
The Planning for Outdoor Performance (POP) partnership initiative has successfully concluded with the release of a comprehensive guide designed to support the creation of outdoor arts events in public spaces. This initiative, a partnership between five Local Authority Arts Offices, including Cork City Council, was funded by the Arts Council’s Invitation to Collaboration scheme with additional support from the Local Authorities.
POP aimed to empower more groups to confidently create art in public spaces by providing essential information and tools. The initiative brought together Local Authorities through a comprehensive training programme and a series of pilot outdoor arts events in new public spaces. The culmination of this effort is a detailed guide, marking the final phase of the initiative.
This guide serves as a valuable resource for artists and communities, offering insights and practical advice on planning and executing outdoor performances. It includes sections on:
- Introduction and Context: Background information and the purpose of the guide.
- Developing a Vision: How to conceptualize and plan your outdoor arts event.
- Logistics: Practical steps for organizing and managing the event.
- Finance and Funding: Guidance on budgeting and securing financial support.
- Working with Artists and Partners: Tips for collaboration and partnership.
- Audience Development: Strategies for attracting and engaging audiences.
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Ensuring your event is accessible and inclusive.
- Evaluation and Reporting: Methods for assessing the success of your event.
The partners involved in this initiative include the Arts Offices of Roscommon County Council (lead partner), Cork City Council, Kerry County Council, Laois County Council, Tipperary County Council; Irish Street Arts, Circus & Spectacle Network (ISACS); Performing Arts Forum (formerly Theatre Forum); Poetry Ireland; and Music Network. Development management services were provided by Promenade.
To access the guide, please visit Resources
Cork Launch of the SocialPracticeToolkit.com
Celebrating the Cork city launch of SocialPracticeToolkit.com by Cork Arts and Leitrim Arts Office supported by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and CreativeIrl are Michael McLoughlin, (Artist), Siobhán Clancy (Assistant Arts Officer at Cork City Council), Niall Cleary (Artist), Lord Mayor Dan Boyle and Deirdre O'Mahony (Artist). Photo by Clare Keogh 2025
Cork City and Leitrim County Arts Offices are delighted to launch www.SocialPracticeToolkit.com in Cork, a groundbreaking resource for socially engaged arts practitioners and communities. This toolkit serves as a comprehensive guide and support platform for artists, cultural workers, and community organizers dedicated to fostering social change and equity through creative practice. It was first presented nationally at the "Socially Engaged Practice: Building Equity in a Divided World" Conference and Networking Event held with Create (National Development Agency for Collaborative Arts) at The Dock, Carrick on Shannon in November 2024.
SocialPracticeToolkit.com was conceived to support practitioners as they navigate the complexities of social practice, offering tools, frameworks, and resources tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities within this field. The platform is designed to help bridge gaps, facilitate collaborative partnerships, and support creative and engaged arts projects that aim to make a meaningful impact in communities across Ireland and beyond.
Commenting on the importance of the toolkit at a local launch in Cork city, Lord Mayor Dan Boyle said
“Socially engaged practice has never been more important, especially in a world increasingly marked by social division. This toolkit is designed not only to support artists and cultural workers but also to empower communities to share their stories and make connect creatively.”
The launch event, was preceded by a workshop facilitated by Siobhán Clancy, Assistant Arts Officer – Community Arts. Participants were introduced to the toolkit and explored how they could integrate it into their projects through group activities.
Cork City Arts Officer Michelle Carew highlighted
"With the launch of SocialPracticeToolkit.com, we are providing a resource that promotes inclusive and equitable approaches to artistic collaborative engagement. It will appeal to those new to community and socially engaged arts as well as those with more experience. It will be very relevant to those interested in the Creative Communities Funding Scheme and Artist and the Community Awards supported by Cork City Council."
SocialPracticeToolkit.com features a variety of resources, including case studies, best practice guides, and tools for sustainable project development and management. The platform is also intended to grow and evolve with input from practitioners and community leaders, making it a living resource that reflects the dynamism of socially engaged practice.
Leitrim Arts Officer Philip Delamere explained
" SocialPracticeToolkit.com is the result of several years creative and critical collaboration between our arts offices in consultation with arts organisations and practitioners. It’s essential for practitioners to have access to information on best practice, especially when working in underserved or underrepresented communities. This toolkit is a significant step towards building a more inclusive arts sector, where creative voices from a diversity of identities and backgrounds can thrive and make a difference.”
More About SocialPracticeToolkit.com
SocialPracticeToolkit.com is a newly launched online platform aimed at supporting practitioners of socially engaged arts. Funded by the Arts Council of Ireland and Creative Ireland, it provides resources to foster creative engagement within communities and promote positive social change through the arts.
For more information, visit www.socialpracticetoolkit.com or contact:
Siobhán Clancy, Assistant Arts Officer, Cork City Council Arts Office, Anglesea St, Cork. T12 T997. Email siobhan_clancy@corkcity.ie or telephone 021 4924000
Philip Delamere, Arts Officer, Leitrim County Council Arts Office, own Hall, Bridge St, Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim, N41 K2V4. Email pdelamere@leitrimcoco.ie or telephone 071 962 1694
Cork City Council Arts Office Announces Recipient of Pilot Visibility Bursary
Tom O'Sullivan, Cork City Council Visibility Bursary Awardee
Artist Tom O'Sullivan, a painter based in Crawford Supported Studios, has been awarded the Cork City Council Visibility Bursary Pilot Award, supported also by the Arts Council of Ireland.
The Visibility Bursary was piloted in 2024 to promote equity, diversity and inclusion in the arts sector. A number of city-based arts organisations were invited to participate in this pilot by advocating for artists who submitted proposals for consideration for this award. The bursary allocation followed an assessment of a very high standard of applications by a panel facilitated by Cork City Council.
Tom’s award highlights his contribution to contemporary art, particularly his compelling approach to painting, which has earned him recognition for its unique voice and creative depth. Tom will be mentored by artist Róisín O'Sullivan. Through this opportunity, Tom will elevate his artistic practice and broaden his professional opportunities.
Tom stated that he is 'delighted' to have been awarded the Visibility Bursary. Tom and his family wish to thank Crawford Supported Studios for their work in advocating for its studio members.
Tom O'Sullivan’s artistic journey has been one of dedication and growth, and this award represents a positive milestone in his career. His involvement in Crawford Supported Studios has been instrumental in nurturing his talent, providing him with a collaborative and supportive environment to experiment and innovate. Crawford Supported Studios provides safe studio space, art materials, equipment, two long-term studio facilitators, assistance with transport and communications, access to exhibitions, audiences, peers, and support in terms of professional training and development. The initiative is anchored by a long-term partnership between @MTUCrawford and Crawford Art Gallery, with ongoing support from Cork City Council.
The Visibility Bursary allows Tom to take the next step in his artistic evolution and reach a broader audience. According to Crawford Supported Studios which provides safe studio space, art materials, equipment, two long-term studio facilitators, assistance with transport and communications, access to exhibitions, audiences, peers, and support in terms of professional training and development, “Tom has developed a process of making through dedicated ‘doing’ over years within the supported studio. The Visibility Bursary provides meaningful support by funding access and mentoring with Artist Róisín O’Sullivan. Assisting Tom in developing new skills, meeting artist peers, travel, accessing materials and tools, and developing new artwork. Tom is a gentle and self-effacing presence within Crawford Supported Studios and we are truly delighted that he has achieved this recognition for his work.”
Cork City Council Arts Officer Michelle Carew commented “This pilot comes at an exciting time for Tom, as he continues to explore and refine his distinctive artistic style. His work, characterized by dynamic composition and bold colour palettes, explores themes of identity, memory, and place. With the support of this award, Tom aims to develop new directions in his painting technique, further strengthening his practice and visibility in the wider arts community.”
The outcomes from the pilot will be assessed by Cork City Council Arts Office and learning will be implemented in approaches to funding in future years that will support equity, diversity and inclusion.
For more information about Crawford Supported Studios, go to https://crawfordsupportedstudios.com/
Tom O'Sullivan at work in his studio at Crawford Supported Studios
Cork City Council Arts Strategy - Publication of the First Interim Implementation Report
The five-year Cork City Council Arts and Culture Strategy sets out our mission to “enable and champion the artistic and cultural ambitions of Cork city and its people through investment, advocacy, connection and animation” and outlines the goals, objectives and target outcomes that will guide our work for the period of the plan.
The first interim implementation report outlines the progress made to date towards the achievement of the plan’s objectives. Across each of the strategic priorities, actions undertaken in the two years since June 2022 are detailed, grouped under the relevant target outcome.
Partnership is the principal enabler of the body of work achieved to date, and indeed the work that remains to be done over the coming years. We acknowledge the contribution of all the collaborators working with us to put arts and culture at the centre of a vibrant, just and progressive city – artists, arts organisations, communities, other sections within Cork City Council, national agencies, and Government.
We look forward to advancing on our ambitions for the arts and culture in Cork city as we build on the body of work outlined in this report in the next three years.
Cork City Council Arts Office invites expressions of interest for the delivery of Engaged Research Services for Creative Places Knocknaheeny Research and Development Strand
The image displayed is a montage of creative activities that have taken place in Knocknaheeny in recent years. From a mural designed with creche goers to performances by children and young people to creative workshops with older participants, the range of ages and artforms represents a vibrant, multicultural and creative commuity. While text over the imags bears the title Creative places Knocknaheeny.
We are excited to announce an upcoming opportunity with the Creative Places Knocknaheeny partnership in Cork city
About
Cork City Council invites expressions of interest from experienced individuals for the provision of Engaged Research Services for Creative Places Knocknaheeny Research and Development Strand. Creative Places Knocknaheeny is funded by the Arts Council of Ireland and supported by a partnership of local organisations. Together, we wish to respond to the demand for more local arts and creativity in the community as expressed in a review of the Knocknaheeny Social Economic and Environmental (SEEP) Plan.
Engaged Research Services are required to facilitate an R&D process between October ‘24 and December ‘25. This brief depends upon a broad range of hands on, creative, organisational, analytical and interpersonal skills. Foremost of these is the ability to ‘meet people where they are at and at a time that suits them’. With that in mind, expressions of interest are invited from one individual or a partnership/team of individuals working together to provide the services required for the budget available. The brief may appeal to creative and cultural producers/researchers/consultants or other practitioners with arts-based group facilitation experience that can be applied in the delivery of Engaged Research Services.
The objectives for Creative Places Knocknaheeny R&D are outlined in detail together with budgetary and scheduling information in the Engaged Research Services Brief. The deadline for responses to the brief is 4pm on Monday 9th September 2024. Shortlisted applicants may be required to attend an interview in late September 2024.
How to apply
Please express your interest to siobhan_clancy@corkcity.ie via email by 4pm on Thursday 22nd August 2024 if you wish to be included in an opportunity to quote for the services required.
A copy of the brief and an overview of the application process including instructions for submitting a quotation by the September deadline will be sent on a rolling basis to everyone that sends an expression of interest email with the title ‘Creative Services Knocknaheeny’ in the subject line.
Newsletter
With Spring just around the corner, its a good time to pursue new opportunities. Currently the Arts Office is accepting applications to the Creative Communities Grant Scheme, and we are teaming up with Performing Arts Forum to offer bursaries to attend this year's Gathering, see arts news and opportunities from Cork City Council for more information. Also provided is a summary of professional opportunities available from the wider sector. Read to the bottom for a range of national, international and local grants and funding . Assessment of applications to the 2026 arts funding schemes, which closed in November, has been ongoing throughout January and applicants can expect decisions no later than mid-February.
Happy reading...
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