Creative Communities and Conservation Funding now Available

13/12/2024

Two funding rounds are now open to support creative community projects and the care and conservation of archaeological monuments across Cork.

Firstly, owners and custodians of archaeological monuments in the city are being invited to apply for Community Monuments funding for their structures and buildings.

The funding is prioritised for the care, conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of archaeological monuments. The fund will be administered locally by Cork City Council Archaeologist, Ciara Brett.

Full details of the fund are set out in the handbook at www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/news-room/latest-news/community-monuments-fund-2025-announced.html

The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday January 31 2025 and should be submitted to archaeology@corkcity.ie .

Applications will be assessed by the local authority in advance of being submitted to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Please contact Ciara Brett at archaeology@corkcity.ie to discuss a possible project.

In 2024, Cork City Council received €160,000 for three projects in Cork City. Conservation works were undertaken at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral and conservation management plans and surveys were completed at St Anne’s Church, Shandon and St Peter’s North Main Street.

Separately, the 2025 Creative Communities Grant Scheme, funded by Creative Ireland, has been launched by Cork City Council.

 This exciting initiative aims to empower communities by supporting creative projects that foster artistic expression, strengthen community connections, and create lasting social benefits.

Now in its third year, the 2025 scheme introduces a pilot two-tier funding model designed to better support a range of creative projects:

• Level 1: €1,500 - €3,000, ideal for smaller-scale projects or pilot initiatives.
• Level 2: Up to €6,000, suitable for larger, more ambitious projects with significant scope and impact.

Applications are invited from community groups across Cork City, including schools, youth clubs, neighbourhood groups, and other social, cultural, or environmental communities.

Artists/creative practitioners may also apply, provided they have the active support of a target community group. All eligible projects must demonstrate collaboration between the applicant and artists or creative practitioners and address at least two priorities outlined in the Cork City Culture & Creativity Strategy 2023-2027.

Applications must be submitted online via Cork City Council’s Submit platform at corkcity.submit.com/show/371. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, February 12 2025.

For more information on the Creative Communities Grant Scheme and to register for the webinar, visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/creative-communities-grant-scheme-2025-information-webinar-tickets-1057851485269 or contact Louise Tangney, Creative Communities Engagement Officer, at louise_tangney@corkcity.ie.