Minister O’Donovan announces schemes for Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools

The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD today announced a series of grant schemes in support of the Department’s strategic objective to increase access to the arts and National Collections.

The Small-Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Scheme is designed to assist local cultural events which may not be eligible under funding criteria for larger scale events such as those supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and similar bodies. Closing date for applications is April 2nd, 2026. Funding is allocated following a competitive application process, with a maximum grant of €5,000 available.

Further information can be found at

Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Funding Scheme

The Co-operation with Northern Ireland Scheme is designed to support cultural projects with significant cross-border elements. Small self-contained projects funded under the scheme seek to enhance, celebrate or commemorate the artistic, cultural, musical, film or heritage of the Island of Ireland on a North/South basis, with a maximum grant of €15,000 available.

Further information can be found at

Co-operation with Northern Ireland Scheme

The Mobility of Collections Scheme is to support greater regional and local access to material held in the National Collections. The scheme is designed to fund the transport, cost of insurance, and exhibiting costs for pieces from the National Collections to appropriate institutions around the country.

Further information can be found at

Mobility of Collections Scheme

Projects funded under the Regional Museum Exhibitions Scheme seek capital funds to enhance the cultural offering of museums, to encourage greater access to museums and to promote the use of museums as tourism resources in their locality or region.

Further information can be found at

Regional Museum Exhibition Scheme

Speaking today Minister O’Donovan said:

I am delighted to announce the launch of these four schemes in 2026 which play a vital role in supporting our culture and the arts, enriching our daily lives and strengthening our communities.

These initiatives make a significant contribution to the growth and promotion of Ireland's cultural tourism offering. They benefit both domestic and international visitors by producing opportunities for cultural exchange while also helping to protect and celebrate our shared cultural heritage.

I would like to wish all applicants every success with their submissions, and following a competitive assessment process, the successful applicants will be announced on gov.ie

-ENDS-