€6m capital fund revealed for arts and culture sector

A new €6m Arts Capital Investment Fund for the Arts and Culture sector has been revealed by Minister for Culture Patrick O’Donovan
The Minister launched the pilot capital funding scheme at the Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray
The scheme opens for applications on 1 October and runs for 11 weeks
Three categories of funding for not-for-profit applicants are available
Grants range from €15,000 to €200,000 at 95pc grant funding rate

Details of a new €6m Arts Capital Investment Fund for the Arts and Culture sector have been revealed by Minister for Culture Patrick O’Donovan. The Minister launched the new pilot capital funding scheme at the Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray, and it was confirmed that it will open for applications on 1 October. This pilot initiative delivers on a Programme for Government commitment to explore a dedicated capital scheme for arts and culture facilities.

The €6m Arts Capital Investment Fund supports arts and culture facilities and organisations throughout the country to purchase equipment and undertake refurbishment works including climate action upgrades, health and safety upgrades and works to provide universal access. This pilot scheme also supports community and voluntary groups with funding for equipment to increase participation in arts and culture. Three categories of funding for not-for-profit applicants are available.

The provision of equipment for arts and culture organisations or multi-use centres providing or developing dedicated arts and culture facilities is the focus of Category one with grants of up to €100,000 available for equipment at 95pc grant funding rate and 70pc for Local Authority owned facilities. The second category relates to providing funding for construction works for arts and culture organisations or multi-use centres providing or developing dedicated arts and culture facilities, with grants of up to €200,000 available for construction at 95pc grant funding rate and 70pc for Local Authority owned facilities. Applications are sought from community and voluntary groups to support increased participation in the arts under the terms of category three, with grants of up to €15,000 available for equipment at 95pc grant funding rate. The scheme is open for applications for a period of 11 weeks and applicants may apply for one category only.

Minister O’Donovan shared “We are helping to ensure that arts can play an important part in people’s lives, regardless of where you live or your background.” He also stated the Arts Capital Investment Fund is “a pilot scheme” which he believes will “enhance local cultural facilities, improve access and increase participation in arts and culture within our communities.”