NO REPRO FEE
Costumers browsing the local crafts available to buy at the official opening of the Mór Artist Collective pop-up shop in Youghal in November 2025. This pop-up shop was funding by the Creative Start-up Scheme.
Photo credit Cathal Noonan
NO REPRO FEE
Members of Youghal Chamber of Commerce Kay Curtin (left) and Sandra McLellan (right) with Jessica Bonenfant (Centre) Artistic Director of Greywood Arts Centre, at the official opening of the Mór Artist Collective pop-up shop in Youghal in November 2025. This pop-up shop was funding by the Creative Start-up Scheme.
Photo credit Cathal Noonan
Successful projects can receive up to €5,000, along with business supports and mentoring from the Local Enterprise Office
Cork County Council is inviting applications for the Creative Start-Up Scheme 2026, which supports artists, designers and craftspeople to set up creative retail spaces across the county. The scheme is part of the Council’s ongoing work to bring new life and creativity into town and village centres.
Announcing the 2026 scheme, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, said, “The Creative Start-Up Scheme has already helped artists turn ideas into thriving, visible spaces in our towns. In Bantry, Core Creative has become a lively community hub, providing affordable workspaces, retail opportunities and events for local creatives. In Youghal, the MÓR Artist Collective pop-up shop brought together the work of over 30 artists from East Cork and West Waterford, offering a vibrant showcase of locally made art and crafts in the heart of the town in the lead-up to Christmas. These projects show how creative enterprise can strengthen local economies while giving artists a platform to connect directly with the public.”
The scheme is funded by Creative Ireland, the national programme that connects people, creativity, and wellbeing, and supports cultural activity across communities.
The 2026 Creative Start-Up Scheme is open to proposals for:
- Temporary or seasonal pop-up shops in vacant retail spaces
- Small retailers wishing to grow their space or include more artists and makers in their offering
Successful projects can receive up to €5,000, along with business supports and mentoring from the Local Enterprise Office. Applications will be assessed through a competitive process.
An online information session will take place on Wednesday, 13th May at 1.00pm. To register, email creativeireland@corkcoco.ie.
The deadline for applications is Friday, 5th June at 5.00pm. To apply, visit corkcoco.ie and for further information, contact creativeireland@corkcoco.ie.
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