Groups in Cork Should Apply to New Arts Capital Investment Fund

Community and voluntary groups in Cork can apply for funding to a €6m fund from tomorrow, Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has said.

Deputy O’Shea said the Arts Capital Investment Fund will support 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 is Fine Gael delivering for the arts in Cork. Minister Patrick O’Donovan set out his ambition for a dedicated arts scheme, securing the funding in Budget 2026 and is now delivering,” said Deputy O’Shea

This pilot scheme will also support community and voluntary groups with funding for equipment to increase participation in arts and culture.

• Three categories of funding for not-for-profit applicants will be available:

• • Category 1 – Equipment for arts & culture organisations or multi-use centres providing or developing dedicated arts and culture facilities;

• Category 2 – Construction works for arts and culture organisations or multi-use centres providing or developing dedicated arts and culture facilities (this may include equipment if necessary);

• Category 3 – Equipment to increase participation in the arts for community/voluntary groups.

The scheme will be open for applications for a period of 11 weeks. Applicants may apply for one category only. Full details including eligibility criteria and how to apply will be available on the Department’s website from tomorrow 1 October 2026.

Speaking today, Minister O’Donovan said “This €6 million fund is about much more than buildings and equipment – it is about opening doors to creativity and opportunity in communities across Ireland.

“By investing in the places where culture happens, and in the community and voluntary groups that bring it to life, we are helping to ensure that arts can play an important part in people’s lives, regardless of where you live or your background.

“I have made no secret of my ambition to provide a scheme for arts and culture facilities in line with the Sports Capital Programme. The Arts Capital Investment Fund is a pilot scheme which delivers on the commitment in the Programme for Government. I secured €6m in Budget 2026 for the scheme, which provides capital funding for arts and culture organisations across the country. It will enhance local cultural facilities, improve access and increase participation in arts and culture within our communities.”

Deputy John Paul O’Shea said, “I want to thank Minister O’Donovan and the Fine Gael team in Government for making this happen. Applications open tomorrow and I urge every arts centre and community group in Cork to apply.”

Further Info:

Grants of up to €100,000 will be available for Equipment (Category 1) at 95% grant funding rate and 70% for Local Authority owned facilities.

Grants of up to €200,000 will be available for Construction (Category 2) at 95% grant funding rate and 70% for Local Authority owned facilities.

Grants of up to €15,000 will be available for Equipment (Category 3) at 95% grant funding rate.

Eligibility criteria and full details including guidelines and how to apply will be available on the Department’s website from tomorrow 1 October 2026 until 18 December 2026 at Creative Arts: Grants and Funding.