Cork craftspeople and artists encouraged to apply for Creative Startup Scheme

Sun, 11 Feb, 2024 - 09:45

Echo reporter

CORK County Council has opened applications for the Creative Startup Scheme 2024.

The scheme supports artists, designers, and craftspeople to establish retail spaces.

The Mayor of County Cork Frank O’Flynn said the fund will be a boost for the successful applicant projects and will help to stimulate creative activity throughout the county.

“Over the past four years, the scheme has supported the establishment of several creative retail spaces, including Blackwater Valley Makers in Fermoy, Owenabue Arts Collective in Carrigaline, Le Chéile Arts in Dunmanway, and Orla O Visual in Mallow,” said Mr O’Flynn.

“Creative businesses have the potential to breathe new life into our towns and villages, to establish them as destinations, and set them apart with individuality — and this scheme makes it financially viable for aspiring creative entrepreneurs to start up.”

Speaking about the impact this scheme has had on her business and the wider community, Orla O’Regan, of Orla O Visual in Mallow, said that it had made creative business more viable.

She said: “Local people are just delighted with the space as a means to buy locally-made creative products, and to engage with workshops which are held here. Since receiving the grant, there were several sold-out workshops held in the studio.”

The scheme is funded by Creative Ireland.

Cork County Council will accept proposals for temporary or seasonal pop-up shops in vacant retail units.

The scheme may also support proposals from small retailers who wish to expand the number of artists or makers they show, or extend the space they occupy.

The maximum amount that may be awarded for any one project will be €3,000.

An information session will be held online on Thursday, February 15, at 1pm. To register, email creative.ireland@corkcoco.ie.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on March 15.

Cork County Council’s Arts and Library Service is also seeking creative facilitators and musicians to work with them over the next two years, as part of a panel of experienced, skilled facilitators. Applications are open up to 5pm on March 15.