West Cork islands arts project gets cash boost from Arts Council

Cork County Council has welcomed the decision by the Arts Council to continue to provide funding for the Creative Places: West Cork Islands programme for an additional two years.

The initiative, which is a community-centred arts development programme, was established by Cork County Council in 2023 for the seven inhabited islands of Oileán Chléire, Sherkin, Heir, Long, Whiddy, Bere and Dursey.

The additional funding from the Arts Council totalling €170,000 will support the development of Creative Places: West Cork Islands until October 2027.

Emphasis will be placed on embedding the programme across the islands, connecting further with islanders and future planning towards a sustainable programme that positively impacts on the lives of islanders and island visitors.

The aim of the programme is to develop and sustain community-centred cultural activity across the islands by supporting island-based artists, craftspeople, and communities to initiate new projects, support existing projects, and nurture cultural connections between islanders on different islands.

The Mayor of the County of Cork, councillor Mary Linehan Foley said that the allocation of additional funds is “wonderful” for the programme.

“The West Cork Islands are renowned for their culture and creativity, and the programme has brought that to a new level, supporting artistic ambition and community engagement in creativity,” 

said Ms Linehan Foley.

“It is wonderful that Creative Places: West Cork Islands’ three successful years are being acknowledged, and Cork County Council can continue to develop the programme with partners and islanders.” 

Judith Gilbert, who is the chair of the West Cork Islands Community Council said that the announcement of additional funds is “incredible”.

“We are delighted that this programme will continue until late 2027, giving us time and resources to further embed community-centred creativity and cultural projects, events and activities across and between the West Cork Islands.

“We are currently in the middle of our third Summer of the programme, and it is incredible to see the quantity and quality of arts projects flourishing at the moment.” 

For further information, visit: creativeplaceswci.ie.