Wicklow Arts Office is delighted to invite local artists, creatives, and art professionals to a special Artist Funding Clinic and Christmas Gathering taking place in Baltinglass Library on Wednesday, 10th December at 2pm.

This free event offers artists the opportunity to meet with the Wicklow Arts Office team for guidance on upcoming funding opportunities, application tips, and supports available in 2026. Whether you are an emerging artist seeking your first grant or an established practitioner planning new work, the clinic is designed to help you navigate the funding landscape with confidence.

Alongside the clinic, attendees are warmly welcomed to join us for a festive Christmas Gathering — a chance to connect with fellow artists, share ideas, and celebrate the creative achievements of the year in a relaxed, informal setting. This event forms part of Wicklow Arts Office and Creative Places Baltinglass’s ongoing commitment to supporting artists across the county and fostering a connected, vibrant creative community.

For more information or to register to attend on Wednesday 10th December, please contact the Creative Places Coordinator at creativeplacesbaltinglass@gmail.com

Baltinglass Sings are back to present another evening of enchanting evening of music at their annual Christmas Concert on Friday, 12th December, in St. Joseph’s Church, Baltinglass, with doors opening at 7.20pm. Baltinglass Sings is a community choir with over 50 local participants. The choir members, conductor Leire Lozano, accompanying musician Halyna Fler Obshta and special guests, invite everyone to join them for an entertaining evening filled with traditional carols, seasonal classics, and contemporary favourites. This event is suitable for all ages. For more information visit the Creative Places Baltinglass website.

Creative Places Baltinglass is a community-led five-year project that celebrates people and culture of Baltinglass. It is managed by Wicklow County Arts Office and funded by the Arts Council as part of the national Creative Places programme.

Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Melanie Corrigan said, “Supporting artists at every stage of their careers is a key priority for Wicklow County Council. The Artist Funding Clinic and Christmas Gathering reflect our commitment to ensuring that creativity continues to thrive in every corner of the county.”

Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman said, “Baltinglass Sings has become a wonderful highlight of the Christmas season. It brings people together, showcases exceptional local talent, and fills the community with joy. We are delighted to support this celebration of music and community.”

To find out more about Creative Places Baltinglass visit the website:

https://www.creativeplacesbaltinglass.ie/

IMAGES

Photo 1: Melissa Cashen, Marcella McDonogh, Noeleen O’Toole, Suzanne Hendy performing at Baltinglass Sings.

Photo 2: Angus McDonogh, Brendan O’Donnell, Ger Foley performing at Baltinglass Sings.

Photo 3: Noeleen O'Toole, Suzanne Hendy with Vinny Gethings performing at Baltinglass Sings.