Wicklow County Council Arts Office is pleased to announce that Round Two of the Creative Places Baltinglass Creative Community Activation Fund is now open for applications.
A total of €20,000 is available for projects taking place in 2026–2027, with grants ranging from €2,000 to €5,000. The Fund supports collaborative, socially engaged, place-based creative projects — including residencies, event series, and public realm initiatives — that strengthen connections between artists and community. All projects must take place within the Creative Places Baltinglass area and include paid creative personnel.
Two training sessions on how to apply for this new fund will be held at Baltinglass Library on Wednesday 25th March at 3pm and 6pm. Both community applicants and artists are welcome to attend. To book a space please email creativeplacesbaltinglass@gmail.com
For more details and to review the terms and conditions of the Creative Community Activation Fund Round Two, please visit www.creativeplacesbaltinglass.ie or www.wicklow.ie
Creative Places Baltinglass and Wicklow County Council Arts Office are also delighted to announce the three projects awarded funding under Round One of the scheme.
Echoes from the Hills – A Neolithic Mosaic for Scoil Naomh Íosaf: Liliia Kyrchenko and Mairéad Kelly will lead primary school students in the creation of a large-scale mosaic inspired by Baltinglass Neolithic heritage.
Our Songs – Baltinglass Community Hospital: Soprano Stephanie Behan, engaging with residents to share favourite songs and memories, culminating in a live performance celebrating music and wellbeing.
Moves of Belonging – Slaney Court IPAS Centre: Karen Aguiar of Go Dance for Change, will lead a weekly hip hop and breakdance programme supporting children through creative expression and connection.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Melanie Corrigan said, "The Creative Community Activation Fund is about supporting ambitious, locally rooted ideas that bring people together through creativity. We look forward to seeing further artists and community collaborations in new and meaningful ways across Baltinglass."
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer O’Gorman said, "The calibre of ingenuity and creativity demonstrated in the Round 1 applications for the Creative Community Activation Fund was notable. These awards reflect the energy and commitment of local groups who are actively shaping creative and cultural life in their communities. Round 2 will further support innovative, inclusive and community-led creative activity across Baltinglass and its hinterland.”
Cathaoirleach of Baltinglass Municipal District Cllr. Avril Cronin commented, "The quality and diversity of the Round 1 projects demonstrate the power of community-led creativity. These initiatives reflect the spirit of Creative Places Baltinglass — inclusive, participatory, and rooted in local experience."
Creative Places Baltinglass is a multi-year arts programme led by Wicklow County Council Arts Office that supports collaborative, socially engaged creative projects across the town. Working with artists, community groups, families and young people, the programme builds local arts capacity through residencies, events, artist development initiatives and community partnerships, strengthening Baltinglass as a vibrant hub of creativity for the future.
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Creative Places Baltinglass Funding graphic.