Three Creative Ireland Grant Schemes Announced for Wicklow
Wicklow County Council is inviting applications for three separate Awards in 2026; the Creative Wicklow Grant Scheme, the brand new Creative Wicklow Innovation Award and the ‘Sing in Wicklow’ Awards Scheme.
A total of €15,000 is available for the Creative Wicklow Grant Scheme and €50,000 for the new Creative Wicklow Innovation Award fund; €10,000 for a project in each of the five Municipal Districts. Successful applicants to the ‘Sing in Wicklow’ Awards Scheme will receive up to €1,000.
Now in its fifth year, the well-known Creative Wicklow Grant supports Wicklow County Council's role in delivering the Creative Ireland Programme. It is open to not-for-profit organizations, local community groups, and arts, heritage, biodiversity, and cultural organisations, as well as venues and societies.
The scheme welcomes activities that effectively capture and showcase the richness of County Wicklow’s arts, culture, creativity, heritage, nature, biodiversity and history. Individuals applying for funding must partner with local community, arts, heritage, biodiversity, and cultural groups.
Grants up to €3,000 will be allocated to selected projects that creatively and innovatively communicate and celebrate the aspects of Wicklow’s people and place. Applications will be assessed by members of Wicklow County Council’s Culture Team, which includes representatives from the Heritage, Arts, Libraries, and Archives departments.
The brand-new Creative Wicklow Innovation Award aims to support ambitious and innovative projects which grow the capacity of individuals and communities. We are delighted to launch this new award designed especially for larger, more ambitious projects with significant scope and impact within the five different Municipal Districts.
Applications must be submitted online at Wicklow County Council Submit by the deadline of Thursday 5th February 2026, at 4pm.
The goal of the ‘Sing in Wicklow Award’ is to support choirs across the county in participating in workshops and competitions, fostering inter-choir collaborations, and facilitating performances, peer learning, networking and member recruitment.
Singing plays a crucial role in building self-confidence, promoting self-esteem, and engaging emotions. It is an innate ability that can improve dramatically with a little guidance and practice, regardless of one’s tone. Group singing has numerous well-documented benefits for physical, mental, social, and emotional health and well-being. It allows individuals of all ages and abilities to come together and create something special.
The application period for the ‘Sing in Wicklow’ Award Scheme is now open, with a deadline of 4pm on Thursday, 5th February 2026.
For guidelines and the application process, please visit the Arts page https://www.wicklow.ie/Living/Services/Arts-Heritage-Archives/Arts/Funding-Support-Opportunities. To learn more, get involved, or register a local choir, visit the ‘Sing in Wicklow’ website at https://singinwicklow.ie/
Speaking on the funding opportunities, Cllr. Melanie Corrigan, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council expressed her support stating, “I encourage all Wicklow choirs and singing enthusiasts to get involved in this wonderful initiative. It is a fantastic opportunity to avail of and one we hope will benefit many choirs across the county. ”
Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council added, “I am grateful for the continued support of Creative Ireland, which has enabled the Wicklow County Arts Office to promote and support the innovative projects, creativity and choral music in the county.”
The Creative Ireland Programme is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport. The programme focuses on inspiring and transforming people, places and communities through creativity.
Photo - Picture of one of 2025 Creative Wicklow Grant Scheme projects, titled ‘Upcycled Creations’, created by Baltinglass TidyTowns.