For immediate release
Monday, 15th September 2025
COMMUNITY CREATIVE ACTIVATION FUND WORKSHOP FOR CREATIVE PLACES BALTINGLASS
Two workshops aimed at providing training on how to apply for the new Community Activation Fund for Creative Places Baltinglass will take place on 1st October at Baltinglass Library. The first session will begin at 3pm, followed by a repeat session at 7pm. Both community applicants and artists are welcome to attend and no prior booking is required.
The workshops will be facilitated by Susan Coughlan of Art of Change www.artofchange.ie , with support from staff at Wicklow County Council’s Arts Office. Potential applicants will have the opportunity to ask questions about the application process and network with local project partners. Time will be allocated during the workshop for attendees to connect with each other and exchange ideas.
We encourage community leaders from various sectors, including youth organisations, tidy towns groups, heritage interests, schools, older persons’ organisations, Men’s Shed and other local groups and organisations to participate, as well as a range of artists from Baltinglass and surrounding areas.
The Community Creative Activation Fund was launched earlier this month by Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Melanie Corrigan, Cathaoirleach of Baltinglass Municipal District Cllr. Avril Cronin and Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O’Gorman. The fund for the 2025-2026 period is valued at €20,000.00. Artists and creative practitioners from Baltinglass and beyond can lead applications, or local groups, schools, or organisations may collaborate with artists to submit applications. Only projects that engage the community within the Baltinglass Creative Places area are eligible.
The fund aims to facilitate ongoing engagement between communities and artists, with a requirement for paid creative personnel in all projects. Possible applications may include proposals for residencies, event series, creative public projects and various other types of initiatives. Grants awarded will range from €3,000.00 to €5,000.00 for any single application.
For more details and terms and conditions, please visit https://www.creativeplacesbaltinglass.ie/community-activation-fund
or www.wicklowcountycouncil.ie.
Applications must be made through the online application process only.
Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr. Melanie Corrigan stated “that these workshops make the funding process more accessible and cater to local interests and specific queries to support applicants make their best application”.
Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O’Gorman remarked, “that this is a unique opportunity to meet the Arts Office staff on site in Baltinglass and have an opportunity to network and potentially find a partner organisation with whom to make an application”
Picture 1: Members of Baltinglass Sings, Christmas Concert 2024.
Picture 2: Mural painting in Baltinglass with artist Sinéad Tyler, 2023.
Picture 3: Dagda parade as part of ‘Giant Dreams’ performance on Cruinniú na nÓg 2025. Photo credit: Avril O’Reilly
Picture 4: Eco Art and Craft Workshop with artist Olha Dekhtiarchuk, 2024.
Picture 5: TY students making crafts as part of TY Artist in Residence Programme with Karen Aguiar, Scoil Chonglais, 2025.