Five projects in Galway have been awarded funding from a €293,252 scheme announced by Minister Patrick O’Donovan this week.
The funding is part of the Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools programme taking place around Ireland in 2025.
Five festival projects in Galway have been awarded funding in total for events encouraging local music and arts, along with heritage and sustainable living.
In Athenry €5,000 has been awarded to the Athenry Arts & Heritage Company for a festival that aims to:
“Foster cultural activity by offering a platform for diverse artistic expressions, including music, drama, and visual arts.
By organising participatory events, the festival actively engages the community, encouraging arts practitioners to demonstrate creativity and connect with a diverse audience.”
The Centre for Environmental Living has also been awarded €5,000 for a festival that:
“Celebrates creativity, sustainability, and cultural heritage through hands-on workshops, storytelling, poetry and performances.
Showcasing eco-friendly practices and traditional crafts, the festival fosters artistic expression while promoting sustainable living.”
Another €5,000 has been awarded to Comharchumann Shailearna Teoranta for a festival in the Connemara Gaeltacht:
“Féile lán-Ghaeilge drámaíochta, litríochta agus ceoil í Scoil Gheimhridh Joe Steve a dhéanann ceiliúradh ar shaothar agus ar shaol Joe Steve Ó Neachtain- drámadóir, file, aisteoir, gníomhaí pobail agus duine de mhór-scríbhneoirí na Gaeilge.”
Féile Cheoil Larry Reynolds has received €5,000 for a 4 day family-friendly festival:
“Showcasing the historic East Galway Style and Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. Through immersive workshops in traditional music, song, dance, language, along with music sessions, lectures, céilís, CD launches, competitions in Irish Language, Fiddle and Busking, Concerts and a traditional crafters’ village, the festival fosters cultural engagement and artistic expression.”
Lastly, Resurgam Choir CLG has been awarded €4,900 to put on a music festival in Galway City.
“This festival will bring a diverse array of concerts, immersive musical journeys and a
multitude of local and international artists to St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church in Galway in advance of Galway Early Music Festival’s 30th anniversary next year.
The project is designed to reach a wide audience at multiple events across 3 days, delivered by 88 artists.”
Minister O’Donovan said, “Culture and the arts bring so much richness to our lives. They connect us to one another, remind us of our shared stories and traditions, and celebrate the beauty of coming together as a community.”
“Through the work of my Department, we’re proud to support local festivals and summer schools across Ireland, spaces where people from all walks of life can gather, share experiences, and build lasting connections.”
“From music and storytelling to costumes and folklore, these projects offer a colourful glimpse into our heritage and help shape Ireland’s cultural tourism in a truly meaningful way.”
“The creativity and care that go into each performance and programme are a testament to the passion of those working behind the scenes.
“To everyone involved, organisers, volunteers, artists; I want to say thank you. Your dedication makes these events possible, and I hope people across the country will take the time to enjoy the incredible array of programmes on offer this summer.”
