Galway Community Circus has been awarded €39,970 in funding through the Arts Council’s Early Learning and Childcare scheme.
The scheme provides opportunities for babies and young children to explore and enjoy the arts with the support of artists, early years educators, school-age practitioners, families and carers. This will mark the fourth iteration of the scheme, which began with a pilot programme in 2023.
Individual awards of up to €40,000 have been made available to nine artists and arts organisations, supporting a range of innovative and high-quality projects to be delivered in early-learning and childcare settings across the country over the coming year.
A total of €275,849 in funds has been awarded for the 2026 scheme in partnership with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.
The scheme places a strong emphasis on collaboration between artists, early-years educators, school-age practitioners, families and carers, supporting the development of skills, confidence and capacity across both the arts and early learning and childcare sectors.
Announcing the successful awards, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley said, “I am delighted to announce the successful recipients of the 2026 Arts in Early Learning and Childcare Scheme.”
“Through this scheme, we are strengthening the connections between the arts and early learning and childcare sectors, while supporting babies, toddlers and young children to benefit from rich and inclusive creative opportunities.”
“This is a key example of how policy and practice can come together to enhance children’s early experiences. I congratulate all of the successful recipients and thank the Arts Council and all partners involved for their continued work in delivering this important initiative.”
Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan said, “I would like to congratulate the successful applicants of the 2026 Arts in Early Learning and Childcare Scheme.”
“I also offer my thanks to Minister Norma Foley and her department for their partnership on this project. The arts are an important part of everyday life, and cross-departmental collaboration is vital in securing access for those of all ages.”
Arts Council Chair Maura McGrath commented, “Since its inception in 2023, the Arts in Early Learning and Childcare Scheme has delivered exceptional arts engagement projects to babies and young children across Ireland in a wide range of settings.”
“Its success demonstrates the importance of access to art for everyone, including the youngest in our society.”
