Mayo arts and community groups encouraged to apply for new €6m Arts Capital Fund
Minister of State Alan Dillon is encouraging all arts, cultural and community organisations across Mayo to apply for funding under the new €6 million Arts Capital Investment Fund.
The new fund opens for applications on October 1 (tomorrow) and will support investment in arts and cultural facilities, including new equipment, refurbishment works, accessibility improvements, health and safety works, and energy and climate upgrades.
Minister Dillon said the scheme could provide significant support to arts and cultural organisations across Mayo, as well as community and voluntary groups seeking to increase participation in the arts. “Mayo has a very strong arts and cultural community, from established arts organisations and venues to local voluntary groups doing fantastic work in our towns and villages. This new fund is a real opportunity to invest in those groups and the facilities they use.
“I would particularly encourage organisations across Mayo to look at the scheme and see where it could support projects they have been hoping to progress, whether that is upgrading a venue, purchasing new equipment, improving accessibility or providing new opportunities for people to participate in the arts.”
The funding available includes Category 1: Up to €100,000 for equipment for arts and culture organisations and eligible multi-use centres; Category 2: Up to €200,000 for construction and refurbishment works for arts and culture organisations and eligible multi-use centres; Category 3: Up to €15,000 for equipment to help community and voluntary groups increase participation in the arts.
Funding of up to 95% of eligible costs will be available, with a 70% rate applying to local authority-owned facilities.
Minister Dillon added: “This is a particularly valuable opportunity for smaller community and voluntary groups in Mayo, with up to 95% funding available. I want to see Mayo organisations putting forward strong applications and securing our share of this new investment. My office is available to anyone involved in an arts group that requires any assistance with their applications.”
The scheme will remain open for 11 weeks, with applicants permitted to apply under one category only. Full eligibility criteria and application details will be available on the Department’s website from October 1 until December 18, 2026.