Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD announced the Government's decision to extend the Creative Ireland Programme until 2027.

The five-year programme crosses people, creativity and wellbeing.

Founded in 2017, the all-of-government initiative strives to "inspire and transform people, places and communities through creativity."

"We are committed to the vision that every person in Ireland should have the opportunity to realise their full creative potential," the press release reads.

The founding vision of the programme is that creativity should be at the centre of public policy and the inclusion of cultural and creative events contribute to the overall wellbeing of the country.

"Creative Ireland collaborates across government and with arts, community and voluntary organisations to deploy creativity as a strategy for wellbeing, social cohesion and economic success."

During it's stint, the programme has established a Creative Youth initiative that sought to provide practical access to tuition and participation in art, and a Creative Communities initiative that established a partnership with 31 local authorities, enabling community-led nationwide engagement.

Minister Martin said of the programme: "I warmly welcome the Government’s decision to implement the all-of-government Creative Ireland Programme for another five years, and to work with me in the coming months to develop its framework. This programme has been innovative and effective in delivering the opportunity for people to explore their creative potential.

"Key initiatives such as Cruinniú na nÓg and Creative Schools have become embedded in the country’s cultural infrastructure. New projects that respond to contemporary social issues such as climate action and loneliness have emerged. With the support of my Cabinet colleagues, I look forward to developing a Creative Ireland Programme that will continue to enhance people’s lives in the coming years.”

Per the Government's decision in principle, the Creative Ireland Programme will continue for another five years and will focus on the following areas: Creative Youth, Creative Communities, Creative Industries, Creative Health and Wellbeing and Creative Climate Action and Sustainability.

It is anticipated that a final framework of Creative Ireland Programme 2023-2027 will be brought back the government for it's final agreement in autumn of 2022 prior to its publication, launch and implementation on an all-of-government basis.

“The Creative Ireland Programme is the only programme of its kind in the world”

The Creative Ireland Programme will be extended to 2027! We look forward to many more years of ensuring everyone in Ireland can realise their creative potential.https://t.co/mAJK586Pkn pic.twitter.com/gaeOoP5ep3

— Creative Ireland (@creativeirl) February 8, 2022