Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, has announced a funding allocation of €96,391 for 28 events to support small-scale local festivals in Ireland.

The scheme is designed to assist local cultural events which may not be eligible under funding criteria for larger scale events such as those supported by Fáilte Ireland, the Arts Council and similar bodies.

Closing date for applications was April 23rd, 2021. Funding was allocated following a competitive applications process, with a maximum grant of €5,000 available.

Projects to be funded this year are a mix of online initiatives and 'in real life' events to be delivered to an audience in line with general public health guidance. The intention is to add to the cultural content assisted by the Department and create a cultural space relevant to both local interest and a wider community.

Some of the recipients of the funding include: Ballintogher Traditional Music Festival, Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter, Waterford Film Festival, Shakefest 2021, Allingham Arts Association, Cobh Summer Swing, CreativeSpark CLG, Spilt Milk Festival, Galway Fringe Festival and Ballina Fringe Festival.

“I am very pleased to support the Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools scheme this year, with a mix of face to face and online events," Minister Martin said today of the news. "Culture and arts add hugely to our lives and to our community. These events will provide much needed cultural experiences for both audiences and practitioners."

Scope out the successful applicants via the Department's tweet below:

Today @cathmartingreen announced funding of €96,391 for 28 events supporting Small Local Fests & Summer Schools

D’fhógair @cathmartingreen leithdháileadh maoinithe €96,391 inniu do 28 imeacht chun tacú le Mionfhéilte Áitiúla & Mionscoileanna Samhraidhhttps://t.co/ngcV9ngSKF pic.twitter.com/TXuARggjnj

— Tourism-Culture-Arts-Gaeltacht-Sport-Media (@DeptCulturelRL) June 21, 2021