€6m Capital Fund announced for arts and culture sector

Details of a new €6 million Arts Capital Investment Fund for the Arts and Culture sector have been announced by Minister for Culture, Patrick O'Donovan.

The Minister launched the new pilot capital funding scheme at the Mermaid Arts Centre in Bray, and it was confirmed that it will open for applications tomorrow, 1 October.

Speaking at the launch the Minster said that with the fund "we are helping to ensure that arts can play an important part in people's lives, regardless of where you live or your background."

This pilot initiative delivers on a Programme for Government commitment to explore a dedicated capital scheme for arts and culture facilities.

The €6 million Arts Capital Investment Fund will support arts and culture facilities and organisations throughout the country to purchase equipment and undertake refurbishment works including climate action upgrades, health and safety upgrades and works to provide universal access.

This pilot scheme will also support community and voluntary groups with funding for equipment to increase participation in arts and culture.

Three categories of funding for not-for-profit applicants will be available.

The provision of Equipment for arts & culture organisations or multi-use centres providing or developing dedicated arts and culture facilities will be the focus of Category one with grants of up to €100,000 available for Equipment at 95% grant funding rate and 70% for Local Authority owned facilities.

The second category relates to providing funding for construction works for arts and culture organisations or multi-use centres providing or developing dedicated arts and culture facilities, with grants of up to €200,000 available for Construction at 95% grant funding rate and 70% for Local Authority owned facilities.

Applications will be sought from community and voluntary groups to support increased participation in the arts under the terms of category three, with grants of up to €15,000 available for Equipment at 95% grant funding rate.

The scheme will be open for applications for a period of 11 weeks and applicants may apply for one category only.

Minister O'Donovan outlined the details of the fund at the launch adding that the Arts Capital Investment Fund is "a pilot scheme" which he believes will "enhance local cultural facilities, improve access and increase participation in arts and culture within our communities."