€200,000 has been awarded by the Creative Ireland Programme as part of the July stimulus to substantially increase the number of Scéim Sparánachta (Bursary Award) made to Gaeltacht artists to create new work, undertake research, develop their practice and, where possible, undertake residencies.

“I am very grateful to Ealaín na Gaeltachta and Creative Ireland for this artist’s bursary award. It gives me a great personal opportunity to put time aside to script write. As an actor, one often dreams of the opportunity to write one’s own script. I can further this dream as a result of the motivation and support this bursary from Ealaín na Gaeltachta and Creative Ireland has given me.” Dónall Ó Héalai IFTA nominated actor.

For 20 years the Scéim Sparánachta from Ealaín na Gaeltachta, with the support of the Arts Council and Údarás na Gaeltachta, has supported up to 20 artists annually, to invest time in the development of their practice.  The additional funding from the Creative Ireland Programme has meant that 37 more artists will be able to benefit from these bursaries this year.

This means that artists such as musician Manus Lunny can develop a project that pays homage to the writer Edna O’Brien and her relationship with the Donegal Gaeltacht or Cape Clear Island dancer and choreographer Ruairí Ó Donnabháin can work with goldsmith Helle Helsner on a dance piece that considers movement and precious metals.

Commenting on the additional funding Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D., said: “It gives me great pleasure that the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media is able to provide additional support to our wonderful artists working in the Irish language. Their projects are truly inspirational and are a tribute to their unique vision. Our language is a precious jewel and those that are working in it must be cherished and supported.”

Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for the Gaeltacht and Sport, Jack Chambers T.D., also welcomed this initiative as a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to the development of the arts in the Gaeltacht, in line with commitments made in the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030.

Minister Chambers said: “The creative arts is one of the sectors most affected by COVID-19, while the Gaeltacht is the region most disproportionately impacted, so these bursaries are particularly significant and timely. These artists are doing incredible work at the most difficult time. This funding is an investment in the preservation and promotion of the Irish language and Irish culture at a time when the arts is most needed to lift the nation’s spirits.”

For a full list of the recipients of Ealaín na Gaeltachta please go here.