In 2020, a regional network of Arts Officers in Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford and Waterford together with regional youth arts organisation Waterford Youth Arts was formed. The regional network was formed to focus on the advocacy and development of policy for youth arts in Ireland, together with a celebration of exemplary youth arts practice.

In 2020, the network committed to two actions;

- to collect and research existing provision for youth arts in Ireland (undertaking to jointly resource a research piece);

- to showcase exemplary youth arts practice in Kilkenny, Carlow, Waterford and Wexford by way of a regional showcase, to be hosted by Waterford Youth Arts in the autumn of 2020.

The research piece is to commence in November 2020 and will be conducted by an appointed researcher and completed over 3 months with submission to the regional network of a final report.

The regional partners are committed to further actions in 2021 including submitting to The Arts Council for resources to examine international best practice models.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.